The Detroit Lions are the best team in the NFL right now. Detroit’s high-powered offense continues to smash NFL records, while the defense defies expectations by thwarting the league’s toughest opponents. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has done a masterful job of reconfiguring his lineup each week despite an onslaught of injuries. The Lions’ offense and defense have been so outstanding this year that the incredible performance of the Lions’ special teams unit has almost gone unnoticed.
This Detroit Lions Team Is Truly Special
The Lions’ special teams unit has been outstanding this season, converting spectacular clutch game-winning field goals, pinning opponents deep in their territory on punts, and giving the offense the advantage of great field possession on kick returns. Detroit’s special teams unit has also been responsible for adding to the Lions scoring bonanza this season. The group has accounted for 16 field goals, an NFL-best 42 extra points, and a kick returned for a touchdown. In addition, the unit is responsible for some of the best punting the league has seen this year. In addition to their scoring contribution, they’ve prevented opponents from blocking any field goals or punts.
Special Teams Coordinator Dave Fipp
Good coaches develop their player’s skills. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp has done an exemplary job of coaching and bringing his talented athletes to a new level. Originally from San Diego California, Fipp has over 20 years of coaching experience. He was previously the special teams coordinator for the Eagles and is in his fourth year with the Lions. According to Lions head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions’ special teams is their most consistent unit. “I think Fipp is a superstar. I just think he’s an outstanding teacher and he’s high energy and I think you have to be both to be a good special teams coach.”
A Rookie Kicker With Brute Strength and Mental Toughness
The Lions’ rookie kicker Jake Bates has put the NFL on notice that in addition to his powerful leg strength, he can deliver crucial kicks under the most high-pressure scenarios. Bates has a perfect 100% rating converting 16 of 16 field goals with his longest kick a clutch 58-yarder. He has a total of five kicks over 50 yards this season.
It’s worth noting that Bates is the only kicker in the NFL to have a perfect field goal record this season. By comparison, the Washington Commanders lead the NFL with the most field goals attempted but Austin Seibert’s 27 of 30 attempts translates to a lower 85.7% rating. Seibert’s longest kick was 55 yards and he has only one other 50-yard kick.
In an ironic twist of fate, before his UFL debut with the Michigan Panthers last season, Bates was an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans. Brought in during training camp to compete against their kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn, Bates was let go after two weeks.
But Houston’s dismissal led Bates to sign with the UFL. In his first game for the Panthers, he became an overnight sensation when he nailed a 64-yard field goal that smashed the record books as the second-longest in professional football history.
The next time Bates and Fairbairn would meet was week 10 when the Lions played the Texans. In the Lions’ ugly comeback victory over the Texans, Bates converted two kicks over 50 yards. After Bates scored the 58-yarder, Fairbairn had an opportunity for a 59-yard field goal but the kick went wide to the left and missed. Perhaps this was a bit of karma.
Although Fairbairn has the most 50-yard field goals this season with 12, his conversion rate is 82.4%. While Fairbairn and Seibert may have kicked more field goals, Bates has successfully converted every opportunity.
The Best Punter In the NFL
Punters don’t get much attention in the NFL but the Lions’ Jack Fox is undeniably the best punter in the league. In his fourth season with the Lions, ‘the fantastic Mr. Fox’ is having the best year of his career. However, when you have an offense that can score on six or seven consecutive possessions, there isn’t much of a demand for punting. The Lions didn’t punt once during the Lions’ 52-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. But Fox makes the most of every opportunity he’s given. To date, he has punted 35 times averaging over 51 yards, and his longest punt was a booming 68-yarder.
Before joining the Lions in 2020, Fox played briefly with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. Under the skillful coaching of Fipp, Fox has developed into an outstanding Pro Bowl-caliber talent. He also has a great passer rating for a punter, completing four out of five fake punts for 61 yards. In week two against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Fox lofted a stunning 17-yard-pass to Sione Vaki giving the Lions’ offense another opportunity to score.
