The Detroit Lions tragically concluded their remarkable season. However, it’s moment to focus on the future. In the upcoming two weeks, MLive will provide evaluations for every position group of the team. Today: Special teams | Earlier: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Receivers/tight ends | Offensive line | Defensive line/EDGE | Linebackers | Defensive backs
Teams specializing in specific skills.
Key statistics: In his first season as kicker, Jake Bates recorded a team-high 142 points, marking the fourth highest total in league history for a rookie. Bates was reliable, decisive, and contributed another aspect from afar, with a lengthy successful attempt of 58 yards. He made game-winning field goals in Minnesota and Houston, and then again at home versus the Green Bay Packers under the lights.
Jack Fox topped the NFL with a 46.2 net average for each punt, continuing to be among the best, if not the top, punter in the league. Pro Football Focus rated Detroit’s special teams unit as the sixth-best in the league for the season.
Ben received an A grade.
Breakdown: Jack Fox was a Pro Bowler and a first-team All-Pro selection. Kalif Raymond made the second-team All-Pro list for punt returners once more. Combine that with an impressive debut season from kicker Jake Bates and long snapper Hogan Hatten, along with a blend of strong and reliable coverage units, and the Lions are poised to keep improving their special teams.
Bates addressed a significant gap in this unit with his reliability, flair for crucial situations, and skill to score from long range. He succeeded in 26 out of 29 attempts, failing to score on three extra points from 67 tries. Bates was exceptional from afar, making 13 of 16 attempts from at least 40 yards out.
The Lions have boasted one of the top special teams units for several years, and now, with a true future kicker, the potential for improvement is even greater. They had gone through kicker after kicker after kicker since allowing Matt Prater to leave four years prior.
Bates responded to the call, and at 25 years old with limited in-game experience, it’s reasonable to anticipate growth. Bringing in a fresh kicker and long snapper via a youth initiative is always challenging, yet Dave Fipp persists in proving himself as one of the top special teams coordinators in the sport.
Fox is on a prestigious career path, having achieved two Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors during his initial five seasons. According to Pro Football Reference, Fox’s present yards per punt average of 48.8 would set an all-time record.
The All-Pro punter has garnered accolades for his ongoing development as a holder for the field-goal team. Fipp openly acknowledged Fox’s initial difficulties in that area, and the 28-year-old has significantly responded to the demands for improvement.
The Lions have maintained one of the top special teams groups in recent years, and now, with a credible kicker for the future, there’s additional potential for improvement. They had gone through kicker after kicker after kicker since allowing Matt Prater to leave four years back.
Bates took the call, and at 25 years old with limited in-game experience, one can reasonably anticipate progress. Introducing a new kicker and long snapper via a youth movement is always challenging, yet Dave Fipp consistently showcases his prowess as one of the top special teams coordinators in the league.
Fox is on a distinguished career path, boasting two Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections on his record after his initial five seasons. According to Pro Football Reference, Fox’s present average of 48.8 yards per punt would set a new all-time record.
The All-Pro punter has garnered acclaim for his ongoing development as a holder for the field-goal team. Fipp openly acknowledged Fox’s initial difficulties in that area, and the 28-year-old has certainly met the demand for improvement.
Additionally, it’s important to highlight the new kickoff regulations that restrict the Lions’ return period. Throughout the entire season, they recorded just 15 kickoff returns, with Tom Kennedy contributing six, Khalil Dorsey four, Sione Vaki two, and Craig Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and Isaiah Williams each participating once.
Dorsey recorded a 72-yard play as the standout moment among that group. The cornerback/returner experienced a broken tibia/fibula towards the end of the season and is set to become a free agent. Vaki is the name to look out for down the line in the backfield.
Raymond continued to be a threat on punt returns, however. He dominated the Tennessee Titans with an impressive performance of 190 punt return yards and a touchdown, proving that teams should kick to him at their own peril.
Fox made his only pass of the season, connecting with Vaki for a 17-yard gain and a first down. This year saw few fake punts, with one pass connecting while a direct snap to Jalen Reeves-Maybin was unsuccessful in Minnesota. However, Fox’s arm is serious, achieving four completions for first downs out of five attempts throughout his five-year career.
Bates managed kickoffs throughout the season, while Fox transitioned to primarily punting and serving as a placeholder on special teams. The ex-brick salesman achieved 85 touchbacks on 110 kickoffs, placing the Lions around the median with 747 allowed return yards under the league’s updated system.
“You all witnessed him during training camp, where he experienced some highs and lows; there were excellent days and other days that weren’t as great,” Fipp remarked toward the close of Bates’ year. “However, the consistent trait he has shown is his performance during games, particularly in clutch situations like the preseason matchup against Kansas City; he has excelled in critical moments for us, which is a vital attribute for that role.”
“You might miss a few kicks during the journey, but you must succeed at the important ones.” “Anyway, he has performed very well.”