(CBS-DETROIT) — Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for November.
Bates joins Aidan Hutchinson, who was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month in September, and quarterback Jared Goff, who won NFC Offensive Player of the Month for October, in receiving monthly honors this season. According to the Lions organization, it also marks the first time in franchise history that the Lions have won Player of the Month awards for offensive, defensive and special teams in a single season.
Bates is the first Lions kicker to win NFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors since Matt Prater in September 2017 and joins Prater and Detroit legend Jason Hanson as the only Lions kickers to win the award.
In November, Bates scored 41 points and made all 17 point-after attempts. Bates also connected on 8-of-9 field goal attempts, four of which were from 50 yards or further, including a 52-yarder as time expired to complete Detroit’s. 26-23 comeback win over the Houston Texans on November 10.
Bates, who played for the Michigan Panthers last season, signed a two-year deal worth $1.98 million with Detroit in June after scoring a UFL-record 64-yard field goal at Ford Field in a Week 1 win over the St. Louis Battlehawks and three field goals of more than 60 yards for the year.
Bates and the Lions and the NFC North-leading Lions (11-1) are looking forward to it secure a play-off bid immediately win against the Green Bay Packers (9-3) Thursday night. The kick-off is 8.15 pm
