Jake Bates, the kicker for the UFL and a potential recruit for the Lions, has returned to his extraordinary form.

Jake Bates, the kicker for the Michigan Panthers and a potential target for the Detroit Lions in free agency, once again displayed exceptional prowess during the UFL Week 6 game against the Arlington Renegades on Sunday.

Bates has garnered attention for his remarkable kicking abilities, particularly his proficiency in effortlessly converting long field goals, including impressive makes from distances such as 64, 62, 55, and 52 yards. However, he faced a minor setback last week when he missed two very long field goals—58 and 62 yards respectively—marking his first misses of the season. Despite this, he bounced back later in the game with a successful 30-yarder.

It’s essential to consider the context surrounding Bates’ performance last week. Despite his track record of converting absurdly long field goals this season, Bates is human, and such demanding kicks are not typically expected to be successful. Additionally, factors such as it being his first outdoor game of the year and contending with windy conditions contributed to the difficulty, suggesting that those misses were not indicative of his overall performance in 2024.

Nevertheless, Bates returned to top form on Sunday against the Renegades, reaffirming his exceptional talent. His first attempt of the afternoon, a 55-yarder, was successful, but unfortunately nullified due to a defensive penalty. Undeterred, Bates effortlessly converted a 43-yard field goal shortly thereafter.

In a remarkable display of skill, Bates concluded the first half by nailing an astonishing 60-yard field goal. He continued his impressive performance in the second half, making three more field goals, including a 49-yarder and the game-winner as time expired from 42 yards out, achieving a perfect 5-for-5 record on the day.

Despite the Lions reportedly expressing interest in Bates, they have since signed another kicker in undrafted free agent James Turner. However, Bates’ outstanding performance shouldn’t be overlooked, especially considering that most of his successful field goals, including all three 60-yarders, have occurred at Detroit’s Ford Field.