Lions Beat Chiefs with Last-Minute Field Goal

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In a thrilling game, the Detroit Lions secured their first victory of the preseason with a last-minute 43-yard field goal by kicker Bates, edging out the Kansas City Chiefs 24-23.

Bates showed his skills, going 4-for-4 on field goals throughout the match, hitting from 55, 23, 32, and finally, the game-winner from 43 yards out. However, he did miss one of his extra point attempts, but that won’t dampen his confidence after such a clutch performance.

With most of the Chiefs’ starters, including MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, starting the game, it was a good opportunity for Lions head coach Dan Campbell to assess the team’s depth in this preseason matchup.

This game marked a significant improvement for the Lions after their disappointing loss to the Giants the previous week, where they managed only three points.

The latter stages of the game saw some back-and-forth action, including several fumbles inside the Chiefs’ 10-yard line. But the Lions defense stepped up when it mattered most, allowing rookie wide receiver to make a pivotal 20-yard punt return that set Bates up for his game-winning kick.

The Lions’ defensive substitutes put on a solid show against Mahomes and the Chiefs, limiting them to just two field goals (33 and 37 yards) and only 112 total yards in the first half.

After Mahomes played two series, Carson Wentz took over and quickly put the Chiefs ahead 13-0 in the first quarter. He connected on a 22-yard touchdown pass to receiver Xavier Worthy, which was set up by a fumble from Lions player Jalon Calhoun during a kickoff return.

The Lions finally put points on the board early in the second quarter thanks to a 55-yard field goal from Bates. They then scored their first touchdown of the preseason with a 61-yard pass from quarterback Nate Sudfeld to wide receiver Kaden Davis. Unfortunately, Bates missed the extra point attempt, leaving the Lions trailing 13-9.

The halftime score was 16-12 in favor of the Chiefs after Harrison Butker nailed a long 56-yard field goal and Bates added a 23-yarder right before the break.

Bates trimmed the Chiefs’ lead to 16-15 late in the third quarter with another 23-yard field goal following a lengthy 14-play drive led by Sudfeld.

However, Kansas City responded to increase their lead back to 23-15 in the fourth quarter, thanks to a 64-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chris Oladokun to receiver Cornell Powell. A touchdown run by Hooker later cut the deficit to 23-21, but the Lions couldn’t tie it up after Hooker was sacked trying for a two-point conversion.

With the game nearing its end, Bates’s role and that of the Lions’ defense became crucial to securing the victory.

As for the QB performance, Sudfeld started again and had a much more efficient outing compared to the previous week. He completed 14 of 27 passes for 196 yards, scoring one touchdown but also throwing an interception. He played the entire first half.

Hooker took over in the second half and performed impressively, completing 12 of his 15 passes for 150 yards and rushing for a 7-yard touchdown.

A standout for the night was rookie running back , who had 10 touches (6 rushes and 4 receptions) in the first half, totaling 82 yards. With his great hands and explosive playmaking ability in space, he is making a strong case for a spot on the team.

The Lions will continue their preseason journey next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.