CBS Sports: Lions Rookie sets a new franchise record in 52-14 Win Over Tennessee Titans
On Sunday, the Detroit Lions demonstrated one more that they are not the “same old Lions” by defeating the Tennessee Titans, who were visiting at Ford Field. Detroit improved to 6-1 on the season with a 52-14 victory after scoring 14, 17, and 21 points in the first three quarters of play, respectively.
For ardent Lions supporters who stayed to watch one of Dan Campbell’s valued rookies establish a team record, Detroit’s final touchdown was the cherry on top.
Previously a kicker for the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL), Lions rookie Jake Bates set a new franchise mark for the most consecutive field goals made to begin the season with his 11th field goal in 11th tries.
In Detroit’s record books, Bates’ kick propelled him over former Lions kicker Riley Patterson. The longest kick of Bates’ rookie season in the NFL occurred during a rush of short-field touchdowns by the day’s turnover-crazed Lions defense. The Titans outscored Detroit 416 to 225, but appearances may be misleading. As Campbell’s club surged ahead in their quest for their second consecutive division title in the NFC North, Detroit’s four turnovers dominated the game.
Next Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET, Detroit will play the Green Bay Packers, who are led by Jordan Love, in what is perhaps the biggest game of the season thus far. The stakes are even higher because the Lions are only a half-game ahead of Matt LaFleuer’s squad. Next Sunday at Lambeau Field, expect to see a sea of Packers fans wearing green and yellow cheeseheads, but there will also be plenty of Lions fans, since Detroit has recently shown that they travel just as well as any other fan base.
