Burning Question: Do Lions Have Major Kicking Issue?

Lions changed kickers recently.

The Detroit Lions have shuffled through several kickers since Matt Prater left Motown following the 2020 NFL season. 

For Dan Campbell, the decision was made this week to sit out Riley Patterson in favor of Michael Badgley, who had spent part of this season on the team's practice squad. 

"They’ve been competing now for about five weeks. I mean before the Chargers. So, this was something we wanted to do, give (Michael Badgley) Badgley a go with Riley," Campbell said. "They’ve been battling it out, and he won it. For this game, it just was right and it’s been that way for a while and this was the right move and so we’re going to go there. Got a lot of faith in Badgley.”

Badgley still holds a spot on the practice squad and can be elevated two more times before the front office must make a decision to add him to the 53-man roster. 

In 2022, Badgley successfully made 20 out of 24 field goal attempts and converted  all 33 extra point attempts. 

Unfortunately for Patterson, the team appeared hesitant to attempt field goals beyond 50-yards, calling into question if the team's starting kicker had the range to make key kicks in tight games. 

Lions Add Hendon Hooker to Active Roster, Waive Riley Patterson

Patterson missing two extra points in the past three weeks likely forced the coaching staff to reevaluate his starting position. 

Campbell and special teams coach Dave Fipp have repeatedly been asked if they have a specific range they feel comfortable with both kickers. 

Based on fourth down decisions, it would appear that range is approximately 51-53 yards for both kickers. 

Patterson can still return to the team's practice squad this season, forcing Badgley to compete for his spot weekly. 

Despite Fipp's support of both kickers, Detroit's kicking situation is far from stable. 

As the team approaches the postseason, the importance of special teams ramps up. 

The offense has been able to execute on fourth down at a high rate, but the level of competition and quality of opponents will improve in the postseason, making having a reliable kicker more important. 

When you have two kickers, do you have really have any? 

Detroit's coaching staff must make the right call, as missing a late field goal in the postseason would be quite the unfortunate end to a promising season.