Brandon Aubrey: The Kicker Pushing Cowboys’ Boundaries
In a year of standout performances across the NFL, Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys' first-team All-Pro kicker, has etched his name into the history books with some captivating achievements. Joining the Cowboys' elite, Aubrey's journey in 2023 has been nothing short of remarkable, punctuated by extraordinary feats and long-range field goal attempts that continue to push the boundaries of what is possible for a kicker.
A Record-Breaking Kick at AT&T Stadium
The excitement reached new heights at AT&T Stadium during Week 3 when Aubrey launched a 65-yard field goal that not only secured a win against the Baltimore Ravens but also immortalized his name in Cowboys history. This field goal is now the longest in the team’s storied tenure and second-longest in NFL history. The moment resonated deeply with fans, who witnessed Aubrey's power and precision under pressure. Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy was effusive in his praise, stating, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance."
The Challenge of a Seventy-Yarder
The thrill of Aubrey's 65-yarder set the stage for another audacious attempt ten weeks later. During Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, the Cowboys decided to test Aubrey’s limits once again. Despite the outdoor setting, a challenging factor in such attempts, Aubrey attempted an audacious 70-yard field goal. Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel, articulated their adventurous mindset: "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack."
Unfortunately for Aubrey and the Cowboys, the kick missed wide to the left. Nevertheless, the attempt demonstrated the team's confidence in Aubrey's range. "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," Fassel confidently asserted, indicating that the Cowboys believed in their kicker's potential. Fans saw Deven Thompkins pick up the missed kick and dash for 37 yards, turning defense into offense was a risk inherent in such attempts. As Fassel reflected, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover."
Contemplating the Conditions
While indoor environments offer controlled conditions, outdoor kicks present an array of challenges, from wind to strategic risks. Mike McCarthy’s candid desire—"I wish we were indoors"—echoed a sentiment many special teams coaches share when pushing the limits of field goal distances. As Fassel explained, the outdoor attempt accounted for the wind and necessitated tactics that might otherwise remain unused: "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra." Aubrey tried to compensate, employing a unique technique: "You see on tape, he did a little skip step, and he just tried to drive it," Fassel noted.
Decisions to attempt such long shots involve weighing numerous risks, including potential blocks and ball possession changes. Fassel elaborated on these considerations, remarking, "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands." Nonetheless, the Cowboys seem undeterred, with Fassel promising, "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys head into crucial games at AT&T Stadium in the coming weeks, and a pivotal away contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, Aubrey's capabilities will undoubtedly be a significant portion of the Cowboys' arsenal. His performance so far has not only bolstered his reputation but has also infused the Cowboys with added confidence in their kicking game.
The current season has revealed Aubrey as a standout figure who shows prowess in breaking records and attempting the near-impossible. Each game presents new opportunities to showcase his exceptional talents and, potentially, rewrite the records once again. For the Dallas Cowboys and their growing fan base, Aubrey’s story is one of not just powerful kicks but inspiring visions of what future record-setting moments may come to pass on the football field.