Breaking the Ice: Preseason Magic from Brandon Aubrey
Preseason NFL games often fly under the radar, typically not delivering the high-stakes drama fans crave. However, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has managed to turn heads with an extraordinary feat. In the Cowboys' recent 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Aubrey smashed a 66-yard field goal, setting a new benchmark for extraordinary preseason performances.
Aubrey's achievement not only stunned spectators but also tied him with Baltimore Ravens' kicker Justin Tucker's record-setting 66-yarder from 2021. Tucker’s kick, executed in a high-pressure situation, sealed a 19-17 win for the Ravens over the Detroit Lions.
It's important to note that preseason stats don't count in the NFL's official record book. Nonetheless, such a remarkable kick has not gone unnoticed. Aubrey's 66-yarder surpasses the previous preseason record set by Ola Kimrin in 2002, who managed a 65-yard field goal during his time with the Denver Broncos' training camp.
Kimrin's achievement occasionally gets lost in the annals of NFL history, given that he only played five regular-season games with Washington in 2004, boasting a 60% success rate on field goals. As of the writing, Kimrin’s legacy includes being one of the few to surpass the 60-yard mark in both preseason and regular-season games. Before Aubrey’s dazzling performance, only 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more had been recorded in regular-season play between 2003 and 2023.
The conversation around long-distance field goals has always been dominated by strong-legged kickers like Tucker. But now, Aubrey's name is firmly etched into that narrative. According to NFL's Next Gen Stats, Aubrey’s flawless effort from 66 yards could have been good from an astonishing 72 yards. Aubrey himself has confidently noted, "Aubrey has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice."
This preseason spectacle couldn't have come at a better time for the Dallas Cowboys, who are nearing the end of their preseason schedule. The Cowboys may have indeed found a kicker capable of game-changing moments, a critical asset as they gear up for regular-season challenges.
The emergence of Aubrey at such a pivotal time not only elevates the team’s spirits but also provides an exciting narrative for the upcoming season. As fans and analysts await the regular season with bated breath, Aubrey's performance will undoubtedly remain a topic of spirited discussion. His ability to leverage his strong leg in high-pressure situations could make a significant difference in tight games come crunch time.
Given the impressive records and increasing success rates of long-range kickers, it's clear that the NFL's kicking landscape continues to evolve. While Aubrey's record may not be officially recognized in the league's books due to the preseason context, it undeniably sets a new standard for extraordinary performances when the stakes are low but the pressure remains immense.
In the grand tapestry of NFL history, moments like these capture the imagination. They remind us that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places, turning preseason games into a stage for future stars. As the Dallas Cowboys and their fans anticipate the start of the regular season, Brandon Aubrey's incredible 66-yard field goal stands as a testament to skill, confidence, and the thrill of the game.
The season opener is just around the corner, and with it comes the promise of more electrifying moments. But for now, Aubrey’s name rings loud and clear in the annals of preseason notoriety—a kicking sensation poised for future heroics and a potential game-changer for the Cowboys.