Brandon Aubrey: Kicking His Way into NFL History
In 2023, the Dallas Cowboys witnessed the rise of a new star in the special teams unit—Brandon Aubrey. Known for his powerful leg and steely composure, Aubrey has cemented his status as the Cowboys' first-team All-Pro kicker. His journey has been one of remarkable achievements and nerve-wracking attempts, culminating in awe-inspiring performances that have left fans and coaches alike in amazement.
Historic Performance at AT&T Stadium
One of Aubrey's most notable accomplishments came during Week 3, when the Cowboys faced the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. In a moment that would go down in the franchise's history books, Aubrey successfully kicked a 65-yard field goal. This extraordinary feat not only marked the longest field goal in Cowboys history but also ranked as the second-longest in NFL history. His performance from such a distance showcased his remarkable consistency, prompting Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy to comment, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance."
Audacious Attempt in Charlotte
As the season progressed, Aubrey continued to push the boundaries of his kicking abilities. In Week 15, against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, Aubrey attempted an audacious 70-yard field goal. Despite the daunting outdoor conditions, Cowboys' special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel was confident in Aubrey's capabilities, stating, "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure." Unfortunately, this particular attempt went wide to the left, but it didn’t diminish the ambition and potential that Aubrey carries in his celebrated right leg.
The consequence of the missed 70-yarder was a 37-yard return by Deven Thompkins, which highlighted the inherent risks of such long-range attempts. Fassel candidly addressed this, sharing, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover." He remarked on Aubrey's technique during the kick: "You see on tape, he did a little skip step, and he just tried to drive it."
Coaching Insights and Tactical Decisions
Fassel further shed light on the strategic considerations involved in attempting such lengthy field goals. He explained, "If we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack." However, he acknowledged the challenge posed by adverse weather conditions, "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra." His insights emphasized the multifaceted nature of these decisions, where factors like wind, distance, and game context play pivotal roles.
Despite the challenges of outdoor kicking, Fassel remained optimistic about Aubrey's future attempts. He suggested that given the right conditions, another shot at such a distance is highly probable: "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
Looking ahead, the Cowboys have pivotal games scheduled at AT&T Stadium in Weeks 16 and 18, providing Aubrey with favorable environments to potentially break his own records. The team also faces a crucial Week 17 away game against the Philadelphia Eagles, a matchup that will demand both strategic prowess and flawless execution.
Aubrey's remarkable achievements and his coaches' unwavering confidence suggest that the kicker is well on his way to becoming an enduring figure in the NFL. As the season unfolds, fans can undoubtedly look forward to witnessing more of Aubrey's jaw-dropping kicks and the thrilling narratives they create. One thing is certain—the vast potential of Brandon Aubrey promises to keep Cowboys supporters and football enthusiasts alike eagerly watching his every move on the gridiron.