In the high-stakes world of professional football, a kicker's role is often overshadowed by the flashier positions on the field. However, Brandon Aubrey is changing that narrative for the Dallas Cowboys with a remarkable season that has earned him the coveted title of the team's first-team All-Pro kicker for 2023. His performance this season has not only solidified his place among the elite but also rewritten some of the records in the Cowboys' storied history.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Aubrey's crowning achievement came during the Cowboys' Week 3 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens when he drilled a 65-yard field goal at AT&T Stadium. This wasn't just any field goal; it was the longest in Dallas Cowboys history and the second-longest in NFL history. Such feats are rare, and for a kicker, they represent the pinnacle of skill, distance, and precision.
Reflecting on Aubrey's consistency, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy expressed his admiration, saying, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance." This praise is not given lightly in a league where every game can hinge on the kicker's ability to perform under pressure.
The 70-Yard Challenge
The adrenaline carried Aubrey through much of the season, and by Week 15, he faced another monumental task. Attempting an unprecedented 70-yard field goal outdoors against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte was a decision that spoke volumes of Aubrey's power and the team's confidence in him. Special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel was optimistic, yet cautious, noting, "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure." Even with the coaching staff's faith, the attempt went wide left, but not without a noteworthy play from the Panthers' Deven Thompkins, who returned the miss for 37 yards.
The choice to attempt such a long kick naturally raised eyebrows, and Fassel explained the daring strategy: "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack." The decision wasn't just about attempting a longer conversion, but it also revealed the risks involved. "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover," Fassel conceded, acknowledging the possible fallout of a missed kick. Yet, the coaching staff’s belief in Aubrey’s capability speaks volumes about his talent and potential.
Conditions and Considerations
The environmental factors in Charlotte were challenging, with wind playing a significant role. Fassel highlighted, "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra." It was a gamble that placed Aubrey in the national spotlight and sparked discussions about the boundaries of human athleticism and strategic decision-making in the NFL.
Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Fassel remained steadfast, recognizing the complexity of such an attempt: "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands." Indeed, the intricacies and variables in executing a 70-yard kick under less-than-ideal conditions add layers of difficulty not often considered by spectators.
Moving forward, the Cowboys have two home games ahead against formidable opponents, with matches slated for Weeks 16 and 18 at AT&T Stadium. There’s also a Week 17 clash set away with the Philadelphia Eagles, and as the season progresses, Dallas fans might witness another bold attempt from Aubrey. Fassel, undeterred by the previous miss, remarked, "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
The Road Ahead
The Cowboys' confidence in Aubrey underscores his potential to redefine what a kicker can achieve in the NFL. As the season advances, all eyes will be on AT&T Stadium and beyond, as Aubrey's powerful leg could once again rewrite the record books. For Brandon Aubrey, the limits seem bound only by the horizon, a horizon he's eager to push further with each kick.