In a season filled with remarkable feats and nail-biting moments, Brandon Aubrey has emerged as a standout player for the Dallas Cowboys. Not only has he solidified his position as the first-team All-Pro kicker in 2023, but his performance has continuously pushed boundaries, blending accuracy with an awe-inspiring range.
A Record-Breaking Start
Aubrey's stellar season was highlighted early on with a jaw-dropping 65-yard field goal in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens at the Cowboys' home turf, AT&T Stadium. This kick set a new franchise record and positioned itself as the second-longest field goal in the storied history of the NFL. The precision and power demonstrated on this kick left fans in awe and opponents on high alert. Raiders’ coach Mike McCarthy noted, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance," a testament to Aubrey's reliability.
The Ambitious 70-Yarder
Not one to rest on his laurels, Aubrey attempted an audacious 70-yard field goal outdoors against the Carolina Panthers in Week 15. The Panthers’ defense and fans collectively held their breath as Aubrey made his run-up. Despite the attempt being wide to the left, Cowboys' special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel, remained optimistic about Aubrey's capabilities, stating, "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure."
The decision to attempt such a distance reflects not just on Aubrey's talent but also on the daring mindset of the Cowboys' coaching staff. "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack," Fassel explained, highlighting their willingness to push the boundaries. However, he was also acutely aware of the risks, acknowledging, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover."
Facing Challenges and Calculating Risks
Executing a kick of such magnitude requires more than just physical prowess; environmental factors also play a crucial role. Attempting the 70-yarder "into the wind" was a challenging endeavor. As Fassel detailed, "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra." Despite these challenges, the coaching staff is not deterred. "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor," Fassel confirmed, suggesting that the Cowboys are ready to capitalize on Aubrey’s strengths whenever possible.
McCarthy too, wished the conditions had been more favorable. The wish for ideal circumstances was evident when the Cowboys' head coach expressed a sentiment shared by many: "I wish we were indoors."
A Season’s Worth of Achievements Ahead
As the Cowboys look ahead to concluding the regular season, there are matchups at AT&T Stadium in Weeks 16 and 18, with a challenging away game slated against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17. These games provide Aubrey with additional opportunities to further etch his name into NFL history while continuing to impress fans and analysts alike with his performance.
Aubrey's journey this season has been one of remarkable achievements and near-misses, underscoring the fine margins that define success in the NFL. The missed field goal against the Panthers, an event followed by Deven Thompkins' 37-yard runback, was a reminder of the very thin line between heroics and heartbreak. Yet, with each attempt, Aubrey continues to redefine expectations and push the limits of what a kicker can achieve in the modern game.
With dedicated support from his coaching staff and the unyielding belief of his teammates, Brandon Aubrey is not just aiming for field goals; he is setting his sights on greatness. As the season unfolds, fans and opponents alike will be watching closely, knowing that with Aubrey, it’s always worth the wait for the extraordinary.