Brandon Aubrey: Cowboys' Emerging Star in the Kicking Arena
In a league where momentum can shift with a single kick, Brandon Aubrey has emerged as a critical component of the Dallas Cowboys' arsenal. The year 2023 witnessed Aubrey etching his name into Cowboys lore, both for his record-setting feats and his remarkable consistency. Recognized as the franchise's first-team All-Pro kicker, Aubrey's prowess became the talk of the NFL, underscoring his critical role in the Cowboys' success.
Record-Setting Performances
In Week 3 at AT&T Stadium, Aubrey sent shockwaves throughout the league with a sterling 65-yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens. Not only did this kick break the Cowboys' franchise record, but it also positioned itself as the second-longest successful field goal in NFL history. His performance was lauded by fans and analysts alike. Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy remarked on Aubrey's remarkable consistency, stating, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance."
70-Yard Attempt: Ambition Meets Challenge
Week 15 saw Aubrey attempt to push the boundaries of kicking further when the Cowboys played the Carolina Panthers outdoors in Charlotte. A daring 70-yard field goal attempt highlighted both Aubrey's audacious potential and the unpredictable nature of football. The ambitious kick narrowly veered wide to the left, yet the attempt itself was a testament to the confidence bestowed upon Aubrey by the Cowboys' coaching staff. Special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel reiterated this confidence, noting, "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure."
The conditions weren't on Aubrey's side during this tackle with history. "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra," Fassel explained. The missed field goal resulted in a run-back by Deven Thompkins, who charged 37 yards upfield, underscoring the risks involved with such long attempts. Fassel jokingly reflected on the scenario, saying, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover."
Strategic Insights from the Sideline
Fassel provided further strategic insights into the decision to attempt such an extraordinary kick. "You see on tape, he did a little skip step, and he just tried to drive it," he elaborated, highlighting the technical nuances that sometimes decide a game's outcome. With the potential for a significant return with any miss, Fassel added, "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands."
Despite the miss, the attempt demonstrated the Cowboys' willingness to leverage every ounce of Aubrey's leg strength in pursuit of victory. "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor," Fassel assured.
Looking Ahead on the Schedule
The Cowboys' eyes are now set on upcoming games with both strategic and logistical aspects in mind. Their week 17 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles is crucial, given its away status and the consistency required in open-air stadiums. Furthermore, the team's Week 16 and 18 home games at AT&T Stadium present additional opportunities for Aubrey to shine in more controlled conditions—a crucial advantage considering both his impressive range and the strategic insights from the Cowboys' coaching bench.
Brandon Aubrey's 2023 season, with its profound mix of success and bold attempts, showcases a kicker breaking into the upper echelons of NFL talent. Much like every impactful athlete, his journey is intertwined with risk, audacity, and moments that capture the imagination of fans and the respect of opponents. If there’s anything to be taken from this season, it's that Aubrey—and indeed the Dallas Cowboys—are willing to swing big in pursuit of greatness in the relentless arena of professional football.