Brandon Aubrey: A New Era for Dallas Kicking
The Dallas Cowboys have found a new milestone in their special teams with Brandon Aubrey, their first-team All-Pro kicker, who is rapidly making his mark in the NFL with some scintillating performances. In 2023, Aubrey achieved what was once thought formidable in football's modern era: showcasing an impeccable blend of power and consistency that has drawn admiration from both fans and his coaching staff.
At the heart of Aubrey’s success is a field goal that turned heads across the league—a monstrous 65-yard kick performed in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. This feat not only secured his place in Cowboys history as the longest field goal but also etched his name into the NFL’s record books as the second-longest in league history. His coach, Mike McCarthy, could hardly contain his admiration, saying, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance."
A Challenge in Charlotte
Yet, it was not all smooth sailing for Aubrey. Week 15 offered a challenge that tested his prowess under less forgiving conditions. The Cowboys clashed with the Carolina Panthers outdoors in Charlotte—a venue presenting a unique set of obstacles for a kicker attempting a long-range field goal. It was there Aubrey faced the wind with an audacious 70-yard attempt.
Special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel provided insight into their ambitious strategy. "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack," Fassel noted. However, the conditions were not as favorable as AT&T Stadium’s controlled environment. "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," Fassel reiterated, affirming his confidence in Aubrey's capabilities albeit the misfortune that the attempt veered wide to the left. Acknowledging the inherent risks, Fassel added, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover."
Indeed, the Panthers' Deven Thompkins seized the opportunity from Aubrey’s kick, making a 37-yard return that shifted the game’s momentum. In an analysis post-game, Fassel mentioned, "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra," explaining the complexities involved with the attempt. "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands."
Looking Ahead
Despite the setback, Aubrey’s performance has not affected the team’s decision to offer him opportunities to make ambitious attempts in the future. "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor," Fassel asserted, reflecting an unwavering belief in Aubrey’s talent.
Upcoming games in Weeks 16 and 18 at AT&T Stadium provide a potential return to familiar territory, where Aubrey can shine under conditions similar to his record-setting kick. Meanwhile, a Week 17 away clash against the Philadelphia Eagles poses another test that might yet see Aubrey’s leg challenged by nature and strategy alike.
Brandon Aubrey’s journey with the Dallas Cowboys promises to be a riveting storyline as the season progresses, with each field goal attempt serving not just as a numerical tally of points but a testament to the skills and strategies that define the intense world of professional football. His journey, underscored by moments of brilliance and challenges alike, is a reminder of the precision necessary at the highest levels of the sport.