Aubrey Kicks His Way Into Cowboys' History
The Dallas Cowboys' 2023 season has been marked by extraordinary performances, one of which is the rise of kicker Brandon Aubrey. In his standout year, Aubrey has not only seized the role of the Cowboys' first-team All-Pro kicker but also etched his name into the franchise's history books with a remarkable 65-yard field goal during a Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. This incredible feat stands as the longest field goal in Cowboys history and the second-longest in the annals of the NFL.
Aiming for the Stars
The decision to allow Aubrey to make such long attempts has been justified by his consistent performance, drawing praise from his coaches. Cowboys’ head coach Mike McCarthy noted, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance." His words underscore the confidence that the Cowboys' coaching staff has in Aubrey's ability to deliver under pressure.
Special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel echoed this sentiment, revealing the team's strategy. "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," Fassel stated, referring to Aubrey's potential to hit from an astounding distance. This faith was put to the test during Week 15, when Aubrey was tasked with a 70-yard attempt outdoors against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte.
A Near-Miss in Carolina
The 70-yard kick, attempted into the wind, was wide to the left, a challenging endeavor exacerbated by the outdoor conditions. "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra," Fassel reflected on the unique difficulty of the attempt. Despite the miss, the audacity of such a long shot captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.
McCarthy, pondering the missed attempt, remarked, "I wish we were indoors," highlighting how environmental factors can impact these high-stakes moments. Fassel, known for his strategic approach, shared, "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
The Risks and Rewards
Aubrey's missed kick was not without its risks, as Panthers returner Deven Thompkins seized the opportunity to return the ball 37 yards. "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover," Fassel candidly remarked, aware of the possible consequences of such long attempts. Nevertheless, the Cowboys seem prepared to back Aubrey's leg strength, should similar situations arise in future games.
Reflecting on the dynamics of long field goal attempts, Fassel explained, "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands.” Such insights illuminate the calculated risks teams like the Cowboys are willing to take, betting on Aubrey's powerful leg to tilt the odds in their favor.
Looking Ahead
With Weeks 16 and 18 games scheduled to take place at AT&T Stadium, beneath the controlled conditions of an indoor venue, Aubrey will have further opportunities to showcase his talents. One can only wonder if another long-distance attempt is in the cards, especially given McCarthy's and Fassel's combined confidence in his capabilities.
In Week 17, however, Aubrey and the Cowboys will face the Philadelphia Eagles on their home turf, where outdoor conditions could again become a factor. This clash promises excitement, with every kick potentially shaping the narrative of the Cowboys' season.
Brandon Aubrey's narrative this year has been one of breaking boundaries and redefining the role of a kicker in the modern NFL. His story is not just about the distance he can cover with a single kick, but also about the trust, ambition, and calculated risks that come with football’s high-pressure moments. As the Cowboys' season unfolds, Aubrey's leg may continue to play a pivotal role in their quest for success.