Brandon Aubrey: The Cowboys’ Dynamic Kicking Sensation
The Dallas Cowboys have a new star on their roster, and it’s not your typical high-profile quarterback or a dynamic wide receiver. The spotlight this season has shifted to Brandon Aubrey, the team’s first-team All-Pro kicker, who is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most formidable kickers in the NFL.
In Week 3 of the 2023 season, Aubrey cemented his status as a player to watch. Facing off against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium, he launched a 65-yard field goal through the uprights, setting a new record for the longest field goal in the storied history of the Dallas Cowboys. This kick also marked the second-longest successful attempt in NFL history, showcasing Aubrey’s remarkable ability to handle pressure and deliver when it counts.
Aubrey’s prowess on the field hasn't gone unnoticed by his head coach, Mike McCarthy, who remarked on the kicker's exceptional ability. "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance," McCarthy stated, a nod to Aubrey's reliability from long range. Yet, the Cowboys' head coach hinted at the challenges that come with outdoor attempts, as he wistfully admitted, "I wish we were indoors."
As the season progressed, Aubrey attempted another ambitious feat in Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers. In Charlotte, a 70-yard field goal attempt proved to be a test of skill and conditions. Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel, had expressed faith in Aubrey's range, stating confidently, "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure." However, with the elements playing a role, the kick veered wide left, but not without notable excitement. Deven Thompkins capitalized on the missed opportunity, returning the ball 37 yards downfield.
"We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack," Fassel detailed about the decision-making process behind the decision to try for such a distant field goal. Acknowledging the risks, he added, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover." The return replayed both the excitement and dangers of such high-risk kicking tactics.
Fassel further commented on the specifics of that challenging 70-yard attempt, remarking on the strategy Aubrey employed: "You see on tape, he did a little skip step, and he just tried to drive it." He also pointed out the added complication of environmental factors, saying, "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra." With such distance attempts, there are inevitable risks of the kick emerging lower than usual, heightening the chance of the ball being blocked. "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands," Fassel warned, outlining the strategic implications.
As the Cowboys reflect on the near-miss, there’s little doubt that the talents of their newfound kicking prodigy will be put to test in upcoming weeks. Week 16 and 18 matches at the familiar AT&T Stadium provide a platform for home glory, while a challenging road game looms against divisional rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, in Week 17.
With the thrilling prospect of seeing more daring field goal attempts, Fassel assures, "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor." This faith in Aubrey underscores his importance as a key player on the Cowboys roster.
In a league driven by star offensive talent, Brandon Aubrey is proving that special teams players can be game-changers too. As the season continues, the eyes of the Cowboys’ faithful and the broader NFL audience remain glued to this exceptional kicker, eagerly anticipating what audacious feats may unfold next. Brandon Aubrey has undoubtedly become not just a spectator's delight but a strategic asset for America’s Team.