The NFL preseason is often overlooked, with games that fail to deliver the high-stakes excitement fans eagerly anticipate. However, it is during these matches that unexpected heroes emerge, and records are sometimes shattered. This was the case during the Dallas Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, a game that transformed Brandon Aubrey from a relatively unknown kicker into a name etched in preseason history.
The Record-Breaking Kick
Aubrey achieved a remarkable feat by launching a 66-yard field goal, a monumental kick that not only secured the Cowboys’ victory but also tied the overall NFL record held by Justin Tucker since 2021. Tucker's legendary kick came under immense pressure, clinching a 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions. By contrast, Aubrey’s record-tying kick occurred in the less pressurized environment of a preseason game, yet its significance remains extraordinary.
Preseason stats may not count in the NFL's official record book, but Aubrey’s 66-yarder has set a new benchmark for what can be achieved in these preparatory clashes. It broke the previous preseason record set by Ola Kimrin, who kicked a 65-yard field goal in 2002 while part of the Denver Broncos' training camp. Kimrin, who played only five regular-season games in his NFL career, also achieved an impressive feat, yet it took two decades for anyone to surpass it.
Setting a New Standard
The rarity of such long-distance field goals underscores the magnitude of Aubrey’s achievement. As of the writing, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark before Kimrin's 65-yarder. Between 2003 and 2023, the NFL witnessed a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play. This makes Aubrey’s kick even more notable, as only he and Tucker have managed to exceed Kimrin's preseason record.
It appears that Aubrey's abilities might extend well beyond the game confines. According to the NFL's Next Gen Stats, Aubrey’s 66-yarder could have been good from 72 yards. This is supported by Aubrey himself, who has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice.
This revelation paints a picture of a kicker with immense potential and one who may provide the Dallas Cowboys with a new dynamic in tight game situations. “Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice,” indicating his capacity to deliver in crunch moments.
The Future for Aubrey and the Cowboys
As the NFL preseason winds down and the regular season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys may have found an extraordinary asset in Brandon Aubrey. Known for his resilience and impressive kicking range, Aubrey could become a game-changer for the Cowboys in the upcoming season. While preseason success is not always indicative of regular-season performance, Aubrey’s display of skill and confidence early on suggests a promising trajectory.
In a league where special teams often determine the outcome of games, having a reliable kicker can be a significant advantage. The Cowboys have had their share of ups and downs in this area, but Aubrey’s performance provides a beacon of hope.
It remains to be seen how Aubrey will fare when the stakes are higher, but if his preseason performance is any indication, the Cowboys might just have struck gold. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if Aubrey can replicate his record-breaking form in the regular season, potentially joining the ranks of elite NFL kickers.
For now, Brandon Aubrey's 66-yard field goal stands as a testament to the extraordinary potential sometimes uncovered in the NFL preseason, a phase usually marked by its preparatory nature rather than its historic milestones. As he rounds out his preparation, Cowboys supporters have every reason to be optimistic about the impact he can make when the games truly count.