Brandon Aubrey: A Season of Historic Kicking Feats for the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have seen remarkable achievements in their storied history, and while the 2023 season has been filled with thrilling moments, few have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike as much as Brandon Aubrey's kicking performances. Named the Cowboys' first-team All-Pro kicker that year, Aubrey has demonstrated exceptional prowess, especially with his long-range field goals.
In Week 3, football fans witnessed Aubrey accomplish an extraordinary feat by kicking a 65-yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. This impressive kick not only set a new record in Cowboys history but also marked the second-longest field goal in the history of the NFL. Head coach Mike McCarthy praised Aubrey's consistency, noting, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance."
Building on his stellar performance, Aubrey attempted to shatter further records in Week 15 when the Cowboys clashed with the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte. Outdoors and facing challenging conditions, Aubrey tried his luck with a daring 70-yard field goal. The attempt, which captured the imagination of fans and commentators, unfortunately went wide to the left. Special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel reflected on the ambitious attempt by stating, "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra."
Fassel revealed the thought process behind such daring attempts, emphasizing their strategic planning: "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack." The Cowboys' special teams unit was prepared for the outcome, whether the kick made history or required them to swiftly transition to defense. "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover," said Fassel, pinpointing the risks inherent in such attempts.
The aftermath of the 70-yard attempt led to a notable play as Deven Thompkins returned the missed kick for 37 yards, highlighting both the gamble and athletic excitement in opting for such a bold decision. Fans and analysts alike were left wondering about the possibilities if conditions were more favorable. McCarthy himself hinted at a preference for perfect conditions, quipping, "I wish we were indoors."
Despite the high-risk nature of these long-range attempts, the Cowboys coaching staff remains optimistic about Aubrey's potential. "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," Fassel assured when discussing the kicker's capabilities. Reflecting on the missed attempt, he noted, "You see on tape, he did a little skip step, and he just tried to drive it." The level of precision required for such ambitious attempts is immense, and the Cowboys seem confident in Aubrey's ability to deliver whenever the opportunity arises again.
Looking ahead to the final games of the regular season, the Cowboys have crucial matchups scheduled, including games at AT&T Stadium during Weeks 16 and 18. A pivotal Week 17 clash awaits against the Philadelphia Eagles, and should the game situation warrant, fans might see Aubrey attempt another field goal that could etch his name deeper into the annals of NFL history.
In an arena where strategy, athleticism, and pinpoint accuracy collide, Brandon Aubrey's performances this season remind all of the thrilling unpredictability of the NFL, and the Cowboys' faith in their kicker makes for an electrifying storyline. As Fassel remarked, "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor." With Aubrey's leg strength, precise technique, and the coaches' confidence, the script for this Cowboys season remains unwritten and full of potential highlights.