Brandon Aubrey: Shaping History as the Dallas Cowboys' Ace Kicker
It's not every season that a team boasts a player capable of redefining expectations and setting records previously thought unassailable. For the Dallas Cowboys this year, that player is Brandon Aubrey, the team's newly minted first-team All-Pro kicker. In a season filled with memorable performances, Aubrey's kicking prowess has not only been integral to the Cowboys' campaign but has also seen him etch his name into both franchise and NFL history.
The Record-Breaking Kick
Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens was a defining moment for Aubrey and the Cowboys. In that electrifying matchup at AT&T Stadium, Aubrey stunned fans and critics alike by booting a 65-yard field goal. This remarkable feat was the longest in Cowboys history and the second-longest ever in the NFL, showcasing Aubrey's exceptional range and reliability from daunting distances.
"He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance," Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy praised, capturing the sentiment of many who have watched Aubrey's progression this season. Each kick from Aubrey seems less an exhibition of skill and more a demonstration of his remarkable ability to perform under pressure.
Audacious Attempt in Charlotte
Aubrey's pursuit of greatness didn't wane as the season progressed. In Week 15, during an outdoor contest against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, Aubrey attempted a staggering 70-yard field goal. It was a kick that, if successful, would have shattered records and further cemented his legacy. Despite the ambitious attempt going wide to the left, special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel remained optimistic. "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," Fassel asserted, confident in Aubrey's long-range capabilities.
Even in the face of challenges, such as the swirling wind in Charlotte, Aubrey's approach was bold and unwavering. Fassel recounted, "You see on tape, he did a little skip step, and he just tried to drive it," acknowledging the complexities and risk involved in such an audacious kick. "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra," he explained. “If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
The Return and its Consequences
The missed 70-yard attempt, however, was not without ramifications. Deven Thompkins, seizing the opportunity, ran back the ball for 37 yards, exemplifying the risks inherent in attempting such long field goals. "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover," Fassel conceded, highlighting the strategic decisions teams must navigate in high-stakes situations.
Fassel's concerns about the kick were echoed in his pragmatic assessments of potential outcomes. Acknowledging the inherent risks, he remarked, "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands." Such considerations weigh heavily in the decisions of coaches and special teams coordinators, influencing their strategy on game days.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys gear up for their final games of the regular season, with matchups slated both at home in AT&T Stadium for Weeks 16 and 18, and an away showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, Brandon Aubrey's contributions will be critical. The evolution of Aubrey's season is a testament to his growing stature within the league as a formidable kicker.
With each game, Aubrey continues to showcase his fortitude and skill, bolstering the Cowboys' efforts as they push for postseason success. His remarkable season serves as a reminder of the impact one player can have, elevating not just their own profile but the fortunes of the entire team. As evidenced by the Cowboys’ willingness to challenge the boundaries of possibility, Aubrey's leg is both a weapon and a statement—a testament to the power of precision and perseverance in the world of professional football.