Brandon Aubrey's Historic Kicking Year with the Dallas Cowboys
In the annals of NFL history, few moments are as electrifying as a record-breaking kick. For the Dallas Cowboys and their fans, 2023 has been a standout year, largely due to the remarkable performances of their first-team All-Pro kicker, Brandon Aubrey. This season has witnessed feats that have not only shattered team records but also etched Aubrey's name in the league's storied chronicles.
Already celebrated for his precision and unwavering consistency, Aubrey set tongues wagging with his astonishing 65-yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. This kick, executed with aplomb during Week 3, wasn't just a historic moment for the Cowboys—it was the second-longest successful attempt in NFL history.
Cowboys' head coach, Mike McCarthy, couldn't hide his admiration, stating, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance." Indeed, such feats demand extraordinary skill and confidence, attributes Aubrey has shown time and again.
Attempting the Mighty 70
As the season progressed, the Cowboys found themselves in a scenario that would put Aubrey's leg to a daunting test. In Week 15, during an outdoor game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, the stage was set for a potential 70-yard field goal. It was the kind of moment that piqued everyone's interest, including that of Cowboys' special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel. Reflecting on the decision, Fassel remarked, "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure."
Despite the high hopes and expectations, the kick veered wide to the left. As often happens with such ambitious attempts, the Panthers' Deven Thompkins swiftly seized the opportunity, running the missed kick back for 37 yards. For Fassel, the experience illustrated the inherent risks tied to long-distance attempts: "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover."
Navigating Challenges with Strategy
Executing a 70-yard field goal outdoors requires not just audacity, but the ability to navigate the elements. Fassel offered insight into the difficulty of the task, saying, "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra." Knowing the risks, the Cowboys proceeded, understanding that a blocked kick could spiral unpredictably: "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands."
Despite the miss, the Cowboys' confidence in Aubrey's abilities hasn't wavered. "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor," assured Fassel, underscoring the belief that Aubrey's potential extends even further.
Looking Forward
With Weeks 16 and 18 set to transpire back on home turf at AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys anticipate leveraging the home advantage where conditions are more predictable. A Week 17 clash is set against the Philadelphia Eagles, a game that will undoubtedly further test the mettle of the Cowboys and their record-holding kicker.
As the regular season nears its conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys and their fans remain invigorated by the promise of Aubrey’s kicking prowess. With every game, the air is thick with possibility—a thrilling constant amidst the ever-evolving drama of the NFL. Whether indoors or out, Aubrey's potential to surpass even his record-setting performances is an electrifying prospect for fans and foes alike. The echo of his achievements this year signals a career brimming with potential, serving as a reminder of the powerful role a skillful kicker plays in the high-stakes theatre of American football.