Aubrey's Kicking Feats: A New Era of Special Teams Excellence for the Cowboys
Within the realm of professional football, the narrative surrounding a special teams player rarely eclipses that of star quarterbacks or dominant defenses. Yet, in 2023, Brandon Aubrey is rewriting that script for the Dallas Cowboys, standing out as an All-Pro kicker whose performance has become a central point of discussion in the NFL.
In his inaugural full season with the Cowboys, Aubrey has not only earned first-team All-Pro honors but has also captured the imagination of football fans with his prodigious kicking ability. The highlight came during Week 3 at AT&T Stadium, where he delivered a jaw-dropping 65-yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens. This kick was not merely a triumph for Aubrey but marked the longest in the Cowboys' storied history and the second-longest ever recorded in the NFL.
Reflecting on Aubrey's capacity to deliver from extraordinary distances, Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy remarked, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance." Such a statement underscores the assurance Aubrey provides his team in close games, where every point proves critical. However, as McCarthy succinctly put it, "I wish we were indoors," acknowledging the unpredictable challenge posed by outdoor elements—particularly for long-distance attempts.
The narrative took an intriguing turn during the Cowboys' Week 15 clash against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte. Here, Aubrey aimed for an audacious 70-yard field goal. Despite his best efforts, the kick veered left, missing its target. Cowboys' special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel captured the sentiment around such efforts, saying, "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack." His words underline the team's willingness to push boundaries and test Aubrey's limits, albeit with cautious optimism.
Fassel also pointed out the strategic risk involved in attempting such colossal kicks, noting, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover." Indeed, the decision to attempt a field goal of this magnitude holds ramifications beyond the immediate aim; as demonstrated when Deven Thompkins returned the missed 70-yard attempt for a 37-yard gain. "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," Fassel added, emphasizing his belief in Aubrey’s capabilities, although acknowledging the considerable physical and strategic challenges these kicks entail.
The distinction of Aubrey’s effort lies in the conditions—outdoors and into the wind—as described by Fassel: "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra." Acknowledging that the ball would come out low, he forewarned of the potential for blocks and the uncertainty that follows. "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands," he elaborated, hinting at the calculated gamble involved in such attempts.
Nevertheless, the Cowboys' coaching staff remains bold in their approach. Fassel affirmed, "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor." This statement suggests a strategic calculus that is both daring and innovative—a trademark of a team looking to leverage every competitive edge in their pursuit of victory.
As the Cowboys head back to their home turf at AT&T Stadium for both Weeks 16 and 18 games, they will experience a familiar environment that could offer better conditions for Aubrey. Between these home stands, a Week 17 trip to face the Philadelphia Eagles offers another opportunity for Aubrey to showcase his exceptional range, underscoring the tension and excitement surrounding his remarkable consistency and record-setting potential.
Brandon Aubrey’s story is one of ambition meeting preparation, a testament to the evolution of the role of a kicker in modern football. His performance this season not only elevates his status within Dallas but also sparks a broader conversation about how special teams can impact the game. As Aubrey continues to push the limits of possibility, fans and analysts alike find themselves eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this captivating saga.