The evolution of Brandon Aubrey as a premier kicker for the Dallas Cowboys has been nothing short of remarkable in the 2023 NFL season. Cementing his status as the team's first-team All-Pro kicker, Aubrey has delivered performances that have not only changed the course of games but also etched his name in the annals of Cowboys history.
The crescendo of Aubrey's season came in Week 3 when he achieved a feat that no other Cowboys kicker had accomplished before. Performing under the bright lights of AT&T Stadium, Aubrey launched a 65-yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens, setting a new franchise record and catapulting himself into second place for the longest field goal in NFL history. Such a stellar moment underscored his powerful leg and unflappable demeanor, earning high praise from both the coaching staff and fans alike.
His consistent excellence has caught the attention of Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy, who commented on Aubrey's reliability when kicking from long range. "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance," McCarthy remarked, highlighting the trust placed in the kicker during critical moments. Aubrey's journey, however, has not been solely highlighted by success, as the Cowboys' Week 15 showdown against the Carolina Panthers demonstrated the challenges of outdoor kicking.
The Carolina Challenge
During the late-season trip to Charlotte, Aubrey attempted what could have been a record-shattering 70-yard field goal. A swirling wind posed an additional challenge, prompting special teams coordinator John “Bones” Fassel to acknowledge the unique circumstances. "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra," Fassel noted. Despite Aubrey's valiant effort, the ball drifted wide to the left, missing its mark and providing an opportunity for Carolina’s Deven Thompkins to return the ball 37 yards.
The decision to attempt such a long field goal was calculated, though not without risk. Fassel elaborated on the team's mindset, saying, "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack." Understanding the potential for a return, he added, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover."
The Kicker’s Resilience
Despite the missed opportunity, belief in Aubrey’s ability has not wavered within the Cowboys organization. "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," asserted Fassel, showing confidence in Aubrey’s potential to hit the mark from such an extreme distance in the right conditions. This resilient faith speaks volumes not only about Aubrey’s talent but also the strategic flexibility he affords the Cowboys.
Fassel also noted the necessity of adjusting for conditions, acknowledging that lower kicks aimed for power are susceptible to blocks. "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands," he said, emphasizing the calculus involved in attempting such long-range field goals. Yet, optimism persists. "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor," Fassel concluded, pointing out the dynamic decision-making that long-distance kicks require.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys’ upcoming schedule presents further opportunities for Aubrey to showcase his prowess. Weeks 16 and 18 will see the team return to the friendly confines of AT&T Stadium, where conditions favor explosive kicking efforts. Meanwhile, Week 17’s away game against the Philadelphia Eagles will offer another potential test of Aubrey’s mettle in outdoor conditions.
Brandon Aubrey’s 2023 campaign has already become a defining chapter in his career, marked by both historic achievements and the occasional reminder of nature’s fickle influence on the sport. As the season progresses, Cowboys fans will undoubtedly watch eagerly, ready for the fireworks that accompany a kicker capable of reaching unprecedented distances.