As the NFL season unfolded in 2023, a new hero emerged on the Dallas Cowboys' roster: Brandon Aubrey, the team's first-team All-Pro kicker. His prowess on the field not only captured the hearts of Cowboys fans but also etched his name into the annals of football history.
A Historic Kick
The defining moment of Aubrey's season came during Week 3 when he successfully kicked a 65-yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. This awe-inspiring feat wasn't just a triumph for the Cowboys; it marked the longest kick in the team's history and positioned itself as the second-longest field goal in NFL history. Cowboys' head coach, Mike McCarthy, couldn't contain his admiration as he remarked, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance."
The 70-Yard Challenge
Aubrey's talents were tested again in Week 15, when he stepped up for a daunting 70-yard field goal attempt against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte. Outdoor conditions and the sheer distance presented a formidable challenge, one that Aubrey and the Cowboys were eager to tackle. Although the kick sailed wide to the left, it underscored the team's confidence in Aubrey's abilities. John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys' special teams coordinator, captured the team's audacity and strategic intentions by stating, "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack."
The missed kick was not without consequence, as Deven Thompkins capitalized on the opportunity to return it for 37 yards—a moment that spoke to the high-stakes risks inherent in such ambitious attempts. Reflecting a pragmatic understanding of the situation, Fassel noted, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover."
Endurance and Potential
Despite the miss, Fassel maintained faith in Aubrey's capability, confidently asserting, "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure." This confidence in Aubrey's leg strength and endurance has become a hallmark of the Cowboys' special teams strategy. The decision to make such a tremendous attempt also highlighted the careful consideration of elements beyond just the player's skill, as Fassel elaborated, "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra."
Indeed, the attempt required Aubrey to modify his usual approach, introducing a "skip step" to generate the necessary power, as noted by Fassel. The attempt's high difficulty meant the risk of a low trajectory and potential blocks, leading to unpredictable outcomes, a possibility Fassel acknowledged by saying, "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands."
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the Cowboys anticipate a promising conclusion to the regular season, with key games in Weeks 16 and 18 set to be played at their home ground, AT&T Stadium. A challenging Week 17 away game against division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, also looms on the horizon. These fixtures will undoubtedly present further opportunities for Aubrey to showcase his kicking prowess under varying conditions.
While the 70-yard attempt in Charlotte was a learning experience, it has not deterred the Cowboys from considering such bold moves in the future. Fassel expressed a willingness to seize similar opportunities, provided the conditions align, "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
As the season progresses, Brandon Aubrey's name becomes more synonymous with record-breaking potential and unmatched resilience. Whether it's a 65-yard history-making kick or a strenuous 70-yard attempt, Aubrey's contributions are shaping the narrative of an exciting Cowboys season on the gridiron. His journey underscores a fundamental truth in sports: great players are defined not just by their successes but by their willingness to reach beyond even the loftiest expectations.