In the world of football, legends are often crafted through moments of sheer audacity and breathtaking skill. The 2023 NFL season has already given us such a moment, courtesy of Dallas Cowboys’ kicker Brandon Aubrey. His remarkable season has set new benchmarks not only for himself but also for the storied franchise that is the Dallas Cowboys.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Brandon Aubrey, named the Cowboys' first-team All-Pro kicker in 2023, has demonstrated a level of consistency and power that has, quite literally, kicked down barriers. In Week 3 of the NFL season, while facing the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium, Aubrey unleashed a monumental 65-yard field goal. This extraordinary feat didn’t just secure points for his team but also marked the longest field goal in Cowboys' history and the second-longest in NFL history.
As Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy said, “He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance.” This consistency and determination exemplify a rising talent who is not just meeting expectations but surpassing them with a visible ease and confidence.
The 70-Yard Attempt
However, it was in Week 15, during an away game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, where Aubrey truly showcased his ambition and fearlessness. Faced with challenging conditions, Aubrey attempted a staggering 70-yard field goal, outdoors. John “Bones” Fassel, the Cowboys' special teams coordinator, recounted the decision-making process, saying, “We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack.”
Though audacious, the 70-yard attempt was ultimately wide to the left. The Panthers' Deven Thompkins seized the opportunity to run back the missed kick for a 37-yard return. Reflecting on the attempt, Fassel mentioned, “If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor.” His words reiterate the team’s confidence in Aubrey's ability, no matter the distance or conditions.
Navigating Challenges
Fassel was candid in his analysis of what transpired during the attempt. “You see on tape, he did a little skip step, and he just tried to drive it,” he said, highlighting the technical challenges Aubrey faced. The coordinator acknowledged the complexities of such a kick, saying, “Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra.”
The inherent risks were clear, as Fassel also noted, “The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover.” This realization underscores the fact that such long attempts not only require precise execution but also a calculated acceptance of potential outcomes.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the Cowboys have crucial upcoming games that could further test Aubrey's abilities, including two home games in Weeks 16 and 18 at AT&T Stadium, and an away game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17. As the season progresses, the Cowboys' coaching staff continues to back their kicker’s prowess. Fassel, expressing faith in Aubrey's capabilities, confidently stated, “Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure.”
Aubrey's journey this season exemplifies the marriage of talent, preparation, and boldness that defines great athletes. His performances have not only cemented his role as a key player for the Cowboys but also captivated an audience eager to see what records he will break next. Whether it's through record-setting kicks or ambitious long-range attempts, Brandon Aubrey's impact on the game is undeniable, and his bright future seems as expansive as the field from which he kicks.