The 2023 NFL season has seen several standout performances, but few have been as eye-catching as Brandon Aubrey's spectacular feats with the Dallas Cowboys. With his record-breaking kicks and remarkable consistency, Aubrey has quickly become a centerpiece for the team, earning the title of first-team All-Pro kicker—a first in Cowboys history.
An Unprecedented Record
In Week 3, Aubrey etched his name in the annals of Cowboys lore with a jaw-dropping 65-yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. This kick was not only a personal triumph for Aubrey but also a historic moment for the Cowboys franchise, marking the longest successful field goal in their history and the second-longest in the history of the NFL. Such accomplishments have left fans and analysts alike in awe of his abilities.
The immense pressure and skill required to execute such long-range attempts make Aubrey's achievement all the more remarkable. As Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy noted, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance," underscoring the confidence the team places in Aubrey's abilities to perform under pressure.
Facing the Elements
While his 65-yard kick was a feat unto itself, Aubrey's ambition showed no bounds as he attempted an almost unimaginable 70-yard field goal in Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte. Unfortunately, the outdoors setting, coupled with challenging winds, proved to be a formidable adversary, and the kick was wide to the left.
Discussing the audacious attempt, special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel remarked, "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure." However, even Fassel recognized the risks associated with such long attempts: "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra." With such candid reflections, it's clear that Aubrey and the coaching staff are both ambitious and calculated in their efforts.
Following the missed kick, Deven Thompkins seized the opportunity to run it back for 37 yards, illustrating the dynamic nature and potential consequences of attempting field goals from such great distances. Fassel acknowledged the potential pitfalls, stating, "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands."
Strategic Calculations
The Cowboys' tactical approach to these long-range field goal attempts is emblematic of their broader strategic mindset. As Fassel explained, "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack." His comments convey a mixture of strategic planning and the willingness to take calculated risks when the opportunity arises.
Despite the unsuccessful attempt in Week 15, the team remains unfazed. "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor," Fassel assured, reflecting the Cowboys' resilience and forward-thinking approach. Their strategic adaptability suggests that Aubrey's 70-yard field goal attempt will not be a singular event.
Looking Ahead
The remaining schedule presents opportunities for Aubrey to further cement his legendary status. With games in Weeks 16 and 18 at AT&T Stadium, a familiar environment offers him ideal conditions to potentially attempt such long-range kicks again. The Week 17 away game against the formidable Philadelphia Eagles poses another challenge, but one that is likely embraced by a player of Aubrey's caliber and the team’s strategic mindset.
As the season progresses, the emphasis will remain on harnessing Aubrey's incredible talent while balancing the natural risks involved with long-field goals. For now, Brandon Aubrey stands not only as a beacon of excellence for the Dallas Cowboys but as a symbol of the exhilarating possibilities inherent in professional sports.