Brandon Aubrey's Historic Season with the Dallas Cowboys
In an NFL season marked by record-shattering performances and nail-biting finishes, the Dallas Cowboys' kicker, Brandon Aubrey, has emerged as a standout player in 2023. The Cowboys' first-team All-Pro kicker has consistently demonstrated his prowess, leaving an indelible mark on the team and the league.
A Record-Breaking Kick
Aubrey etched his name into the Cowboys' history books with a spectacular 65-yard field goal during Week 3 at AT&T Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens. This kick not only set a new franchise record for distance but also claimed the spot as the second-longest field goal in NFL history. His remarkable ability to perform consistently from such extreme ranges has earned him high praise, especially from Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy, who remarked, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance."
Audacious 70-Yard Attempt
The season took another dramatic turn in Week 15 when the Cowboys faced the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte. Aubrey, showcasing the kind of audacity that has characterized his season, attempted a daunting 70-yard field goal. Unfortunately, the attempt sailed wide to the left but did nothing to diminish his reputation. John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys' special teams coordinator, highlighted Aubrey's potential by saying, "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure." Despite the miss, there was a palpable sense of confidence in Aubrey’s capability to strike from Great distances.
This ambitious attempt also came with its own risks. Fassel acknowledged the potential consequences of such a long attempt, explaining, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover." Indeed, Deven Thompkins capitalized on the miss, returning it for 37 yards, yet the boldness of Aubrey's attempt remains a testament to his skills and Fassel’s faith in his abilities.
The Strategic Mindset Behind the Kick
Fassel's strategic thinking was evident throughout the game as he navigated the challenges of an outdoor attempt with variable conditions. "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra," he commented, reflecting on the complexities Aubrey faced that day. Despite the challenges, the decision reveals the Cowboys' willingness to push the boundaries. As Fassel confidently noted, "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Aubrey and his potential to continue delivering clutch performances. The Cowboys will be playing their Weeks 16 and 18 games at AT&T Stadium, with Week 17 marking an away game challenge against the Philadelphia Eagles. Given Aubrey's already impressive displays, fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting his next opportunity to kick his way into the record books once more.
While the rest of the season unfolds, one thing is clear: Brandon Aubrey has cemented his place as a key player in the Cowboys' roster and one of the most exciting kickers in the league. As the Cowboys aim for postseason glory, Aubrey's ability to score from afar might just be the X-factor to propel them forward. For now, he continues to embody the spirit and audacity of a franchise renowned for its larger-than-life potential.