Brandon Aubrey's Record-Breaking Season: A Kicker's Journey to Excellence
In an illustrious 2023 season, Brandon Aubrey has etched his name in the annals of the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL. The kicker’s journey has been marked by tenacity, precision, and record-breaking feats, most notably earning the Cowboys’ first-team All-Pro recognition.
Aubrey’s performance in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium captivated fans and critics alike when he launched a stunning 65-yard field goal. This kick not only secured the Cowboys’ victory but also set a new franchise record for the longest field goal, positioning it as the second-longest in NFL history. Such an achievement underscored Aubrey’s prowess and ability to deliver under pressure.
Reflecting on Aubrey’s consistency, Cowboys’ head coach Mike McCarthy expressed his admiration. "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance," McCarthy remarked, highlighting the kicker’s reliability as a cornerstone for the team.
However, perhaps the most audacious moment of the season came in Week 15, when Aubrey attempted a daunting 70-yard field goal against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte. Despite the strategic call by special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel, the attempt fell short, veering wide to the left. "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," Fassel assured, reinforcing the confidence in Aubrey’s capabilities despite the missed opportunity.
The decision to attempt such a long field goal outdoors was emblematic of the Cowboys' audacious play style this season. "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack," Fassel explained, underscoring the team’s aggressive strategy. The conditions were less than ideal, with Fassel pointing out, "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra."
The rapidly executed play was not without its risks. "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover," noted Fassel. His concerns were validated when Deven Thompkins returned the missed kick for 37 yards, an outcome that surely prompted a collective holding of breath on the Cowboys' sideline.
Despite the missed 70-yard attempt, Aubrey’s potential remains unblemished in the eyes of his coaches. Fassel indicated a strong willingness for another attempt if similar conditions arise. "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor," he stated, suggesting that the Cowboys are undeterred by the initial setback.
As the Cowboys look to the remaining weeks of the regular season, Aubrey’s trajectory remains a focal point of interest. With Weeks 16 and 18 pegged for home turf at AT&T Stadium, and a challenging away game in Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles, the stage is set for Aubrey to once again showcase his remarkable leg strength and precision.
McCarthy’s wistful observation, "I wish we were indoors," hints at the challenges of outdoor play but also reflects the team's overarching confidence in their kicker's ability to rise beyond adversities. Aubrey’s journey this season illustrates not just the power and precision of his kicking but also the strategic intricacies of NFL special teams play.
In the high-stakes world of professional football, Brandon Aubrey has emerged as a vital asset to the Dallas Cowboys, exhibiting both the physical and mental attributes that make him stand out. As fans and analysts continue to watch his progress, one thing is certain: Brandon Aubrey is a name set to resonate in the NFL for seasons to come.