In the 2023 NFL season, Brandon Aubrey has emerged as a significant asset for the Dallas Cowboys, earning his place as the team's first-team All-Pro kicker. His accomplishments are gaining attention not just from fans, but from coaches and players around the league.
In an impressive display of skill, Aubrey made a 65-yard field goal in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. This kick marked a milestone in Cowboys history as the longest successful field goal ever for the team, and it ranks as the second-longest in NFL history. Such a feat has set the standard high for Aubrey and solidified his reputation as one of the most formidable kickers in the league.
High-Stakes Field Goals
As the season progressed, Aubrey continued to demonstrate his range. In a Week 15 matchup, he attempted a bold 70-yard field goal outdoors against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte. Although his attempt was wide to the left, Cowboys' special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel noted the potential that Aubrey has, stating, "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure."
Fassel's confidence in Aubrey's abilities is unwavering. "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack," he mentioned, reflecting on the team's strategy for long-field goals. However, there's an inherent risk in such attempts, as Fassel pointed out, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover."
The Science and Strategy Behind the Kick
Breaking down the 70-yard attempt, Fassel observed, "You see on tape, he did a little skip step, and he just tried to drive it." The unique movement was part of Aubrey's technique to maximize distance. Attempting such long kicks outdoors, especially into the wind, presents added challenges. "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra," Fassel explained.
The risk of a low trajectory kick being blocked is ever-present. "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands," added Fassel, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of these high-stakes attempts. In this instance, Deven Thompkins ran back the missed kick for 37 yards, demonstrating the potential downside of such ambitious efforts.
Coach's Perspective and Team Strategy
Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy has expressed admiration for Aubrey's performance. "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance," McCarthy praised, highlighting the kicker's reliability. Despite the missed 70-yard attempt, the coaching staff remains firm in their belief in Aubrey’s capabilities and strategic importance.
McCarthy, acknowledging the conditions in Charlotte, quipped, "I wish we were indoors." The environmental factors are a significant consideration for long kicks, impacting decisions on whether to attempt them.
Looking towards future games, the Cowboys have two matches, in Weeks 16 and 18, scheduled at AT&T Stadium, providing Aubrey the familiar comfort of controlled conditions. However, the Week 17 away game against the Philadelphia Eagles will test Aubrey's consistency and the strategic decisions of the coaching staff once more.
As the season progresses and the Cowboys aim for postseason success, all eyes will be on Brandon Aubrey and his ability to deliver under pressure. The team's confidence in his leg strength, coupled with the strategic insights of Fassel and McCarthy, will be crucial as they pursue their championship aspirations. Should the opportunity arise again, Fassel is clear in his stance: "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
Brandon Aubrey's story is not just about impressive distances and record-setting kicks; it's about a player who embodies the spirit of determination, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, all wrapped in the grandeur of NFL ambitions. As the Cowboys continue their campaign, Aubrey’s kicking prowess remains indispensable, a testament to his remarkable ascent in the league.