Kicking Giants: Brandon Aubrey's Meteoric Rise in Dallas
Brandon Aubrey has quickly become a household name among Dallas Cowboys fans. In 2023, this former soccer player turned NFL star ascended to become the Cowboys' first-team All-Pro kicker, a role solidified by a series of jaw-dropping performances that captured the attention of the entire league. His kicking prowess has not only rewritten the Cowboys' record books, but it has also etched his name into the annals of NFL history.
A Historic Kick
Week 3 of the 2023 NFL season saw Aubrey make a signature mark when he booted a 65-yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. This particular kick didn't just give Dallas the lead; it set a new franchise record for the longest field goal and placed Aubrey's effort as the second-longest field goal in NFL history. The NFL arena, typically dominated by talks of quarterbacks and wide receivers, was suddenly a stage for Aubrey's right foot, with consistency that's been pivotal for the Cowboys.
Attempting the Unthinkable
Later in Week 15, fans watched with bated breath as Aubrey stepped up for a 70-yard field goal attempt against the Carolina Panthers. This bold chance, taken outside in Charlotte, ended up wide left, missing the mark. However, the audacity of making such an attempt underscored Aubrey's extraordinary potential. John "Bones" Fassel, Cowboys' special teams coordinator, had laid out the game plan: "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack."
The courage to make such an attempt received mixed reactions, but Fassel was optimistic: "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 the kick for 37 yards. Yet, the play highlighted Aubrey's capabilities more than any return play could undervalue it. "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," Fassel asserted.
Cowboys' Calculated Risks
"He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance," said Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy. Such words weren't just an endorsement of Aubrey’s talent; they underscored the trust and faith the coaching staff places in his abilities. However, McCarthy admitted, "I wish we were indoors," alluding to the difficulties of executing a long-range kick in varying weather conditions.
The attempt wasn’t without its risks. "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra," Fassel pointed out, emphasizing the immutable challenge of outdoor kicks, particularly of such distance. As coaches recalibrate strategies, considering the potential impacts of adverse weather, the lessons learned from the missed attempt will likely influence future decisions. "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor," Fassel noted.
Looking Ahead
With Weeks 16 and 18 games on the horizon at AT&T Stadium, fans await more opportunities to witness Aubrey's exceptional talent at work. The Cowboys' Week 17 game against the Philadelphia Eagles is another chance for Aubrey to demonstrate his mettle away from the comforts of home turf. His journey is as much about skill as it is about adapting and thriving under varying conditions. Additionally, with coaches like Fassel backing him, the promise of more daring attempts seems inevitable.
Brandon Aubrey’s story is one not just of personal achievement but emblematic of what the Dallas Cowboys aspire to be—a team pushing boundaries and embracing bold plays. As the season progresses, eyes will remain fixed on Aubrey's performance, who may yet add more lines to the NFL's record books. Until then, each kick becomes a potential story, a new opportunity to awe and inspire an audience hungry for historic performances.