Brandon Aubrey's Historic Season Propels Cowboys' Special Teams
In the 2023 NFL season, Brandon Aubrey has become a beacon of consistency and excellence as the Dallas Cowboys' first-team All-Pro kicker. His remarkable performance during the season has not only broken records but also set a new standard for kickers across the league.
Record-Breaking Performance
In a thrilling Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium, Aubrey etched his name into the history books by kicking a 65-yard field goal. This extraordinary feat was not only the longest in Dallas Cowboys history but also the second-longest in NFL history. It was a testament to Aubrey’s incredible power and precision, qualities that have defined his standout season.
Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy expressed his admiration, saying, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance." Such consistency has become Aubrey’s hallmark, placing him among the NFL's elite kickers.
The Ambitious 70-Yard Attempt
The ambitious spirit of the Cowboys' special teams was on full display during Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers. In Charlotte, outdoors, Aubrey attempted a colossal 70-yard field goal. Special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel had been vocal about Aubrey’s capabilities, asserting, "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure."
Despite the kick ultimately going wide to the left, Fassel remained optimistic. "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack," he explained. The anticipation surrounding Aubrey's attempt was palpable, and even though it didn’t sail between the uprights, it underscored the tremendous trust the team has in his abilities.
The missed kick provided an opportunity for Deven Thompkins, who ran it back for 37 yards. Fassel commented on the dynamics of such long attempts, noting, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover." The risk and reward of attempting such monumental field goals are a calculated decision, one the Cowboys seem willing to take.
Strategic Considerations and Future Prospects
The challenges posed by the 70-yard attempt didn’t go unnoticed. "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra," Fassel elaborated, highlighting the difficulties faced during outdoor conditions. McCarthy, too, expressed a hint of wistfulness for ideal kicking conditions, stating, "I wish we were indoors."
Fassel's analysis was candid about the possible outcomes of these long-distance attempts: "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands." The strategic implications are significant, yet there's a clear confidence within the team to embrace such challenges again. "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor," Fassel concluded.
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
As the season progresses, Aubrey and the Cowboys will return to the familiar turf of AT&T Stadium for Weeks 16 and 18, offering the comforts of home field to potentially replicate—or surpass—his previous achievements. Sandwiched between these home games is a pivotal Week 17 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles away, where Aubrey's kicking prowess could once again prove crucial.
Brandon Aubrey's 2023 season has been nothing short of sensational. His performances have not only contributed significantly to the Cowboys' success but have also captivated fans and analysts alike. With a blend of historical achievement and future potential, Aubrey remains a player to watch, as he continues to redefine the boundaries of what a kicker can achieve in the NFL.