Brandon Aubrey has quickly proven himself as a vital asset for the Dallas Cowboys, securing his reputation as their first-team All-Pro kicker during the 2023 NFL season. His journey reached a new milestone when he booted an unforgettable 65-yard field goal in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium, setting a new record for the longest field goal in Cowboys history. This impressive feat also positioned his kick as the second-longest in NFL history, immediately drawing the attention and admiration of fans and experts alike.
His spectacular performance throughout the season has had ripple effects across the league. The journey did not stop at that historic kick. Fast forward to Week 15, and Aubrey found himself on the cusp of redefining what kickers could achieve in the NFL. In an ambitious move against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, Aubrey attempted a 70-yard field goal, a dream for the football annals. Unfortunately, this attempt landed wide to the left, but it certainly wasn't without a story.
The Risk and Strategy Behind a Legendary Attempt
Attempting such a long field goal is not merely about distance, but also involves intricate risk management and strategic planning. Cowboys' special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel commented on the team's decision-making process: "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack." It was more than just a calculated risk; it was a testament to Aubrey’s capabilities that even such distant attempts were on the table.
Fassel acknowledged the inherent risks tied to such long attempts: "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover." True enough, it was Deven Thompkins who capitalized on the opportunity, making a 37-yard return run from the missed 70-yard attempt. This highlights another critical element—the potential for a field goal attempt to instantly become a strategic play for the opposing team.
Chasing NFL History
With every career-defining moment, the environment also plays a crucial role. Mike McCarthy, Cowboys' head coach, noted the challenges posed by outdoor conditions, wishing aloud, "I wish we were indoors," reflecting the unpredictability of wind and weather that can turn any perspective game-changer into a missed opportunity. The story of Aubrey’s near-record kick will stand as a reminder that conditions are as influential as preparation.
Fassel remained optimistic about the prospects of executing a 70-yarder, reassuring fans and analysts alike: "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure." The coach emphasized the intricacies involved in Aubrey's kick, mentioning that "you see on tape, he did a little skip step, and he just tried to drive it." It was a demonstration that technical adjustments and efforts to harness every ounce of power and precision underline his attempts.
"Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra," Fassel added, assessing the ambitious play. Such kicks demand low trajectory to gain maximum distance, inherently increasing the risk of blocks and subsequent counterplays, as noted by Fassel: "It's going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands."
Looking Forward with Confidence
Weeks 16 and 18 have the Cowboys scheduled for crucial home games at AT&T Stadium, with the Week 17 away game pitting them against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys' confidence in Aubrey continues to grow, buoyed by Fassel’s assertion: "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
This season is shaping up to be an explorative arena for Aubrey, who is displaying exceptional strength and focus. The Dallas Cowboys' special teams are evidently prepared to push the boundaries of what the kicking unit can achieve, emboldened by Aubrey's remarkable precision and resilience. His consistency and adaptability have continuously impressed McCarthy, who stated, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance."
As teams strategize for the upcoming games, the favors may very well pendulum swing on such precise and powerful plays that Aubrey has consistently delivered. Whether it be wind, rain, or the solid roof of AT&T Stadium above, the narrative of stepping up to the league’s longest attempts is taking shape—and with Aubrey's leg, the Cowboys remain a formidable force on the field.