Brandon Aubrey: A Kicker Rising to Historical Heights
The 2023 NFL season has been one for the record books, especially for the Dallas Cowboys' Brandon Aubrey. Cementing his reputation as the first-team All-Pro kicker, Aubrey's impressive feats have not gone unnoticed, particularly after his stunning performance in Week 3. At AT&T Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens, Aubrey delivered a 65-yard field goal, setting a new benchmark as the longest kick in Cowboys history and the second-longest in NFL history. Such feats have not only placed him in the spotlight but have also provided the Cowboys with a reliable weapon in their special teams' arsenal.
The meticulous consistency exhibited by Aubrey has been a focal point for analysts and fans alike. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has publicly admired Aubrey’s prowess, stating, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance." This unwavering precision has been a game-changer for the Cowboys, who rely heavily on Aubrey's ability to secure vital points under pressure.
An Ambitious 70-Yard Attempt
Brandon Aubrey's audacious 70-yard field goal attempt in Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers is another testament to his audacity and the trust placed in him by the Cowboys' coaching staff. Though his 70-yard attempt went wide to the left, it was a decision reflective of the Cowboys' dynamic approach spearheaded by special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel. As Fassel put it, "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack." Despite the miss, Aubrey’s capability for such attempts reinforces his potential as one of the premier kickers in the league.
Seeing an opportunity and seizing it is key in the competitive world of professional football. Fassel and the coaching staff understand the inherent risks of such long-distance kicks, especially in an outdoor environment with variable elements. Fassel, acknowledging the challenges, remarked, "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra." Even with the miss, the Cowboys demonstrate resilience by trusting their player to push limits, knowing the broader impact on special teams dynamics.
Strategic Decision-Making
The strategy behind such a lengthy field goal attempt lies not only in the kicker's abilities but also in the calculated risk management by the team. As Fassel wryly observed, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover." This acknowledgment of potential pitfalls reflects the delicate balance teams must maintain between ambitious plays and strategic caution.
Deven Thompkins made sure to capitalize on the situation when he ran back the missed 70-yard field goal attempt for a 37-yard gain. This play underscores the delicate nature of field goal attempts from extreme distances, where outcomes can pivot dramatically. Under such circumstances, every decision is crucial, with considerations for locations, conditions, and the overall game plan becoming paramount.
Looking Forward
With Weeks 16 and 18 slated to occur at the presumably more kicker-friendly confines of AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys and their fans are hopeful for more spectacular plays from Aubrey. The team's collective confidence in their kicker affords them more versatility in crucial game situations. As Fassel put it succinctly, "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
The upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 presents yet another opportunity for Aubrey to add to his growing legend, albeit in an away setting. These matches will further test his capabilities and reinforce his critical role in the Cowboys' quest for postseason success.
Brandon Aubrey's journey this season is a compelling narrative of talent meeting opportunity, fortified by coaching trust and tactical innovation. As he continues to write his legacy, the Cowboys look poised to leverage their special teams' prowess in ways that could tilt the balance in closely contested matchups, thrilling fans and supporters alike.