Brandon Aubrey's Meteoric Rise as Cowboys' Kicking Sensation
In the world of sports, the tales of triumphant performances often reverberate long beyond the echo of the final whistle. For the Dallas Cowboys, 2023 will be remembered as the year Brandon Aubrey left an indelible mark on the team’s storied legacy. Emerging as the Cowboys' first-team All-Pro kicker, Aubrey's remarkable feats on the gridiron have captivated fans and defined crucial moments in the team's current season.
His performance in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium was nothing short of historic. Aubrey delivered a sensational 65-yard field goal, which not only shattered the Cowboys' previous record for longest kick but also became the second-longest in NFL history. The kick, impressive in both distance and precision, underlined his significance to the team and the league at large.
Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy didn't mince words when discussing Aubrey’s prowess, expressing admiration for his consistency, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance," McCarthy stated, encapsulating the sentiments of the fanbase and coaching staff alike.
The drama of Aubrey's season didn't end there. Fast forward to Week 15, where an audacious decision by the Cowboys' special teams put Aubrey on the precipice of yet another historic achievement. Attempting a 70-yard field goal outdoors against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte nudged the boundaries of kicking excellence. While the attempt veered wide to the left, it stood as a testament to his extraordinary capabilities. John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys' special teams coordinator, shared insights into the play’s bold strategy. "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack," Fassel revealed, highlighting the team's willingness to push limits.
Such attempts aren't without risk, and the Cowboys were mindful of the tactical nuances. "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover," Fassel remarked, underscoring the balance of ambition and caution needed in such scenarios. Yet, for Fassel, Aubrey's capability was never in question. "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," he confidently asserted.
The high stakes of a 70-yard attempt, especially outdoors and into the wind, were palpably felt. Fassel detailed the unique requirements of such a play, "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra," and acknowledged the inherent vulnerabilities, "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands."
Despite the miss, the opportunity highlighted both Aubrey's potential and the Cowboys' forward-thinking approach. The specifics of outdoor kicking, compounded by the challenges of distance and weather, remain a focal point in strategizing. "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor," Fassel remarked, hinting at future endeavors that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Ahead lie key fixtures, with Weeks 16 and 18 scheduled at the familiar environs of AT&T Stadium. Nestled within these home games is a crucial Week 17 journey to face the Philadelphia Eagles, where the Cowboys could use Aubrey's golden toe more than ever.
For Aubrey and the Cowboys, 2023 is shaping up to be a year where ambition meets reality, and kicker becomes a linchpin of success. As the Cowboys advance in their season, the narrative of Brandon Aubrey pushing boundaries and rewriting histories is one that will continue to unfold, much to the delight of football aficionados around the globe.