In the annals of NFL history, memorable moments are often defined by singular feats of athletic prowess. For the Dallas Cowboys, kicker Brandon Aubrey's 2023 season has already etched itself into the record books. Aubrey, the Cowboys' first-team All-Pro kicker, has turned heads with his booming kicks and cool precision under pressure.
A Record-Setting Moment
Aubrey's standout moment came in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium, where he launched a 65-yard field goal, marking the longest in the storied history of the Cowboys and the second-longest in NFL history. The kick reverberated throughout the league, prompting admiration from teammates and competitors alike. Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy couldn't hide his appreciation, remarking, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance."
The Bold 70-Yard Attempt
However, it was in Week 15 that Aubrey truly showcased his audacity and the confidence instilled in him by the Cowboys' coaching staff. In a high-stakes game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, the team decided to go for a daring 70-yard field goal attempt. The kick swirled under challenging outdoor conditions and curved wide to the left.
While the attempt fell short, the Cowboys saw potential. John "Bones" Fassel, the special teams coordinator, expressed the strategic mindset behind the decision, "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack." His words underscored the team's readiness to exploit Aubrey's long-distance kicking ability. Fassel added, "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure."
The Complexity of the Long Kick
The gutsy 70-yard attempt wasn't just about distance; it also required dealing with the potential repercussions, as Fassel candidly noted, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover." Deven Thompkins capitalized on the opportunity, returning the missed attempt for 37 yards. Nonetheless, the Cowboys' calculated risk reflected their willingness to push boundaries and adapt strategies.
Even with the wind and elements against them, Fassel remained unfazed, "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra." His comments hint at a future where such tactics might be revisited depending on game circumstances, "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
Looking Ahead
With Weeks 16 and 18 games scheduled at the familiar turf of AT&T Stadium, where Aubrey's historic kick took place, there's an anticipation of what more he might accomplish. The Cowboys' upcoming away game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 poses another thrilling scenario, where environmental factors may again dictate kicking strategy. Mike McCarthy's poignant wish before the 70-yarder, "I wish we were indoors," captures the team's hope for optimal conditions to exploit Aubrey's exceptional leg strength.
Brandon Aubrey's journey from an impressive 65-yard field goal to a near-miraculous 70-yard attempt represents not just a personal milestone but a strategic evolution for the Dallas Cowboys. The narrative of profound skill blending with ambitious play-calling has redefined the possibilities of the kicking game, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in Aubrey's kicking saga. As the season progresses, both fans and opponents will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on his every step onto the field.