Preseason NFL games often operate in the shadows, lacking the high-octane drama and stakes that fans yearn for. However, the recent performance of Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has pulled preseason action squarely into the spotlight. During the Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Aubrey executed a jaw-dropping 66-yard field goal, a feat that has not only sparked discussions but also rewritten the standards for extraordinary preseason performances.
Aubrey Matches NFL Record
Aubrey’s 66-yard achievement ties the NFL overall record for the longest field goal, a record initially set by Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker's record-breaking kick was a climactic moment, sealing a 19-17 victory for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions in a high-pressure scenario. While preseason records don't carry the same weight as regular-season ones, the sheer athleticism required for Aubrey's kick warrants recognition.
Before Aubrey’s display of precision and power, Ola Kimrin held the preseason record with a 65-yarder in 2002. Kimrin, who was part of the Denver Broncos' training camp at the time, eventually played in only five career regular-season games in the NFL and ended his career with a 60% success rate on field goals, including a significant miss from beyond 50 yards. Aubrey joining the likes of Tucker and Kimrin is a testament to how rare and remarkable such feats are within the NFL, whether in preseason or regular-season play.
Defining a New Standard
The significance of Aubrey's kick extends beyond just setting a new preseason benchmark. As of this writing, only Tucker and Aubrey have managed to hit a field goal longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder, considering both preseason and regular-season games. NFL's Next Gen Stats provided additional context to the magnitude of Aubrey’s kick, indicating that it would have been good from an astounding 72 yards. This precision and power in Aubrey's kicks highlight his potential as a game-changing asset for the Cowboys as the regular season approaches.
Brandon Aubrey’s confidence in his kicking abilities has not gone unnoticed. "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice," which sheds light on the rigorous preparation and sheer skill behind his record-tying performance. Such achievements in practice often lay the groundwork for monumental moments in games, and Aubrey's preseason exploits suggest he may be primed for similar heroics when the stakes are higher.
The Significance for the Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys appear to have found more than just a regular kicker. Aubrey's performance suggests he can deliver in high-stakes situations, a quality that could be invaluable come the regular season. In a league where the margin of error is often razor-thin, having a kicker capable of making long-distance field goals with such consistency can be a game-changer. Whether it's sealing a game in the final seconds or providing a morale boost with a record-breaking kick, Aubrey's leg could very well become one of the Cowboys' most potent weapons.
As the preseason winds down and the regular season looms on the horizon, the buzz surrounding Aubrey's 66-yard field goal may serve as a precursor to more thrilling moments ahead. The Cowboys' faithful and the wider NFL audience will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on this emerging talent, eager to see how his preseason promise translates into regular-season performance. For now, Brandon Aubrey has already carved out a niche in NFL history, proving that even preseason games can deliver unforgettable moments.