Brandon Aubrey: Redefining Distance in Dallas
In the 2023 NFL season, a new star emerged in the realm of special teams: Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys' kicker, who has not only cemented his position as an All-Pro but has also set remarkable records along the way. Aubrey's extraordinary leg strength and precision have made him a standout in a league that often recognizes scoring from a distance as one of its most thrilling feats.
Among Aubrey's remarkable achievements this year was a jaw-dropping 65-yard field goal during Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens at the Cowboys’ own AT&T Stadium. This feat not only marked the longest kick in franchise history but also positioned itself as the second-longest field goal in the annals of the NFL. Such a display of talent invited high praise from various corners, including Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, who remarked, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance."
Taking Aim from Afar
In a nod to the growing confidence in Aubrey's abilities, the Cowboys were willing to attempt what many teams might have considered a high-risk play. It was Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte when Aubrey lined up for an ambitious 70-yard field goal under open skies. The outcome was a miss, with the ball sailing wide to the left, yet the act itself was a testament to Aubrey's capabilities and the faith his coaches placed in him.
"Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," asserted John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys' special teams coordinator. His comment encapsulated the boldness of the attempt, acknowledging the raw power Aubrey harnesses in his right leg. Fassel's strategic outlook underscored a willingness to adapt to conditions, expressing, "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
The consequences of missing such a long-range attempt were aptly illustrated when Deven Thompkins collected the miss and executed a 37-yard return, demonstrating the potential risks involved if the kick distances extend too far without finding the posts.
Strategic Gamble
Juggling tactical daring and strategic prudence is the hallmark of any seasoned special teams coach. Fassel’s approach to these high-stake kicks is calculated and pragmatic. He stated, "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack." His understanding of the dynamics involved in long-distance kicking was evident when he added, "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands."
Such ventures inevitably spark discussions around the balance between showcasing a kicker's capabilities and managing the inherent risks. The outdoor setting in Charlotte presented an additional challenge for Aubrey. McCarthy succinctly captured the sentiment of wishing for controlled conditions: "I wish we were indoors."
Future Prospects
As the Cowboys gear up for their upcoming games—Weeks 16 and 18 at the familiar confines of AT&T Stadium and a Week 17 away game potentially challenging against the Philadelphia Eagles—Aubrey’s presence is more critical than ever. Whether it is clarion calls for the kicker to define game results with his prodigious range or to fortify leads with build-on points, his role remains pivotal in the Cowboys' strategies.
Brandon Aubrey's precision and power have been tested throughout the season, each game serving as both a trial and exhibition of his evolving prowess. As McCarthy and Fassel continue to steer the Cowboys through the playoff race, one thing remains clear: Aubrey's extensive kicking range will be of prime importance, as will the tactical decisions revolving around it in the stakes of the NFC playoff contention.