Preseason NFL games often go unnoticed, lacking the high-stakes drama that fuels fan fervor. However, in a recent game, a remarkable event captured the attention of many: Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey shattered records with a stunning 66-yard field goal during the Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. While preseason stats don't make it into the NFL's official record book, Aubrey's achievement sets a new bar for exceptional preseason performances.
The significance of Aubrey's feat cannot be overstated. His 66-yard field goal tied the NFL overall record set by Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker's kick was a dramatic, game-winning effort that secured a 19-17 victory for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions. Although Aubrey's achievement came during the less consequential environment of a preseason game, it is no less impressive.
A New Preseason Benchmark
Aubrey's field goal surpassed the previous preseason record held by Ola Kimrin, who nailed a 65-yard kick in 2002 while with the Denver Broncos. Despite his astonishing display of power, Kimrin played only five career regular-season games in the NFL, all with Washington in 2004, and had a 60% success rate on field goals. Notably, he missed a crucial attempt from beyond 50 yards during his brief career.
At the time of Kimrin's record-setting performance, only four field goals in NFL history had exceeded the 60-yard mark. Fast forward to today, and the NFL has recorded a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play between 2003 and 2023. This statistic underscores the increasing athleticism and skill of kickers in the modern era.
Consistency and Confidence
What distinguishes Aubrey's achievement is not just the distance but also the consistency and confidence he brings to his role. NFL's Next Gen Stats indicate that Aubrey’s 66-yarder would have been good from 72 yards, a testament to his extraordinary leg strength. Aubrey himself has confidently noted, "I have successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice."
This level of prowess sets high expectations as the Cowboys transition from preseason to regular season. In a sport where games are often decided by razor-thin margins, having a kicker capable of game-changing moments can be invaluable.
The Road Ahead
As the preseason winds down, the Dallas Cowboys look forward to integrating Aubrey's skills into their regular season strategy. His performance not only boosts his personal profile but also adds a vital weapon to the Cowboys' arsenal. If Aubrey can replicate his preseason success under the high-pressure conditions of regular-season games, he could become a pivotal figure for the Cowboys.
In a league where the margin between victory and defeat can often be a single play, Brandon Aubrey’s record-tying kick is a hopeful harbinger for Cowboys fans. It also serves as a reminder of the untapped potential that preseason games, often overlooked, can reveal.
The world of professional sports is full of fleeting moments of brilliance. For Brandon Aubrey, his 66-yard field goal is one such moment, immortalized not in official stat books but in the annals of preseason lore, forever tying him with the great Justin Tucker. Whether this will translate to long-term success in the regular season remains to be seen, but for now, Aubrey has certainly made his mark.