The Cowboy with a Legendary Leg: Brandon Aubrey's Remarkable Season
In the high-stakes world of NFL football, moments of greatness often come down to a single play, and for the Dallas Cowboys' kicker Brandon Aubrey, those moments have become his calling card. In a dramatic display of skill and nerve, Aubrey has swiftly carved out a name for himself in 2023, not only as the Cowboys' first-team All-Pro kicker but also as a genuine threat to NFL records.
A Record-Breaking Kick
It was Week 3 at AT&T Stadium, where Cowboy legends are made and history is imprinted on the hallowed turf. Aubrey delivered a masterpiece—a 65-yard field goal that soared through the air, against the Baltimore Ravens, setting a new franchise record for the Cowboys. It was the longest kick ever recorded by the team and the second-longest in NFL history. The crowd erupted, their cheers echoing the magnitude of his achievement.
Commenting on Aubrey's incredible consistency, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy stated, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance." This consistency has been vital for the Cowboys, providing them with an edge in tight games.
The 70-Yard Gamble
As the season progressed to Week 15, the Cowboys found themselves in Charlotte, facing the Carolina Panthers. It was here that Aubrey attempted a feat few have dared—a 70-yard field goal outdoors. As fans watched breathless with anticipation, the kick arced through the sky, but ultimately drifted wide to the left.
In the blink of an eye, Deven Thompkins seized the opportunity presented by the missed attempt, running the ball back for 37 yards. The play, exhilarating yet bittersweet, was a testament to the high-stakes gamble taken by John "Bones" Fassel, Cowboys' special teams coordinator, who unapologetically remarked, "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack." For Fassel, the risk was tangible, as he stated, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover." Yet, the belief in Aubrey's abilities remained unshaken. "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," Fassel confidently expressed.
Challenges and Conditions
Aubrey's attempt wasn't just a test of distance but also of environmental conditions—a factor not lost on Fassel, who mused, "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra." The effort required to drive the ball such a distance was a calculated gamble, and Fassel's analysis was clear: "It's going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands."
Still, Fassel's resolve and strategy for capitalizing on Aubrey's kicking prowess don't waver: "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor." This determination speaks volumes about the trust placed in Aubrey's ability to deliver under pressure, solidifying his role as a crucial component of the Cowboys' strategy.
Looking Forward
As the Cowboys turn their eyes to the remaining weeks of the season, Aubrey’s compelling performances will undoubtedly be at the forefront of their campaign. With upcoming home games in Weeks 16 and 18 at AT&T Stadium and a pivotal away matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, the stage is set for Aubrey to potentially craft more landmark moments.
Aubrey's leg continues to be a fierce weapon in the Cowboys' arsenal. His impact on the field of play serves as a reminder of the thrilling, unpredictable nature of NFL football, where legends aren't just born—they're kicked into existence. As Dallas fans and teammates rally behind their All-Pro kicker, the expectation remains high: to embrace each opportunity with the same precision and confidence that have defined Aubrey's breakout season with the Cowboys.