Brandon Aubrey: A Trailblazer in Dallas Cowboys' History
In the ever-evolving arena of the NFL, certain moments crystallize into history. This season, Brandon Aubrey etched his name into the annals of the Dallas Cowboys by becoming the team's first-team All-Pro kicker, a testament to his exceptional skill and unyielding dedication. His journey, marked by significant accomplishments and audacious feats, reflects both individual prowess and strategic boldness from the Cowboys' coaching cadre.
The 65-Yard Masterstroke
Earlier in the season, during a scintillating Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium, Aubrey achieved what many kickers only dream of—a staggering 65-yard field goal. This wasn't just a personal record for Aubrey; it was the longest field goal in the history of the Cowboys and the second longest ever recorded in the NFL. Such a feat demanded nothing short of perfection in precision and power, and Aubrey delivered with aplomb, creating a landmark moment for both himself and the franchise.
Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy was all praises, stating, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance." Indeed, consistency seems to be the hallmark of Aubrey's performances this season, underscoring his well-earned All-Pro status.
The Bold 70-Yard Attempt
However, the season unfolded further drama as Aubrey attempted an audacious 70-yard field goal against the Carolina Panthers in Week 15. The Panthers' outdoor venue in Charlotte presented less-than-ideal conditions for such a daring kick. "I wish we were indoors," McCarthy remarked, highlighting the tangible challenges posed by the open stadium and variable wind conditions.
The attempt, ultimately falling wide to the left, was a spectacle of courage and ambition. Cowboys' special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel captured the essence of their audacious strategy: "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack." Despite the miss, Aubrey's confidence was evident, as Fassel affirmed, "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure."
As the ball soared into the windy horizon, the unforeseen happened… Deven Thompkins seized the opportunity to run back the missed kick for 37 yards, illustrating the high-risk, high-reward nature of such an extraordinary attempt. "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover," Fassel noted, aware of the possible outcomes of their bold decision. He acknowledged the unique challenges with a 70-yarder: "Seventy-yarder into the wind, that was different, and that was going to take extra."
Beyond The Miss: A Testament of Grit
Despite the missed 70-yard attempt, the Cowboys' faith in Aubrey remains steadfast. Fassel reflected on the attempt as a valuable learning experience, stating, "You see on tape, he did a little skip step, and he just tried to drive it." He elaborated on the intricacies involved: "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands." Yet, undeterred by the outcome, Fassel's resolve was clear: "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
The Road Ahead
With Weeks 16 and 18 games ahead at the familiar confines of AT&T Stadium, Aubrey and the Cowboys look to fortify their home-field dominance. Sandwiched between these is an away contest against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, a fixture that will test the mettle and adaptability of Aubrey and the entire special teams unit.
As the season progresses, each kick from Aubrey is not merely a scoring attempt but an encapsulation of strategy, trust, and ambition. His journey with the Cowboys this season exemplifies the thrill and uncertainty intrinsic to sports, where records are not just chased but shattered, and limits are relentlessly pushed.
For Dallas, and for Aubrey, the campaign is far from over—a saga of grit and tenacity promises further history to be written in both leather and laces. As Aubrey sets his sights on upcoming challenges, the anticipation isn't just in potential victories, but in the very pursuit of greatness itself.