In the annals of Dallas Cowboys history, certain moments etch themselves indelibly in the memory of fans and players alike. One such moment was captured in 2023 when Brandon Aubrey emerged not only as a first-team All-Pro kicker but as a pivotal figure in the Cowboys' season.
A Historic Kick
During the third week of the season, Aubrey shattered expectations with a breathtaking 65-yard field goal at AT&T Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens, marking the longest successful kick in the franchise's storied history. Only one other field goal surpassed this feat in the entire history of the National Football League. The significance of this achievement was not lost on Cowboys’ head coach Mike McCarthy, who remarked, "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance."
Going the Extra Mile
Aubrey’s prowess was put to a formidable test in Week 15 when the Cowboys faced the Carolina Panthers. With the score tight, special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel saw an opportunity to exploit Aubrey's extraordinary leg strength. "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack," Fassel recalled. The tension was palpable as Aubrey lined up for an audacious 70-yard field goal attempt under the open skies of Charlotte. "I wish we were indoors," McCarthy candidly admitted, reflecting the anxiety and excitement surrounding the attempt.
Alas, the formidable challenge proved too great, as Aubrey’s kick drifted wide to the left. The ball remained in play long enough for Deven Thompkins of the Panthers to return it for 37 yards. Fassel commented on the risk of such long attempts, stating, "The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover." The play clearly demonstrated the dramatic stakes involved in pushing the limits of an NFL kicker.
Calculated Risks and Future Opportunities
Despite the miss, Fassel exhibited unwavering confidence in his kicker. "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," he asserted, underscoring Aubrey's capability to achieve the extraordinary. Reflecting on the mechanics of Aubrey's long-distance attempts, Fassel noted, "You see on tape, he did a little skip step, and he just tried to drive it." The dynamics of executing a 70-yard attempt "into the wind," as Fassel described, required more than just power; it demanded precision amid uncontrollable elements. "It’s going to come out low, and a block, you never know who ends up with the ball in their hands," he added, highlighting the complexity and potential unpredictability of kick attempts on this scale.
As the Cowboys prepare for their remaining matches of the season, two key games await at the familiar confines of AT&T Stadium in Weeks 16 and 18, with a challenging away game against the Philadelphia Eagles sandwiched in between. For Fassel, the ambition remains steadfast: "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor."
Brandon Aubrey's journey in the 2023 season illustrates not only his impressive skill set but also the ambitious nature of the Dallas Cowboys' approach to special teams. Through strategic risk-taking and a ceaseless quest for excellence, the Cowboys are crafting a narrative of boldness and innovation—a legacy in their pursuit of victory. Whether indoors or confronting the elements, the Cowboys seem poised to chart a future rich with promise and potential, led by the extraordinary capabilities of one Brandon Aubrey.