Kicking Beyond Limits: Brandon Aubrey’s Remarkable Season
The 2023 NFL season has witnessed an exceptional performance from Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys' first-team All-Pro kicker, whose feats have amazed both teammates and fans alike. Thriving under the spotlight, Aubrey has navigated pivotal moments and unparalleled challenges that have cemented his reputation as one of the league's most formidable kickers.
On a memorable afternoon at AT&T Stadium during Week 3, Aubrey delivered a remarkable 65-yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens. This sensational kick not only epitomized his soaring career trajectory but also became a historical milestone, marking the longest field goal in Cowboys' history and just a yard short of the NFL's record. "He's so impressive with his consistency from that distance," remarked Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy, highlighting the prowess and reliability Aubrey brings to the field with every confident swing of his leg.
However, pulling off these remarkable feats comes with risks. In a bold move during Week 15, the Cowboys pushed the boundaries once more as Aubrey stepped up for an unparalleled 70-yard field goal attempt against the Carolina Panthers. The outdoor conditions in Charlotte posed an extra challenge, resulting in the kick veering wide to the left. Despite the miss, the attempt itself drew admiration and awe across the football community for its sheer ambitiousness. "We said if we get anywhere in that neck of the woods, we're going to give it a big old whack," commented John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys' special teams coordinator, emphasizing their readiness to test the limits of Aubrey's powerful leg.
Fassel candidly acknowledged the inherent risks involved with such long-distance endeavors. “The worst thing that could happen is they put a returner back there, and we have to cover," he noted, stressing the complexities of long-range kicking in the NFL. Indeed, the Panthers' Deven Thompkins capitalized on the missed attempt, managing a 37-yard return, a testament to the high-stakes gamble involved in such plays.
Reflecting on the conditions, McCarthy expressed a wish shared by many coaches facing open-air challenges. "I wish we were indoors," he mused, a sentiment that underscores the unpredictability outdoor elements can introduce. Despite the wind's interference, Aubrey’s strength and potential remain undeniable. "Yeah, he's got 70 in him, for sure," Fassel asserted, reinforcing the confidence the team places in Aubrey's extraordinary abilities.
As the Cowboys prepare for critical end-of-season games at AT&T Stadium in Weeks 16 and 18, and a crucial away matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, the lessons learned from these audacious attempts are clear. While the pursuit of greatness requires occasional trials of endurance and skill against nature's elements, the Cowboys remain undaunted. "If we get in that position again, I'm sure we'll attempt it again, taking the conditions into factor," Fassel confidently stated, illustrating the team’s unwavering belief in pushing past boundaries while remaining adaptable to the challenges of each play.
Brandon Aubrey's 2023 journey marks a narrative of courage, precision, and relentless pursuit of excellence. As fans eagerly watch, it remains certain that Aubrey will continue kicking his way into the record books and the hearts of football aficionados everywhere.