The Cowboys held their first two padded practices on Monday and Tuesday.
The battle between the only two kickers on the roster, Tristan Vizcaino and Brandon Aubrey, also started.
Something I noted last week I was going to keep a close eye on.
Well, it went exactly how I and probably many others thought it would go.
On day one, Vizcaino was the first to kick, followed by Aubrey.
In the opening set, from between 33 and 45 yards in breezy conditions, according to those around the team. Both players unofficially went 5-for-7.
Vizcaino missed from 33 and 45, while Aubrey's misses were from 43 to 45.
Cowboys kickers Brandon Aubrey and Tristan Vizcaino exchanged their first turned-based field goals in kicking competition. Seven attempts each. Both made five. Vizcaino wide left from 33 and very wide left on mis-hit from 45 (video). Aubrey wide left from 43, 45. pic.twitter.com/NKSTrRIMcg
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 31, 2023
No official was under the goalpost to give the official yes or no, but those appeared to miss.
As expected, there were two early misses from both guys. Getting those first kick jitters out.
Later in practice, during “Mojo Moments,” when a standard practice becomes more like a game situation with everyone watching.
Mike McCarthy to occasionally interrupt practices for a “Mojo Moment” for third straight camp. Music plays. Game situation is announced. Team then has to execute. Today's Mojo Moments to concentrate on kicking chances for Brandon Aubrey and Tristan Vizcaino. Aubrey has impressed.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 31, 2023
During this moment, an official is under the goalpost to determine whether the kick is good.
Both kickers converted from 38, 44, and 48 when it mattered.
Both Cowboys kickers, Brandon Aubrey and Tristan Vizcaino, made all three of their kicks during the Mojo Moment portion of practice, longest coming from 48 yards pic.twitter.com/MAha1I80it
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 31, 2023
I still don't love that both kickers missed from 45 in the first session; that distance will be needed this season.
Tuesday, the second day; Aubrey went 6-for-7, missing wide right from 39, right hash. Vizcaino was 5-for-7, bouncing a 33-yarder, left hash, off left post and missing wide left from 48.
Vizcaino
Vizcaino has been with seven other teams outside of the Cowboys and went 2-for-2 on field goals and 3-for-3 on extra points with the Arizona Cardinals last season.
He went undrafted in 2018 and has only missed one field goal in his career, but is only 15-for-20 on extra points; that was why Brett Maher was let go after the playoffs last season.
Since, Maher has signed with the Denver Broncos and will be kicking in the mile high city.
Vizcaino was cut by the Chargers in 2021 when he missed an NFL-high five extra points in the first seven weeks of the season.
Aubrey
Aubrey signed with the Cowboys after playing with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL.
He has a soccer background, including playing in the MLS and college ball with Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
He was drafted in the first round in 2017 by Toronto F.C. He was then let go after one season.
After his soccer career ended, the Stallions drafted him in the USFL draft this past year.
He finished the season 14-for-15 on field goals and 35-for-35 on extra points.
After two days, I can't tell you who will win the job. I wish they would have brought in a veteran to pressure them both.
Someone like Robbie Gould or Mason Crosby. Both have made a lot of big-time kicks in the league over the years.
I lean toward Aubrey if I had to pick between the two, but I won't feel great about it until he does it when it matters during September.
It was only day one of camp, which is far from over. We will see plenty of them both as the next month goes by.
My early prediction was that one of them will win the job, and if one of them struggles the first few weeks, the Cowboys will look to bring someone in.
That is why they should have just signed a veteran now, and they won't find themselves in that spot.
Kickers win games in this league, and one of them most cost them a W.
