Ever since K Dan Bailey was released by the Dallas Cowboys before the 2017 season, there have been question marks at the position.
During Bailey's Cowboys tenure (2011-2016), he was dubbed Mr. Automatic because when he lined up to kick a field goal, you didn't even have to look at the television to know it would be successful.
The 2023 season brought new life to the kicking game in the form of former MLS 1st round draft pick Brandon Aubrey.
It also brings that comfortable feeling of not having to cross your fingers each time he lines up to kick.
The Cowboys surprised us all by releasing Tristan Vizcaino in the middle of a training camp battle with Aubrey.
At the time, both kickers were shaky, barely successful on 50% of their kicks in practice.
Cowboys Nation was outraged by Dallas' blind faith in Aubrey, and I did my best to quell that outrage by asking for patience.
That patience has paid off, as Aubrey used a nearly perfect season to become the Cowboys' single-season leader in points.
Aubrey broke franchise legend Emmitt Smith's record that has been standing since 1995, the same year Emmitt broke the NFL single-season record for rushing touchdowns.
Let's take a look at Aubrey's season in review and just how he arrived at this incredible feat.
A Fast Start
The 2023 season was a microcosm of Aubrey's life, an initial misstep followed by greatness.
Aubrey's first NFL regular season kick was an extra point following a blocked punt returned for touchdown by Noah Igbinoghene versus the Giants.
The extra point went wide, further increasing the kicker anxiety felt by Cowboys fans across the country.
How did Aubrey respond?
Just by setting an NFL record for consecutive field goals made to start a career (19), breaking the record of 18 set by Cleveland Browns rookie K Travis Coons in 2017.
That record was set in Week 9 on his lone attempt during a loss in Philadelphia, and would be extended each week until Week 18 where he would set the record at 35.
Aubrey's Got Range
There have been many kickers in franchise history who have the leg to kick a football 60+ yards on a whim but struggle with accuracy.
Other kickers don't quite have that range, but are nearly perfect in accuracy under 50 yards.
Dallas is fortunate enough that Aubrey seems to have the best of both worlds.
The rookie kicker was successful from 50+ yards on all 10 of his attempts, even throwing in a couple of 60 yard field goals in the process.
Aubrey's best game of the season was a Week 14 victory over the hated Philadelphia Eagles.
He was successful in all seven of his kicks (4 FG, 3 XP) including kicks from 60, 59, and 50 yards away, throwing in a 45-yarder just for fun.
Missed Opportunities
The words “Aubrey” and “missed field goal” could not be uttered in the same sentence until a Week 18 matchup in Washington to close the season.
Aubrey was eyeing even more NFL records headed into the game, but those hopes were squandered by his first attempt of the day being blocked by Washington.
He would later clang a 36-yard attempt off of the left upright but redeem himself by knocking a 50-yard attempt right down the middle of the uprights to end the regular season on a high note.
Had he not had his first attempt blocked and later missed his second attempt, Aubrey would have set the record for most successful field goals to start a career set by Colts legend Mike Vanderjagt (37).
Aubrey came up two kicks short of that mark, but the 50-yarder near the end of the game sends him into the playoffs with confidence.
Brandon, Cowboys Nation has confidence in you, too.
