At this time last season, the Dallas Cowboys had a kicking problem. During the summer of 2023, I was begging the Cowboys to sign Robbie Gould, who was a free agent.
I did not want them to go into the season with either Tristan Vizcaino or Brandon Aubrey, the former MLS draft pick.
Aubrey was drafted in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC in 2017. When that ended, he was selected by the Stallions of the USFL. In July of last season, I said whoever won the job would have a short lease. Well, like most, I was dead wrong about that.
Shut Me Up
His first NFL kick did not go smoothly. He missed a point-after attempt, but since that moment, he has been the Cowboys’ best weapon.
In 2023, as a rookie, Aubrey broke the NFL record for the most consecutive field goals made to start a career with 35.
Aubrey’s streak ended when he missed a 36-yard attempt in the fourth quarter of the last game of the year, with the Cowboys leading 35-10 over the Commanders when Joshua Pryor blocked his attempt.
Aubrey’s streak was two field goals short of Mike Vanderjagt’s record for the most field goals made in a single season without a miss, which was 37 in 2003.
Most Dependable Player?
Brandon has continued right where he left off from a season ago, showing the entire fan base why he should be the Cowboys most dependable player heading into 2024.
If you did catch the preseason game on Saturday night against the Los Vegas Raiders, Aubrey, if this was a regular season game, would be in the record books yet again.
He drilled a 66-yard field goal. A record that Ravens kicker Justin Tucker currently holds, who did when he hit the game-winner to beat the Detroit Lions in 2021. Tuckers bounced off the front and went in, Aubrey would have made his from another yard or two easily.
Aubrey is 6-for-7 on field goal attempts this preseason and may now have the rare accomplishment of his most memorable career field goal coming in a game that didn’t even count.
Now, as we enter the last week of preseason, Aubrey has probably become the Cowboys most dependable player.
We have seen him miss three field goals since he signed with the Dallas Cowboys. After having Brett Maher, and some others who couldn’t get the job done, it is nice to eat my words and have a kicker you don’t have to worry about anymore.
2024 Outlook
I won’t let Aubreys rookie season get the best of me. If we are being honest, he will probably miss 3–5 kicks this season. That will still make him a top three kicker in all of football.
After making his 66-yarder on Saturday folks are ready to crown him the best kicker in football. I think he is the second best as of today.
Justin Tucker still holds that title, but if Brandon comes out and has a repeat of his rookie season, we can start talking about it.
The Cowboys still have not signed CeeDee Lamb, so until he steps into the building, Aubrey has become the team’s most dependable player.
Having a kicker like Aubrey should hopefully allow the offense to be a little more aggressive this season. Key word, hopeful
I don’t want them kicking 50 plus yard field goals every drive, but this should allow them more flexibility on play calling.
Mike McCarthy, I am sure, will be doing everything he can to lose them games, but at least we know the kicker can make a boot from just about everywhere.