Dallas Cowboys Kicker Brandon Aubrey's Stunning Preseason Performance: A Game-Changer in the NFL
Preseason NFL games often go unnoticed, lacking the high-stakes drama that fans yearn to see. Yet, occasionally, moments of brilliance emerge that capture our attention. Such was the case when Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey smashed a remarkable 66-yard field goal during the Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, an achievement that has set a new benchmark for preseason performances.
While preseason stats don’t find a home in the NFL's official record book, Aubrey’s kick has certainly found a place in the annals of football history. This colossal 66-yarder tied the overall NFL record set by renowned Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker in 2021, who achieved his record-setting kick during a high-pressure moment that sealed a narrow 19-17 win over the Detroit Lions. Aubrey’s kick, although not under such intense circumstances, is nothing short of extraordinary.
Ola Kimrin held the preseason record for nearly two decades with a 65-yard field goal set in 2002 while he was part of the Denver Broncos' training camp. Kimrin’s achievement, despite his brief NFL career totaling only five regular-season games with Washington in 2004, was a notable feat. His career success rate stood at 60% on field goals, punctuated by a miss from beyond 50 yards. Kimrin's 65-yarder remained the benchmark for the longest field goal in a preseason game until Aubrey's spectacular kick eclipsed it.
The significance of Aubrey’s kick goes beyond just breaking a preseason record. According to NFL's Next Gen Stats, the 66-yarder had the potential to go even further, and would have been good from an impressive 72 yards. Such capabilities hint at a kicker with game-changing potential. Aubrey himself has confidently noted, "I have successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice." These words underscore his immense confidence and capability.
Field goals of 60 yards or more are rare treasures in the NFL. As of this writing, only four such kicks had surpassed the 60-yard mark before Kimrin's achievement. The NFL saw a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season games between 2003 and 2023. This statistic highlights the rarity and difficulty of such long-distance kicks, making Aubrey’s preseason accomplishment all the more significant.
As the preseason winds down and the regular season looms, the Dallas Cowboys may have unearthed a crucial asset in Brandon Aubrey. His ability to deliver in challenging scenarios could be vital for the team's aspirations. With this 66-yard kick, Aubrey has not only announced his presence but also set a high standard for what can be achieved in preseason performances.
In a sport where every point can make the difference between victory and defeat, finding a kicker capable of such extraordinary feats is a game-changer. Aubrey's performance not only shines a spotlight on him but also invigorates fans’ expectations, making the upcoming NFL season all the more exciting. His potential to redefine the scope of what kickers can accomplish and his impact on the sport is worth watching closely as the Cowboys gear up for regular-season action.