Preseason NFL games may often be overlooked, lacking the high-octane excitement of regular-season clashes. Yet, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey recently injected some rare drama into the typically subdued preseason atmosphere. During the Cowboys' 27-12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Aubrey nailed a stunning 66-yard field goal, a remarkable feat that set a new precedent for preseason performances.
An Extraordinary Achievement
Aubrey's 66-yard kick not only grabbed headlines but also etched his name alongside the elite in NFL history. Although preseason stats don't officially register in the NFL's record books, the significance of Aubrey’s accomplishment shouldn't be understated. His monumental effort matched the NFL's overall record, a 66-yard field goal set by Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker during a high-pressure game in 2021. Tucker’s legendary kick clinched a 19-17 victory for the Ravens over the Detroit Lions.
Surpassing a Long-Standing Record
Prior to Aubrey’s long-range heroics, the benchmark for the longest preseason field goal was 65 yards. This record was set by Ola Kimrin in 2002 while he was with the Denver Broncos’ training camp. Despite Kimrin’s record-setting kick, his NFL career was short-lived; he played only five regular-season games for Washington in 2004, finishing with a 60% success rate on field goals. Kimrin's kick was a standout at the time, particularly since only four field goals in NFL history had exceeded the 60-yard mark before his remarkable feat.
The significance of Aubrey’s 66-yarder is further highlighted by NFL’s Next Gen Stats, which suggested the kick would have been good from 72 yards. It's a testament to Aubrey’s extraordinary leg strength and accuracy. Aubrey himself confidently noted, "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice."
The Emergence of a Reliable Kicker
As the preseason draws to a close and the regular season looms, the Dallas Cowboys might have found in Aubrey a kicker capable of delivering in high-pressure situations. His prowess in practice and his exceptional performance under the lights suggest that he could be a game-changer for the Cowboys, a team always on the lookout for reliable special teams contributors.
Between 2003 and 2023, the NFL witnessed 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play, but Aubrey's 66-yarder stands out even in the broader context of both preseason and regular-season games. Only he and Justin Tucker have managed to surpass Kimrin's 65-yard mark, emphasizing the rarity and difficulty of such long-distance kicks.
Aubrey's achievement also serves as an inspiring narrative amid the mundane preseason games. The Cowboys' fans and the broader NFL community will undoubtedly watch his progress with keen interest as the regular season unfolds.
In the high-stakes world of professional football, where every point can be pivotal, the emergence of a kicker with the accuracy and power to convert from such extraordinary distances could very well tilt the scales in closely contested matchups. Brandon Aubrey's exceptional performance is a promising sign for a Dallas team aiming to make a deep postseason run.
The NFL may not officially record preseason stats, but moments like these are unforgettable, adding a layer of excitement and anticipation for the regular season. With Aubrey’s leg proving to be a formidable weapon, the Dallas Cowboys might have just the edge they need in their quest for success.