Preseason NFL games often fly under the radar, typically lacking the high-stakes drama fans crave. However, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has managed to disrupt that narrative in remarkable fashion. In the Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Aubrey smashed an extraordinary 66-yard field goal that has set a new benchmark for preseason performances.
Setting a New Standard
Aubrey’s 66-yard kick not only achieved a notable feat but also tied the NFL's overall record set by Justin Tucker in 2021. Unlike Aubrey's preseason spotlight, Tucker's moment came under immense pressure, securing a 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens against the Detroit Lions. Nevertheless, preseason stats don't count in the NFL's official record book, but they can still make a significant impact on a player's career trajectory and fan expectations.
Breaking Previous Records
Before Aubrey's astonishing kick, the longest successful field goal in a preseason game was held by Ola Kimrin, who set a 65-yard record while part of the Denver Broncos' training camp in 2002. Kimrin's record stood unchallenged for over two decades, making Aubrey's achievement particularly noteworthy. While Kimrin played only five regular-season games with Washington in 2004 and had a career field goal success rate of 60%, including a miss from beyond 50 yards, his preseason record remained a milestone until now.
Rare Feats in Field Goal History
Field goals longer than 60 yards remain a rarity in the NFL. As of this writing, there were only four field goals surpassing the 60-yard mark in NFL history before Kimrin's 65-yarder. Between 2003 and 2023, a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more occurred in regular-season play. This statistic underscores the exceptional nature of both Kimrin's and Aubrey's accomplishments.
Potential and Technique
Aubrey’s 66-yarder is further impressive considering NFL's Next Gen Stats indicated that the kick would have been good from 72 yards. Aubrey himself has confidently noted, "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice." Such feats of distance hint at a level of potential that could be game-changing for the Cowboys as the regular season looms.
Implications for the Cowboys' Future
As the preseason winds down, the Dallas Cowboys seem to have found a kicker capable of delivering in critical moments. Aubrey's standout performance may influence the team's strategy and confidence in high-pressure situations. His ability to make exceptionally long field goals could serve as a pivotal asset during the regular season.
In a sport where every point can determine the outcome of a game, having a kicker with such remarkable range and precision could tilt the scales in the Cowboys' favor. Whether Aubrey's preseason prowess will translate into regular-season success remains to be seen. However, his 66-yard field goal has undoubtedly earned him a place in the conversation about the NFL's most promising kickers.