Preseason games in the NFL are often overlooked, lacking the intensity and stakes that come with regular-season contests. However, every so often, a moment occurs that commands attention, transcending the typical preseason humdrum. Such was the case when Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey nailed a colossal 66-yard field goal during the Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
A Record-Tying Feat
Aubrey's extraordinary 66-yard kick didn't just clinch the game; it set a new benchmark for exceptional preseason performances. While stats from preseason games don’t make it to the NFL's official record book, Aubrey’s achievement will be remembered by fans and analysts alike. This monumental kick tied the NFL overall record set by Justin Tucker in the 2021 regular season.
Justin Tucker’s record-setting kick was a game-winner, sealing a nail-biting 19-17 victory for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions. In contrast, while Aubrey’s kick wasn’t a game-winning moment, it was a testament to his incredible skill and potential.
Breaking Precedents
Aubrey’s feat broke the previous preseason record held by Ola Kimrin, who booted a 65-yard field goal in 2002. Kimrin’s record-setting kick was accomplished during his tenure in the Denver Broncos' training camp. Despite this, Kimrin only appeared in five career regular-season games in the NFL with Washington in 2004, achieving a 60% success rate on field goals and missing from beyond 50 yards.
Before Kimrin’s 65-yarder, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark. Fast forward to today, and the league has seen a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more between 2003 and 2023 in regular-season play. Still, only Tucker and Aubrey have managed kicks longer than Kimrin’s, across both preseason and regular seasons.
Setting New Standards
Aubrey’s remarkable kick may not count towards official stats, yet it firmly establishes him as one of the most promising kickers in the league. According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Aubrey’s kick would have been good from a staggering 72 yards. This revelation speaks volumes about his leg strength and accuracy. Furthermore, Aubrey himself has confidently noted, "I have successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice." This self-assurance bodes well for the Cowboys as they head into the regular season.
The Dallas Cowboys have often struggled to find consistency in their kicking game. However, with Aubrey’s standout performance, they may have discovered a player capable of delivering game-changing moments. His extraordinary feat offers a new hope and, perhaps, a solution to the team's longstanding kicking challenges.
As the preseason draws to a close and the regular season looms, the NFL community will undoubtedly keep an eye on Brandon Aubrey. While his 66-yard field goal might not find a place in the official record books, it has carved a niche in the annals of significant preseason achievements. It’s a potent reminder that even in games that "often fly under the radar," extraordinary moments can happen.