FRISCO, Texas – Rarely do you see an NFL team consider themselves to be in comfortable field goal range at the opponent's 40-yard line. Brandon Aubrey is an even more rare scenario, because he's just about automatic from that range.
With three 50-plus yard field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Cowboys' 26-24 win on Sunday night, Aubrey set the NFL record for the most made 50-plus yard field goals in a single season with 14. He's also the first kicker in NFL history to make 10 or more 50-yarders in consecutive seasons.
"I've got a great coaching staff that believes in me and is willing to send me out there with no hesitation…" Aubrey said. "They allow me to play with great confidence and just cut it free and kick the ball."
In his two seasons with the Cowboys, Aubrey has made 24 of his 26 attempts from beyond 50 yards, one of which was a.70-yard attempt into the wind last week against the Panthers. As far as what goes into the operation before a kick, he lives up to his "Butter" nickname.
"Just to kick, don't murder it," Aubrey said of his mindset. "Just want to go out there and be smooth, it's really just going through my process."
That process begins when Dallas' offense gets to about the 50 yard line, which would set up a 67-yard field goal if the Cowboys offense stalled out right at midfield.
Mike McCarthy has already shown the confidence in Aubrey to trot out there from that distance, which would be two yards longer than his career best of 65 yards, and it's a luxury to have that option in your back pocket.
"He is a true weapon. We are definitely spoiled…" Cooper Rush said. "You take a sack, not too major. You think 'oh crap we're out of field goal range'. You're like 'oh, we're on the 40'. He goes 'it's good, it's more yards for me'. That's what he said. So it's a weapon."
And while Aubrey relishes his longer kicks, he's not as focused on setting the NFL record for most made field goals from 50 or more yards.
He's in a tight race with Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn, who has 13 this season, but will enjoy the success that comes with it after the year is all said in done if he's able to hang on to the record.
"Don't think about it at all, the only thing I'm thinking about is going and making the kick…" Aubrey said.
"Not really focused on any of that stuff until at the end of the game when you get asked about it or end of the season when you can take the time to reflect on it."
And while the Cowboys may be eliminated from playoff contention, Aubrey still has the same goal heading into the last two games of his second season:
"Win some games."
