Preseason NFL games may not always capture the intense drama and nail-biting finishes fans yearn for, but occasionally, they offer glimpses of brilliance that hint at what's to come in the regular season. This was evident when Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey made headlines by delivering an extraordinary 66-yard field goal during the Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
While preseason stats don't make their way into the NFL's official record book, Aubrey's remarkable achievement has undoubtedly set a new standard for extraordinary preseason performances. His 66-yard field goal tied the NFL's overall record set by Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker’s record-setting kick was notable not only for its distance but also for its context, as it sealed a dramatic 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions in a high-pressure situation.
A New Preseason Benchmark
Before Aubrey's kick, the previous benchmark for the longest field goal in a preseason game was held by Ola Kimrin, who set a 65-yard record in 2002 during his time in the Denver Broncos' training camp. Although Kimrin played only five regular-season games in the NFL with Washington in 2004, his 65-yard kick remained a standout preseason moment. He had a 60% success rate on field goals in his career, which included a miss from beyond 50 yards.
As such, Aubrey's 66-yarder doesn't merely tie the overall record; it eclipses Kimrin's long-standing preseason mark, positioning Aubrey among the top tier of NFL kickers. In the two decades between Kimrin's kick and Aubrey's, the NFL saw just 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play, underscoring the exceptional nature of such long-distance kicks.
Next Gen Stats and Aubrey's Potential
Statistics from NFL's Next Gen Stats indicate that Aubrey’s 66-yard kick could have been successful from an astonishing 72 yards. This insight adds another layer to the conversation about Aubrey's potential. "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice," showcasing his impressive range and the consistency of his capabilities.
The end of the preseason not only brings anticipation for the regular season but also provides a platform for players to prove their worth. With this remarkable kick, Aubrey has signaled that the Dallas Cowboys might have found a kicker capable of game-changing moments, an invaluable asset for any team aspiring to go deep into the playoffs.
Historically, only Tucker and Aubrey have managed to kick field goals longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder, a testament to both their skill and mental fortitude. Given that Aubrey achieved this feat in a preseason setting, the Cowboys and their fans can look forward to the regular season with heightened expectations.
As the regular season approaches, teams are finalizing their rosters and strategies. For the Dallas Cowboys, having a reliable and potentially game-changing kicker like Brandon Aubrey could be a pivotal advantage. His record-tying 66-yard field goal is not just a preseason highlight; it’s a promise of the extraordinary potential that could shape the team's fortunes in the upcoming NFL season.