'In Sync!' Cowboys' Brandon Aubrey Move 'Right Decision' - Coach McCarthy
The Dallas Cowboys' kicker situation has been a storyline that has been followed rather closely this offseason.
With Tristan Vizcaino and former MLS and USFL star Brandon Aubrey beginning training camp in a battle for the roster spot, Vizcaino was released, allowing Aubrey to get every possible rep as the sole kicker on the roster.
Those consistent reps proved valuable, and for coach Mike McCarthy, the decision to give Aubrey a free runway to do thing was the right call.
“I think the decision to go with him as early as we did was the right decision,” McCarthy said. “It gave him all the reps, you got to see him work. I like the way he goes about it, you can see the three guys (holder Brian Anger and long-snapper Trent Seig) working together, how the operation came together, I feel like those guys have been in sync really since the second preseason game.”
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In his preseason outings, Aubrey, for the most part, was more than valuable. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he made his only field goal (29-yarder) and two of his three extra points.
He followed that up with two made extra points against the Seattle Seahawks but didn't get the chance to make any field goals.
Then came the last game against the Las Vegas Raiders. McCarthy clearly wanted to see what Aubrey had in his kit bag when it came to distance. Aubrey lined up a 59-yard kick early in the first quarter, which he dragged wide left.
But he did have the distance covered.
Then, midway through the fourth quarter, the Cowboys' offense stalled, allowing Aubrey another chance at a 59-yard field goal and hit it straight through the uprights.
There are still some detractors to Aubrey being the Dallas kicker, but throughout the preseason, he has given little indication that he isn't the guy for the job.
The Cowboys' season opener against the New York Giants will be another test for him with live NFL repercussions, and it is one that Dallas fans hope he passes with flying colors.
