Will Cowboys Rookie Kicker Impact McCarthy Play-Calling at Giants?

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy will face a new set of challenges as the offensive play-caller, including the uncertainty of rookie kicker Brandon Aubrey.

One of the most important questions facing the Dallas Cowboys will be how the offense looks with a new play-caller.

Head coach Mike McCarthy will assume play-calling duties in 2023. It’s his first time calling plays since 2018, when he was head coach of the Green Bay Packers. On Monday, he was asked about rookie kicker Brandon Aubrey and the supposed uncertainty that follows.

“The opinion of the kicker is obviously - I hate to break the hard news to you - I don’t think we see that the same,” McCarthy said to a questioner. “I do have confidence in him, (and) that always grows.''

Unsurprisingly, though, McCarthy’s fourth-down decisions will be under scrutiny, especially when longer field goals are part of the equation. Does he want to set his kicker up for success? Will McCarthy be willing to test Aubrey’s range when it matters? What about late in games?

It is valid for fans to have these concerns until Aubrey shows he can do it when it matters. How Aubrey responds to adversity and pressure will dictate how he’s perceived by the Cowboys faithful. For the Dallas coaching staff, however, there’s little doubt about Aubrey’s talent.

“That’s why taking those two shots were important, those deep kicks, that’s his strength,” McCarthy said of a pair of 59-yard tries (one good, one wide, in the preseason closer against the Raiders). “I don’t worry about his ability, he’s passed that test. He’s high in that area. He just needs opportunities.”

Opportunities should be aplenty for an offense frequently projected toward the top of the league. This is a team with Super Bowl expectations, and that extends to special teams.

Recruiting a former MLS soccer player to kick your season’s biggest field goals can make some queasy, but he’s got the confidence of Cowboys decision-makers; that’s all that matters.

“I get to watch him work every day,” said McCarthy. “I’ve been very impressed with Brandon.”

Aubrey and his Dallas teammates will kick off the season on Sept. 10 against the New York Giants. … and with Dallas a 3.5-point favorite? Yes, one big kick - and one big decision - might matter in Week 1.