'Brandon is Human!' Cowboys Rookie Kicker Aubrey Misses - But Preps for 'Perfect' Playoffs
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon "Butter" Aubrey had been perfect on his field goal attempts prior to the Week 18 clash against the Washington Commanders.
Aubrey had nailed all 35 attempts until midway through the first quarter when his field goal attempt was blocked (thanks FOX Sports). Then in the fourth quarter, on another attempt, Aubrey hit the uprights and it bounced off, making it two consecutive misses for a kicker who had been automatic all season.
For special teams coordinator John Fassel, it was an interesting day at FedEx Field for his kicker.
“The block, they had they had a nice rush," Fassel said. "Then on the miss where it hit the upright, he actually just mis-hit it, there wasn't anything else to it.''
Given how well Aubrey had been kicking, Cowboys fans likely had flashbacks to Brett Maher's playoff efforts as the mental game that Aubrey was now playing could have seen his form go south.
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
But, as we have heard all throughout the year from Fassel and Mike McCarthy, Aubrey isn't built like that and in the fourth quarter, coach McCarthy gave his kicker another shot to get his mojo back from 50 yards.
And of course, he was "Butter'' - the nickname given the kicker by buddy Dak Prescott due to his smoothness.
Said McCarthy: “I wanted him to get one more before we got out of there last night. The block was unfortunate, we had a breakdown there in the protection. Then, the second one hits the bar. I think all that came out of it was we realized Brandon is human.
"The human thing to do was to give him another trip to the plate. I’m glad we were able to do that for him.”
Added Fassel: “It was great to get the last kick the 50-yarder to kind of end on a make. Not that he needed it but it just felt good to line up one more time and see it go through and playing basketball you like to finish on a make and so just another adventurous day on special teams.”
With the playoffs now upon the Cowboys, every mistake is highlighted as a missed field goal could be the reason why the season ends.
After his efforts against the Commanders, is Fassel worried about the yips potentially creeping into Aubrey's game?
Said Fassel: "I just think the feeling with Brandon is, I don't ever feel mentally that he ever goes there.”
With the playoffs beginning, Cowboys Nation hopes he never does either, Bones.
