On Sunday night versus the New York Giants, Brandon Aubrey failed to convert an extra point. While this was just one play, the weight of the moment was palpable. We are no longer in an era where a solitary error can be dismissed as a harmless anomaly. In fact, Aubrey has now failed to complete a kick in three consecutive contests. This marks the first instance in his professional career where such a streak has occurred. Given that this pattern is finally emerging, the current anxiety surrounding his performance appears justified.
The MetLife Problem
A ridiculous taunting penalty by Javonte Williams complicated the extra point Aubrey missed, adding yardage that made the attempt physically more difficult than a standard kick. However, the difficulties began prior to Sunday. Last season, during his most recent NFL appearance, Aubrey faced similar struggles in a game also played against the Giants at MetLife Stadium. These last two matchups occurred in the same venue, outdoors, on a field surface often criticized for lacking quality compared to the rest of the league. Blogging The Boys observes that while these are merely data points, they are alarming ones. While panic is not yet warranted, the available excuses are becoming scarce.
A Big Aberration
Aubrey possesses an extensive track record suggesting this current slump could be an outlier. The complication is that describing this as a “large aberration” creates a bit of a contradiction. One missed kick is merely statistical noise; three consecutive misses constitute a signal. The Cowboys cannot afford a kicker who is still calibrating his range in September. The roster requires him to be automatic from the season’s outset. His inability to perform in back-to-back games against the same opponent in the same venue is a negative indicator. Concern regarding Aubrey’s recent form is entirely reasonable.
The Process Test
While concern for Brandon Aubrey is currently warranted, panic remains premature. The defense, led by Christian Parker, also faltered in that same contest, yielding nearly 400 total yards to the Giants. Reports indicate the defense recorded the fourth-worst performance among 574 games played since the beginning of last year. Much like the defensive unit, the kicking game must stabilize its performance rapidly. The Cowboys couldn’t afford to lose their season opener to a division rival while their specialist failed on routine attempts.
