Aubrey Focused on Controllables as Cowboys Kick Off in Brazil
Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is preparing for the team's historic Week 4 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, but his focus remains squarely on the elements he can control — even as concerns mount over the playing surface at Maracanã Stadium.
"First and foremost, I'm looking at the extra point spot," Aubrey told reporters ahead of the Cowboys' departure to South America. "If it's in good shape, OK, but if it's not, we'll talk to Bryan [Anger] and Trent [Sieg] and maybe move it over to the left or right a little bit, or if the hash looks studded. Other than that, I can't really control where I'm at on the field or where I kick, so I'll just deal with it."
The All-Pro kicker, who has earned three Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro nods, has been the subject of intense scrutiny following a perfect seven-for-seven performance against the Washington Commanders last week, which included a 60-yard field goal. That outing appears to have quelled any lingering doubts about his reliability.
Field Conditions Draw Scrutiny
Yahoo Sports reported that Aubrey spoke candidly about the "terrible" conditions awaiting the teams in Rio, though he maintained his typical even-keeled approach. The NFL has continually affirmed that field issues will be resolved by kickoff, but players and coaches alike have expressed concerns about the surface at the iconic Brazilian venue.
Aubrey's preparation for the game includes a thorough examination of the extra point spot and hash marks, where he and long snapper Trent Sieg and holder Bryan Anger may adjust their alignment if the ground proves uneven. The kicker also noted he doesn't plan to pack a variety of cleats — a departure from many of his teammates who are bringing multiple options, including seven-stud varieties.
"I've worn the same cleats on every surface that I've played on," Aubrey said. "I've got a couple of options in my bag just in case, but it would have to be extreme for me to switch."
That steadfast approach reflects Aubrey's routine-driven nature, which has served him well since he transitioned from professional soccer to football. The last time he visited Brazil, he was a preteen playing soccer — a detail that underscores how different this trip will be for the 31-year-old specialist.
A Perfect Week Calms Nerves
Aubrey's performance against Washington came at an opportune time. The Cowboys' offense had shown a tendency to stall near midfield, and the kicker's ability to convert from long range — including the 60-yarder — provides head coach Mike McCarthy with a strategic weapon most teams lack.
"Honestly, the faith in Brandon Aubrey was already high, but games like that only make it stronger," said Mike Poland of Blogging The Boys in a roundtable discussion. "Going perfect on all seven scoring kicks, including a 60-yarder, is not normal — that's a weapon. Aubrey gives Dallas something most teams do not have, the ability to turn stalled drives near midfield into points and change how the coaching staff thinks about field position."
However, Poland cautioned that the bigger issue is whether the Cowboys' offense becomes too comfortable settling for field goals rather than pushing for touchdowns — a concern that has plagued Dallas in recent seasons.
From Doubt to Dominance
The roundtable panelists acknowledged that Aubrey had faced some skepticism heading into the Commanders game, but his flawless outing restored confidence.
"I think he calmed some of the nerves, for sure," said Jorge Guajardo. "He needed, and the fans needed, to see that 60-yarder go through, and he nailed it. As long as he doesn't have a Brett Maher-like meltdown, he should still be considered among the best kickers in the NFL and a huge asset for this team."
Sean Martin was more succinct: "He's butter. What else is there to say?"
Dyllan Rivers noted he was "only about 3.6% worried" before the game and is now "back to a solid 0.0%."
The collective sentiment underscores Aubrey's standing as one of the league's premier kickers — a status he has earned through consistent excellence since joining the Cowboys in 2023.
Dirty Balls and the Art of Field Position
Beyond his accuracy, Aubrey's mastery of "dirty balls" — kicks designed to pin opponents deep in their own territory — has become a critical component of Dallas' field-position strategy. The kicker explained that executing these kicks requires extensive experimentation and a nuanced understanding of football's irregular shape.
"Lots of experimentation, and kicking the ball in a lot of different ways," Aubrey said. "Football is a funny thing. It's a weird shape. So even with the form I'm using, if I mis-hit it even a little bit … I try to live in a world where there's probably three different balls I can hit: one goes long, one is the perfect dirty ball, and then the one that would be short of the landing zone."
That level of precision is particularly important in a game like Sunday's, where field position could determine the outcome. The Ravens, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, possess one of the league's most explosive offenses. Keeping them pinned deep could be the Cowboys' best defense.
A Familiar Plan in Unfamiliar Territory
Despite the unique circumstances of playing in Brazil — the Cowboys' first international game of the season — Aubrey plans to treat it like any other road contest. His focus on sleep during the long flight, his refusal to deviate from his usual cleats, and his methodical pregame routine all reflect a player who thrives on consistency.
That approach has served him well. Since taking over kicking duties in Dallas, Aubrey has converted an extraordinary percentage of his field goals, including numerous attempts from beyond 50 yards. His leg strength has forced opposing coaches to adjust their own strategies, knowing that Dallas can score from nearly anywhere on the field.
The matchup with Baltimore marks a pivotal moment in the Cowboys' season. A win in Rio would improve Dallas' standing in the NFC playoff picture and validate the team's decision to embrace an international spotlight. A loss, particularly one influenced by kicking miscues or poor field conditions, could raise questions about the NFL's decision to stage a game at a venue with known surface issues.
Broader Implications for Special Teams
Aubrey's situation in Brazil highlights a growing trend in the NFL: the increasing importance of special teams specialists in determining game outcomes. As offenses become more dynamic and defenses more sophisticated, the margin for error on kicking plays has narrowed. Teams that invest in elite kickers and punters gain a competitive edge that can manifest in wins and losses.
The Cowboys have certainly benefited from Aubrey's presence. His ability to convert long field goals has altered how McCarthy approaches fourth downs near midfield. Rather than punting or attempting risky conversions, Dallas can now send Aubrey out for a 55-yard attempt with reasonable confidence.
That strategic flexibility is a luxury few teams enjoy. It also places additional pressure on Aubrey to maintain his high level of performance, especially in high-stakes games like Sunday's.
Brothers in Sport
Aubrey's journey from soccer to football parallels that of other athletes who have successfully transitioned between sports. In a broader sports context, players like Kirk Cousins Trade Buzz Builds as Raiders QB Shines, Giants Seek Help — Cousins, too, has faced questions about his ability to perform in crucial moments. Like Cousins, Aubrey has answered his critics with on-field production.
The Cowboys' kicking situation also bears watching in the context of other teams' struggles. The Malik Willis Faces Pivotal Test as Dolphins Host Chiefs in Week 3 article highlighted how young quarterbacks can elevate or sink a team's fortunes. Similarly, a reliable kicker can be the difference between a playoff berth and an early offseason.
Looking Ahead
As Aubrey prepares to take the field at Maracanã Stadium, he does so with the confidence of a player who has mastered his craft. The conditions may be less than ideal — the field may be uneven, the atmosphere unfamiliar, the stakes heightened by the international stage — but none of that seems to faze him.
"I'm not too concerned with it yet," he said. "I'm focused on getting some good sleep on the flight, which is gonna be hard to do, so that's my focus right now."
That simplicity is quintessential Aubrey. While others worry about field conditions, travel fatigue, or the pressure of a nationally televised game, he zeroes in on the immediate task: rest, preparation, execution.
For the Cowboys, that mindset is invaluable. In a season filled with uncertainty — injuries, roster moves, the perpetual spotlight that accompanies America's Team — Aubrey provides a steadying presence. His leg has become a weapon, his routine a blueprint for success.
Sunday's game will test more than just his accuracy. It will test his adaptability, his focus, and his ability to block out distractions. If his recent performance is any indication, he is more than up to the challenge.
The Cowboys and Ravens kick off from Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. For Aubrey, the opportunity is just another kick — and that is exactly how he wants it.
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