Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the Dallas Cowboys' 34-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings was the points left on the field. While making mistakes on either side of the ball isn't a foreign concept for this franchise, one piece of the team that seemingly always worked was the leg of Brandon Aubrey. The star kicker has wasted zero time becoming one of the league's stars and clearly the best at the position. However, that reputation took a hit in Sunday night's loss with Aubrey missing two kicks, including a very makeable 51-yard attempt.
In what was a close game for much of the night, it was a difficult blow and one that left obvious questions about the Dallas kicker. It is incredibly important to note that in no way is this saying Aubrey is in danger or in the hot seat in any way, but rather pointing out that this was an out-of-character night. One that leaves room to wonder if the kicker is going to continue to be the automatic cheat code he has been for his career, or if this is a sign of something more troubling.
Cowboys Might Be Worried About Brandon Aubrey After Week 15
Aubrey missing from any distance is truly shocking, especially at home in a dome where it seems the kicker has endless range. Getting the ball to midfield is often enough for the Cowboys to feel the drive is going to end in a score.
Making Sunday's misses worse is that Aubrey's woes ended up benefiting the Vikings. Minnesota picked up points on both ensuing possessions, scoring a field goal in the second quarter before picking up a touchdown in the fourth. Considering how Dallas lost by eight points, it's easy to see why Aubrey should shoulder some blame for the loss.
Even the league's best kickers had a down year or a moment when things went sideways, and they needed a change of scenery. While there is no hint that this is the case with Aubrey after an outlier of a night, it is still an undeniable concern — especially when the Cowboys need to win out the season to make the playoffs.
The one player that had been counted on as automatic not showing up in such a huge game leaves every reason to wonder what exactly Dallas can expect moving forward. With what an elite weapon that Aubrey has been, his performance is now an important story in the season's final three games.
Hopefully, for the sake of the Cowboys' special teams' future, Aubrey gets back on track before it's too late.