A friend of mine, Ari Temkin, raised an interesting observation regarding Dan Bailey, the former kicker for the Dallas Cowboys. He pointed out that Bailey’s remarkable consistency and success could ironically have been detrimental to the coaching approach of Jason Garrett. The reliability of Bailey may have led Garrett to become overly cautious, often opting for field goals instead of taking risks on crucial fourth downs, which could have been more beneficial for the team. While this perspective invites further discussion, it’s undeniable that the Cowboys profoundly felt Bailey’s absence once he was no longer part of the roster.

The Cowboys made the surprising decision to release Dan Bailey during the final roster cuts before the 2018 season, marking a significant turning point for the team. Since then, they have experimented with various replacement kickers, each having their moments of success but none truly filling the void left by Bailey. It wasn’t until recently that the Cowboys seemed to find a solution that could effectively address their kicking woes. As the team prepares for another season, the impact of Bailey’s departure remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced in the kicking game.

As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for training camp in just a couple of weeks, there’s an air of optimism surrounding the kicker position. For the first time in several seasons, the team doesn’t have to scrutinize every kick or discuss the challenging wind conditions in Oxnard. This shift indicates a newfound stability at the kicker position, suggesting that the Cowboys may finally have found a reliable player to handle the duties without the previous pressure and uncertainty that has plagued the team in recent years.

Discover Why Kicker Stability is a Game-Changer for the Cowboys

It’s been six long years since the Cowboys decided to move on from Dan Bailey. In this period, the franchise has cycled through a couple of kickers before settling on Brandon Aubrey. The first replacement, Brett Maher, got his opportunity and performed admirably, especially given the circumstances surrounding his first season. Maher showcased a powerful leg, capable of impressive distances, drawing comparisons to elite athletes in other sports. However, his performance took a downturn during his second year, leading to further instability at the position.

When Head Coach Mike McCarthy took the reins, he brought in John Fassel to lead the special teams unit. Fassel’s hiring has been one of McCarthy’s most astute decisions, yet it hasn’t been without its challenges. One critical misstep was retaining Greg Zuerlein, a kicker with whom Fassel had a prior connection. Zuerlein struggled during his tenure, failing to meet expectations despite Fassel’s unwavering support for him, which included a rather curious comparison to Tiger Woods during Zuerlein’s slumps.

Much like Maher before him, Zuerlein was afforded two seasons to prove himself, but ultimately, he did not resolve the Cowboys’ kicking dilemmas. Fassel had made a strong case for Zuerlein, expressing his confidence that he would turn things around, but the reality was that the team needed to explore new options. This led to the chaotic training camp in 2022, where the kicking situation was dire, with rookie Jonathan Garibay failing to impress. The Cowboys had no viable candidates, prompting a return to Maher, which raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.

To the surprise of many, Maher delivered an outstanding season, showcasing his skills and resilience. It felt as if the Cowboys were on the brink of a remarkable turnaround. However, this narrative took a heartbreaking twist in the playoffs, where Maher’s performance faltered during the Wild Card Round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading to a loss of faith from the coaching staff and fans alike. This was a difficult moment given Maher’s journey, but ultimately, the team had no choice but to move forward.

As the 2023 training camp approached, questions lingered regarding the kicker position and the Cowboys’ strategy. The most significant competitor for the role was Brandon Aubrey, a former MLS player whose background left many wondering about his suitability for the NFL. His selection raised eyebrows, but it also brought a sense of curiosity about how he would adapt to the challenges of professional football.

Aubrey eventually secured the kicker position, and although he missed his first professional kick—an extra point in the season opener against the New York Giants—this moment quickly became overshadowed by his remarkable performance throughout the season. He went on to achieve an impressive streak of 35 consecutive field goals made, setting a record for the most successful kicks at the start of a career.

It feels like a lifetime ago, but Brandon Aubrey earned recognition as a First-Team All-Pro last season. His performance stands in stark contrast to the struggles experienced by kickers like Maher and Zuerlein, reflecting a return to a level of excellence reminiscent of peak Dan Bailey. Aubrey’s reliability has become a cornerstone for the Cowboys, providing the team with much-needed confidence in their kicking game.

Currently, the only uncertainty surrounding the Cowboys’ kicker is whether they will be utilized effectively under the new kickoff rule changes, which presents its own set of challenges. However, this concern is separate from Aubrey’s capabilities as a point-scorer, and for now, fans can revel in the positive developments. This is an exciting period for the Cowboys, and they have seemingly turned a corner in their kicking game.