The Dallas Cowboys have plenty of headaches in 2026—defensive lapses, coaching questions, and the never-ending drama from the owner's suite. But there's a new, unexpected issue brewing in Big D: Brandon Aubrey's leg might be losing its magic.
Aubrey, the 31-year-old former soccer star who became one of the NFL's most reliable kickers since joining in 2023, has suddenly hit a rough patch. Through the first nine games, he's a concerning 3-for-8 on attempts from 50 yards or beyond. That's a stark contrast to his usual automatic status, and it's raising eyebrows across the league.
While Aubrey remains nearly flawless inside 50 yards, his long-range inconsistency is a problem—and it's not just about the missed points. It's about how it affects the team's decision-making. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has shown a willingness to trot Aubrey out for bombs, trusting the leg that once made 60-yarders look routine. But with those misses piling up, that trust is starting to look misplaced.
Here's the thing: the Cowboys have one of the most potent offenses in football, led by a franchise quarterback. Settling for 55-yard field goals when you have that kind of firepower is a questionable strategy, even when your kicker is on his game. When he's not, it becomes a glaring tactical error.
Fans are noticing. One frustrated supporter wrote, "Meanwhile Schotty calls the game like he's automatic from 70." Another added, "Anything 4th & 2 or less from the opponents 35-45 yard line should be an automatic go for it. Dal 45 to opp 45 is situational go for it or punt." The sentiment is clear: the coaching staff needs to adapt.
This Sunday presents a massive opportunity for the Cowboys to silence the critics. They host the San Francisco 49ers, a team that has owned them in recent years. At 4-5, Dallas is desperate for a statement win, and the 49ers are among the league's elite. It's a clash that could define their season.
If Schottenheimer wants to pull off the upset, he might need to rethink his approach. Maybe it's time to lean on the offense more in those long-yardage situations, or perhaps trust Aubrey to snap out of his funk. Either way, the Cowboys' recent struggles have put the spotlight squarely on their kicking game.
Aubrey's contract and reputation suggest he'll bounce back, but the clock is ticking. The Cowboys need every point they can get, especially with a tough schedule ahead. And with the 49ers' defense lurking, every decision matters.
Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX. Buckle up—this one could come down to a long field goal, and that's exactly the kind of pressure situation where Aubrey needs to prove he's still the guy.
For a team that already has plenty of off-field distractions, the last thing they need is a kicking controversy. But if Aubrey keeps missing from deep, that's exactly what they'll have.
