Has the Excellence of the Cowboys Star Kicker Influenced Schottenheimer’s Play Calls?
During the Dallas Cowboys’ probable season-ending loss to the Minnesota Vikings, an unusual moment stood out. Brandon Aubrey, widely regarded as the best kicker in the NFL, unexpectedly missed two kicks, a rare occurrence that, while surprising, significantly impacted Dallas’ chances of winning. The concern raised by Dallas media, however, is not centered on Aubrey’s misses but rather on just how reliable he normally is. With Brian Schottenheimer still navigating the rookie rollercoaster of his first season as head coach, the question has emerged: has Aubrey’s excellence altered the way Schottenheimer calls games?
To start, having a kicker like Aubrey, who can realistically make kicks from nearly anywhere on the field, is a massive advantage. Still, many wonder whether that luxury has led Schottenheimer to become overly cautious. Over the past two games, the Cowboys have settled for more than 11 total field goals, including five from beyond 50 yards. While Aubrey is more than capable of converting those attempts, field goals alone do not win football games, and Dallas has paid the price. Inside the 50-yard line, the Cowboys have increasingly settled for easy points, a dangerous habit given that they possess one of the league’s weakest defenses. Points come easily against Dallas, making touchdowns, not field goals, a necessity. When three points become the default option, the margin for error disappears, and that reality has become evident.
To Schottenheimer’s credit, he did not always coach this way. Following a Monday night loss to the Arizona Cardinals, criticism mounted that he was too aggressive and should have taken the available points instead. That game appeared to shift his approach. While it is easy to critique Schottenheimer’s decision-making, he remains a first-year head coach learning on the job. Aubrey is a rare anomaly, and, understandably, his presence influences game management. Schottenheimer has had a positive impact on the Cowboys’ culture, but his in-game decisions remain inconsistent, marked by flashes of sharp instincts mixed with moments of conservatism. There is clear room for growth, and while he still appears to be the right person to lead the Dallas Cowboys, both he and the team face a major test coming up tomorrow afternoon against the surging Los Angeles Chargers.
