Brandon Aubrey has emerged as the unlikely hero of the Dallas Cowboys' season, making NFL history as the first kicker to both force overtime with a field goal and then win the game with another in the extra period. This soccer player turned football sensation has become so reliable that coaches and fans alike breathe easy once the offense crosses the opponent's 35-yard line. His jersey is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after in the league – when's the last time a kicker generated this much excitement?
The Cowboys' season has been a rollercoaster through two weeks. After a heartbreaking opening loss to Philadelphia where CeeDee Lamb struggled with uncharacteristic drops despite solid defensive play, Dallas rebounded with a chaotic overtime victory against the New York Giants. The game featured an astounding 13 lead changes in the fourth quarter alone, exposing glaring weaknesses in the Cowboys' secondary where defenders consistently lost track of receivers downfield.
Despite defensive struggles, there are bright spots emerging on offense. The running game shows marked improvement from last season with Javonte Williams providing reliable production. CeeDee Lamb bounced back nicely in week two, and newcomer George Pickens is making his presence felt both as a receiver and by drawing crucial penalties. However, injuries to KaVontae Turpin (neck) and center Cooper Beebe create depth concerns as the team prepares for upcoming challenges.
The signing of Jadeveon Clowney signals the front office recognizes defensive deficiencies need addressing, but questions remain about whether this team can compete with the NFL's elite. Next up is a winnable game against the Chicago Bears before the schedule intensifies. While Super Bowl contention seems unlikely this year, with Brandon Aubrey's golden leg and some defensive improvements, this team could still make noise in the playoff race. What do you think – are the Cowboys legitimate contenders or pretenders this season?
