When it comes to the kicking game in the NFL, every point matters. That's why the kicker position is so crucial for any team looking to make a deep playoff run. Today, we're diving deep into a comparison between two prominent kickers: Austin Seibert and Brandon Aubrey. Both have shown flashes of brilliance, but who ultimately comes out on top? Let's break down their careers, stats, strengths, and weaknesses to determine who the better kicker really is.

Austin Seibert: A Journey of Ups and Downs

Austin Seibert has had a bit of a rollercoaster career in the NFL, bouncing between teams and facing both successes and challenges. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2019, Seibert initially showed promise, displaying a strong leg and the potential to be a long-term solution for the Browns' kicking woes. During his rookie season, he had moments where he looked like the answer the Browns had been searching for, hitting crucial field goals and extra points that helped secure victories. However, consistency issues began to surface, leading to some costly misses that ultimately contributed to his departure from Cleveland. Despite his strong leg, his accuracy sometimes wavered, causing frustration among fans and the coaching staff alike. These early struggles highlighted the immense pressure that NFL kickers face, where every kick is scrutinized and can significantly impact the outcome of a game.

Following his time with the Browns, Seibert found himself with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he aimed to rejuvenate his career. The change of scenery provided a fresh start, and there were glimpses of improvement. However, the inconsistency that plagued him in Cleveland continued to linger. While he demonstrated an ability to connect on some challenging kicks, the occasional miss kept him from fully solidifying his role. The Bengals eventually moved on, and Seibert then joined the Detroit Lions. In Detroit, he had an opportunity to showcase his skills once again, and there were periods where he seemed to find a rhythm. Yet, the story remained largely the same – flashes of brilliance interspersed with frustrating misses. The Lions, like his previous teams, were searching for a reliable and consistent kicker, and Seibert's performance, while showing potential, didn't quite meet their long-term needs.

Throughout his journey, Seibert has battled not only the physical demands of the position but also the mental challenges. The life of an NFL kicker is often described as a high-pressure existence, where the spotlight shines intensely on every attempt. This mental aspect can be particularly taxing, and Seibert has had to navigate the highs and lows of performance while striving to maintain his confidence. Despite the ups and downs, Seibert's perseverance and determination to improve have been evident. He has consistently worked on refining his technique, seeking guidance from coaches and specialists to hone his skills. His journey is a testament to the resilience required to survive in the NFL, where competition is fierce and only the most consistent performers thrive. As he continues his career, Seibert aims to put his past experiences to use, focusing on minimizing mistakes and maximizing his accuracy to become a reliable asset for his team.

Brandon Aubrey: The Rising Star

Brandon Aubrey, on the other hand, represents a more recent success story in the kicking world. After a standout career in the USFL, Aubrey transitioned to the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys and quickly made a name for himself. Unlike Seibert's winding path, Aubrey's entry into the NFL was marked by immediate impact and a level of consistency that turned heads around the league. His journey from the USFL to becoming a reliable kicker for one of the NFL's most high-profile teams is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure. From the moment he stepped onto the field for the Cowboys, Aubrey displayed a poise and confidence that belied his newcomer status.

Aubrey's success can be attributed to several factors, including his strong leg, precise technique, and mental fortitude. He possesses the ability to consistently hit field goals from long distances, providing the Cowboys with a valuable weapon in their offensive arsenal. Moreover, his accuracy on extra points has been remarkable, minimizing any potential point losses after touchdowns. His performance has not only solidified his role as the Cowboys' primary kicker but has also earned him recognition as one of the top kickers in the NFL. He consistently delivers under pressure, making him a reliable asset in crucial game situations. This consistency is something that teams highly value, as it provides a sense of security and confidence when the game is on the line.

The transition from the USFL to the NFL is never easy, but Aubrey has navigated it seamlessly. His ability to adapt to the faster pace and higher stakes of the NFL speaks volumes about his work ethic and mental toughness. He has quickly gained the trust of his coaches and teammates, who rely on him to deliver in critical moments. As he continues his NFL career, Aubrey aims to build on his early success and establish himself as one of the league's premier kickers. His focus on continuous improvement and his unwavering dedication to his craft will undoubtedly serve him well as he strives to reach new heights. With his combination of talent, work ethic, and mental fortitude, Brandon Aubrey has all the makings of a long and successful NFL career.

Key Stats and Performance Metrics

To truly understand the difference between Austin Seibert and Brandon Aubrey, let's delve into some key stats and performance metrics. This will give us a clearer picture of their strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness on the field. Comparing their field goal percentages, extra point conversion rates, and long-distance accuracy can reveal significant differences in their performance. It's not just about making the kicks; it's about making them consistently and under pressure. Let's break it down:

Field Goal Percentage

• Austin Seibert: Throughout his career, Seibert's field goal percentage has fluctuated. While he's shown the ability to connect on some difficult kicks, his overall consistency has been an issue. His field goal percentage typically hovers around the lower to middle range compared to other NFL kickers. This lack of consistent accuracy has contributed to his movement between teams, as franchises prioritize reliability at the kicker position. The pressure to perform at a high level in the NFL is immense, and Seibert's field goal percentage reflects the challenges he has faced in maintaining that consistency.
• Brandon Aubrey: In contrast, Aubrey has demonstrated a remarkably high field goal percentage since entering the NFL. His accuracy has been a standout feature of his game, making him one of the most reliable kickers in the league. This consistency has been a major factor in his success with the Dallas Cowboys, providing the team with a dependable scoring option. His ability to consistently convert field goals has not only contributed to the team's point totals but has also instilled confidence in his coaches and teammates. Aubrey's high field goal percentage is a testament to his technique, focus, and mental fortitude under pressure.

Extra Point Conversion Rate

• Austin Seibert: Seibert's extra point conversion rate has also seen some inconsistencies. While typically reliable on extra points, there have been instances where he has missed, which can be particularly detrimental in close games. These misses have sometimes been attributed to lapses in focus or pressure, highlighting the mental aspect of the kicking game. In the NFL, where games are often decided by narrow margins, every point matters, and missed extra points can be especially costly. Seibert has worked to improve his consistency on extra points, recognizing the importance of minimizing mistakes in this area.
• Brandon Aubrey: Aubrey's extra point conversion rate has been near perfect, showcasing his reliability and attention to detail. His consistency in this area has provided the Cowboys with a sense of security, knowing that they can count on him to convert after touchdowns. This reliability is a valuable asset for any team, as it ensures that points are not left on the field due to missed extra points. Aubrey's focus on maintaining a high conversion rate reflects his commitment to excellence and his understanding of the importance of every point in the NFL.

Long Distance Accuracy

• Austin Seibert: Seibert has shown the leg strength to hit long-distance field goals, but his accuracy from beyond 50 yards has been inconsistent. While he has connected on some impressive long kicks, he has also missed several, which can limit a team's options in certain situations. Long-distance accuracy is a valuable asset for any kicker, as it allows the team to attempt field goals from further out, potentially turning what would otherwise be a punt into a scoring opportunity. Seibert has worked to improve his long-distance accuracy, recognizing its importance in the modern NFL.
• Brandon Aubrey: Aubrey has excelled in long-distance accuracy, consistently hitting field goals from 50 yards and beyond. This ability has given the Cowboys a significant advantage, allowing them to extend their scoring range and put pressure on opposing defenses. His long-distance accuracy has not only contributed to the team's point totals but has also forced opponents to adjust their defensive strategies. Aubrey's success in this area is a testament to his leg strength, technique, and mental focus, making him one of the most dangerous long-distance kickers in the league.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Let's break down the strengths and weaknesses of both Austin Seibert and Brandon Aubrey to get a clearer understanding of what each kicker brings to the table. Evaluating their capabilities in various aspects of the kicking game helps paint a more complete picture of their overall value. Identifying these strengths and weaknesses can also shed light on areas where they excel and areas where they need improvement.

Austin Seibert

Strengths:

• Strong Leg: Seibert possesses a strong leg, allowing him to generate significant power on his kicks. This enables him to attempt field goals from long distances, providing his team with the option to score from beyond 50 yards. His leg strength is a valuable asset, particularly in situations where the team needs to attempt a long field goal to gain points or tie the game.
• Experience: Seibert has accumulated several years of NFL experience, having played for multiple teams. This experience has exposed him to various game situations and pressures, which can be beneficial in high-stakes moments. He has learned to navigate the challenges of the kicking game and has developed a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in the NFL.

Weaknesses:

• Consistency: Seibert's primary weakness has been his consistency. He has struggled to maintain a high level of accuracy over extended periods, leading to missed field goals and extra points. This inconsistency has been a recurring issue throughout his career and has contributed to his movement between teams. Improving his consistency is crucial for him to solidify his role as a reliable kicker.
• Mental Game: The mental aspect of kicking can be challenging, and Seibert has sometimes struggled with the pressure. High-pressure situations can impact his focus and lead to mistakes. Developing better mental resilience and focus techniques could help him perform more consistently under pressure.

Brandon Aubrey

Strengths:

• Accuracy: Aubrey's standout strength is his exceptional accuracy. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to hit field goals from various distances, making him one of the most reliable kickers in the league. His accuracy provides his team with a dependable scoring option, and his consistency instills confidence in his coaches and teammates.
• Long-Distance Kicking: Aubrey excels in long-distance kicking, consistently hitting field goals from 50 yards and beyond. This ability gives his team a significant advantage, allowing them to extend their scoring range and put pressure on opposing defenses. His long-distance accuracy is a valuable asset in critical game situations.

Weaknesses:

• Limited NFL Experience: Compared to Seibert, Aubrey has limited NFL experience. While he has quickly adapted to the league, he has not yet faced as many diverse situations and pressures as Seibert. Gaining more experience will help him further refine his skills and decision-making in various game scenarios.
• Proven Track Record: While Aubrey has shown great promise, he is still relatively new to the NFL, and his long-term consistency remains to be seen. Maintaining his high level of performance over an extended period will be crucial for him to establish himself as one of the league's top kickers.

Who is the Better Kicker?

After a thorough analysis of their careers, stats, strengths, and weaknesses, it's clear that Brandon Aubrey currently holds the edge over Austin Seibert. Aubrey's exceptional accuracy and long-distance capabilities, combined with his consistent performance, make him a more reliable option for any team. While Seibert has shown flashes of potential, his inconsistency has been a persistent issue throughout his career. In the NFL, where every point matters, consistency is key, and Aubrey's track record speaks for itself.

Aubrey's transition from the USFL to the NFL has been seamless, and he has quickly established himself as one of the league's premier kickers. His ability to perform under pressure and consistently deliver accurate kicks makes him a valuable asset for the Dallas Cowboys. While Seibert continues to work on improving his consistency, Aubrey's current form and potential for future growth give him the advantage in this comparison. As both kickers continue their careers, it will be interesting to see how they develop and whether Seibert can close the gap on Aubrey's impressive performance.