The Good, The Bad, and The Aubrey: Inside the Cowboys‘ Thrilling Win That Exposed a Super Bowl Contender’s Fatal Flaw

The sight of Brandon Aubrey’s 64-yard field goal splitting the uprights as time expired was a moment of pure, unadulterated football magic. It was a kick of incredible distance and impossible pressure, a heroic act that single-handedly forced overtime and saved the Dallas Cowboys from a devastating loss.

That kick, and the subsequent game-winner in overtime, perfectly captures one side of the 2025 Dallas Cowboys: a resilient, explosive team with a secret weapon of a kicker. But the other side of this team was also on full display in their wild 40-37 victory over the New York Giants: a deeply flawed contender with a glaring weakness that could derail their entire season. The thrilling win wasn't just a victory; it was a perfect, heart-stopping showcase of the team’s two dueling identities.

Let’s start with the undeniable good. Brandon Aubrey has elevated himself from a feel-good story to arguably the best and most valuable kicker in the entire league. He is more than just reliable; he is a strategic weapon. His performance against the Giants was a masterclass in clutch execution. The 64-yarder to tie and the 46-yarder to win were moments of supreme confidence that have become his trademark. His presence changes the entire dynamic of a game. Offenses know that they don't need a touchdown to win; they just need to get to the opponent’s 45-yard line, and they are in the territory of what feels like a guaranteed three points. That is a luxury that few teams in the NFL possess.

The offense, as a whole, showed a similar resilience. After a couple of quiet weeks, CeeDee Lamb erupted for over 100 yards and nine catches, re-establishing himself as a premier receiver. Tight end Jake Ferguson and receiver George Pickens made crucial, chain-moving receptions, and running back Javonte Williams ran with power and efficiency, nearly hitting the 100-yard mark himself. Quarterback Dak Prescott managed the game well, spreading the ball around and leading the critical drives when it mattered most. However, this resilient unit is now facing its biggest test of the season. Starting center Cooper Beebe, a key piece of the offensive line, suffered a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss the next 6 to 8 weeks. His absence is a major blow that will test the depth and chemistry of the entire unit.

While the offense has questions to answer, the defense is facing a full-blown crisis. The Cowboys‘ secondary was brutally exposed by a 36-year-old Russell Wilson, who threw for a career-high 450 yards. Key players like Trevon Diggs, Malik Hooker, and Donovan Wilson were repeatedly beaten in coverage, giving up huge, momentum-swinging plays. The absence of superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons was keenly felt, as Wilson often had far too much time in the pocket to allow his receivers to get open downfield. This isn't just a bad game; it’s the continuation of a worrying trend. This pass defense is the team’s Achilles‘ heel, a potentially fatal flaw that every future opponent will look to exploit.

There is a glimmer of hope on the defensive side of the ball, however. The trade for defensive tackle Kenny Clark is already paying dividends. He has been a powerful, stabilizing force in the middle of the defensive line, completely shutting down the opponent’s running game. The Giants were held to just 84 rushing yards, a testament to Clark’s impact. A strong run defense is a critical component of a championship team, and the Cowboys appear to have found their anchor.

The question now is whether the Cowboys can fix their glaring weakness in the secondary before it costs them a game they can't come back from. As the team looks ahead to a favorable stretch in their schedule, they have some time to figure it out. But the win against the Giants was a clear and powerful warning. They are a team of thrilling, explosive highs and terrifying, catastrophic lows. They have the clutch kicker, the offensive firepower, and a stout run defense. But until they can prove they can stop the pass, they will remain one of the most exciting, and most vulnerable, teams in the league.