Evan McPherson's Accuracy Helps Secure Leads for the Cincinnati Bengals

In the high-stakes world of NFL football, few positions are as crucial yet underappreciated as the kicker—unless that kicker is Evan McPherson of the Cincinnati Bengals. Since joining the team as a fifth-round pick in 2021, McPherson has established himself as one of the most accurate kickers in the league, turning close games into wins and fragile leads into secure victories. His ability to nail field goals from long distances, convert pressure-packed extra points, and deliver in clutch moments has made him a vital part of the Bengals’ success, especially during their playoff pushes. Evan McPherson's Accuracy Helps Secure Leads for the Cincinnati Bengals explores how his precision shapes the team’s outcomes, the technical skills that make him consistent, and why he’s become a fan favorite and a trusted weapon for head coach Zac Taylor.

Evan McPherson's Accuracy Helps Secure Leads for the Cincinnati Bengals begins with his elite field goal percentage—stats that speak to consistency. Through the first 15 weeks of the 2024 season, McPherson has connected on 92% of his field goal attempts (23 of 25), the second-highest rate in the NFL among kickers with at least 20 attempts. What’s even more impressive is his range: he’s made all 12 of his attempts from 40-49 yards and 7 of 8 from 50+ yards, including a 54-yarder in Week 10 against the Cleveland Browns that extended the Bengals’ lead to 10 points in the fourth quarter. “Accuracy isn’t just luck for Evan—it’s a result of endless practice,” said Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. “He’s in the weight room early, he studies wind patterns before every game, and he practices game-winning scenarios until they feel routine.” McPherson’s consistency means the Bengals never hesitate to call on him, even in tough conditions; in Week 8, he made a 48-yard field goal in heavy rain against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a kick that proved to be the difference in a 17-14 win.

A key aspect of McPherson’s impact is his ability to convert clutch kicks that secure leads. Football games are often decided by a few points, and McPherson has a knack for making the kicks that turn momentum in the Bengals’ favor and lock in leads. One of his most memorable moments of the 2024 season came in Week 12 against the Houston Texans: with the Bengals leading 20-17 and 1:30 left in the game, he drilled a 45-yard field goal to extend the lead to 6 points, forcing the Texans to need a touchdown instead of a field goal to tie. The Texans never recovered, and the Bengals held on for the win. Another clutch performance came in Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts: with the score tied 24-24 in the third quarter, McPherson made three consecutive field goals (from 38, 42, and 49 yards) to give the Bengals a 9-point lead, a buffer that helped them withstand a late Colts rally. “Evan doesn’t flinch when the pressure is on,” said Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “When we need a kick to secure a lead, we all know he’s going to make it. That confidence changes everything for the team.”

Evan McPherson's Accuracy Helps Secure Leads for the Cincinnati Bengals also includes his role in extending drives and limiting opponent comebacks for the Cincinnati Bengals. McPherson’s accuracy doesn’t just add points—it also affects the Bengals’ offensive strategy. When the offense stalls inside the opponent’s 35-yard line, Taylor doesn’t hesitate to send McPherson out for a field goal, knowing he’ll likely convert. This decision turns potential scoreless drives into points, preventing the Bengals from wasting offensive opportunities and keeping the scoreboard moving. In Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals, the Bengals’ offense failed to reach the end zone on three consecutive drives, but McPherson made field goals on all three occasions, turning those missed chances into 9 points and helping the Bengals build a 16-7 lead. This ability to “salvage” drives is critical because it limits the opponent’s ability to mount comebacks; instead of trailing by a small margin, the opponent is forced to play catch-up against a bigger lead. For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s accuracy turns offensive inconsistencies into a competitive advantage, ensuring that even when the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders, the team still gains ground on the scoreboard.

Another reason McPherson’s accuracy is so valuable is his reliability on extra points—avoiding costly mistakes for the Cincinnati Bengals. While extra points may seem routine, missing one can swing a close game. McPherson has never missed an extra point in his NFL career (152 of 152), a streak that speaks to his focus and precision. In Week 14 against the Steelers, the Bengals scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to tie the game 20-20, and McPherson’s extra point gave them a 21-20 lead—one they held onto for the win. A missed extra point in that scenario would have left the game tied, forcing overtime and increasing the risk of a loss. “Extra points are non-negotiable, and Evan treats them that way,” Simmons said. “He practices them just as hard as field goals, because he knows one missed extra point can change the outcome of a season.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s perfect extra point streak is a safety net; it ensures that every touchdown is followed by two points, preventing the team from leaving points on the field and making it harder for opponents to erase leads.

A final element of McPherson’s impact is his influence on team morale and fan confidence for the Cincinnati Bengals. Kickers often face criticism when they miss, but McPherson’s consistency has turned him into a fan favorite and a source of pride for Bengals Nation. Fans affectionately call him “Money Mac,” a nickname that reflects their trust in his ability to deliver. When McPherson steps onto the field to attempt a field goal, the stands at Paycor Stadium erupt in cheers, and social media fills with messages of confidence. This support isn’t just for show—it boosts the entire team’s morale. “When you hear the crowd cheering for Evan, it reminds you that we have a secret weapon,” said Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson. “It gives you extra energy, knowing that even if we don’t score a touchdown, we still have a chance to add points.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s accuracy is more than just a statistical advantage—it’s a unifying force that brings players and fans together, creating a sense of confidence that carries through every game.

Evan McPherson's Accuracy Helps Secure Leads for the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with his legacy as a key contributor to the Bengals’ success. Since joining the team, McPherson has played a role in some of the Bengals’ biggest wins, including their 2021 Super Bowl run, where he made all 14 of his field goal attempts and all 11 extra points. His accuracy has turned him into a long-term asset for the Bengals, a player they can rely on for years to come. As the Bengals push for a playoff spot in 2024, McPherson’s role will only grow more important; in close games against top teams like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, his ability to secure leads could be the difference between making the playoffs and missing out. “Evan is one of the best kickers in the league, and we’re lucky to have him,” Taylor said. “He doesn’t just help us win games—he makes our entire team better.” Evan McPherson's Accuracy Helps Secure Leads for the Cincinnati Bengals ultimately shows that in football, every position matters, and a kicker with McPherson’s precision can be the difference between a good team and a great one. For the Bengals, he’s not just a kicker—he’s a game-changer.