Evan McPherson's Field Goals Crucial in Tight Games for the Cincinnati Bengals

In the high-stakes world of NFL football, tight games often come down to a single play—and for the Cincinnati Bengals, that play frequently involves kicker Evan McPherson. Nicknamed “Money Mac” for his ability to deliver under pressure, McPherson has become the team’s secret weapon in close contests, using his pinpoint accuracy and calm demeanor to turn tense moments into victories. Whether it’s a last-second game-winner or a long-range kick to extend a lead, his field goals have not only secured points but also shifted momentum, giving the Bengals a critical edge against tough opponents. Evan McPherson's Field Goals Crucial in Tight Games for the Cincinnati Bengals explores the specific moments where his kicks made all the difference, the skills that make him a clutch performer, and why he’s become an indispensable part of the Bengals’ success.

Evan McPherson's Field Goals Crucial in Tight Games for the Cincinnati Bengals first stands out in the Week 12 divisional showdown against the Baltimore Ravens—a game that remained deadlocked until the final seconds. With the score tied 31-31 and just 12 seconds left on the clock, the Bengals found themselves at the Ravens’ 25-yard line, facing a fourth-and-5. Instead of risking a pass into the end zone, head coach Zac Taylor made the call to send McPherson onto the field for a 43-yard field goal. Despite a light crosswind and the deafening roar of 70,000 Ravens fans, McPherson approached the kick with his usual composure. He took three steps back, two steps forward, and drilled the ball straight through the uprights, giving the Bengals a 34-31 win. “Evan doesn’t flinch in those moments,” said Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “We all knew he was going to make it—he has that kind of confidence, and it rubs off on the whole team. That kick didn’t just win the game; it kept our playoff hopes alive.” The win moved the Bengals within a game of first place in the AFC North, a position they might not have held without McPherson’s clutch performance.

A second pivotal example of McPherson’s impact in tight games came in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a back-and-forth battle that saw the lead change hands five times. With the Bengals trailing 24-21 and 2:15 left in the fourth quarter, Burrow led a 58-yard drive that stalled at the Jaguars’ 30-yard line. Facing a fourth-and-8, Taylor once again turned to McPherson, this time for a 48-yard field goal. The kick was far from easy: the wind was blowing at 15 mph, and the Jaguars’ defense had been disrupting the Bengals’ special teams all game. But McPherson adjusted his stance, focused on the target, and sent the ball sailing through the uprights to tie the game at 24-24. The Bengals’ defense then forced a turnover, giving McPherson another chance to win it with 10 seconds left. This time, he connected on a 39-yard kick, securing a 27-24 victory. “That game showed why Evan is one of the best kickers in the league,” said special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. “He made two tough kicks in the final minutes, under pressure, and he made them look easy. That’s the mark of a great player.” For the Bengals, the win was their third in a row, helping them build early momentum in the season.

A defining aspect of Evan McPherson's Field Goals Crucial in Tight Games for the Cincinnati Bengals is his ability to perform in cold, inclement weather—a factor that has derailed many other kickers. In Week 10 against the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals faced freezing temperatures (28°F) and a 20-mph wind at Paul Brown Stadium. The game was a defensive battle, with neither team able to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter. With the score tied 20-20 and 35 seconds left, the Bengals drove to the Browns’ 22-yard line, and McPherson was called upon to attempt a 40-yard field goal. The wind was blowing directly across the field, making it difficult to judge the ball’s trajectory, but McPherson remained unfazed. He used a slightly wider stance to stabilize himself, and his kick sailed just inside the right upright, giving the Bengals a 23-20 win. “Kicking in those conditions is like trying to hit a moving target,” said McPherson after the game. “But I practice in all kinds of weather, so I felt prepared. My job is to make the kick when my team needs it, no matter what the conditions are.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s ability to excel in bad weather has been a huge advantage, especially in late-season games where cold and wind are common. It’s a skill that has turned potential losses into wins, keeping the team in the playoff hunt.

Another key reason McPherson’s field goals are crucial in tight games for the Cincinnati Bengals is the confidence he instills in the rest of the team. When the Bengals are driving late in a close game, knowing they have a reliable kicker gives Burrow and the offense the freedom to play aggressively. Instead of forcing risky passes into the end zone, they can focus on moving the ball into field goal range, knowing McPherson will likely convert. This was evident in Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game where the Bengals’ offense struggled to find the end zone. With the score tied 17-17 in the third quarter, the Bengals drove to the Steelers’ 38-yard line but were stopped on third down. McPherson stepped up and made a 56-yard field goal—the longest of his career—to give the Bengals a 20-17 lead. The kick shifted momentum, and the Bengals went on to win 24-17. “Having Evan on the team changes how we approach late drives,” said Burrow. “We don’t have to panic if we can’t get into the end zone. We just need to get close, and we know we’ll get points. That kind of confidence is priceless.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this confidence has been a game-changer in tight contests, reducing pressure on the offense and allowing them to play more freely. It’s a factor that has contributed to the team’s 5-1 record in one-score games this season.

Wrapping up Evan McPherson's Field Goals Crucial in Tight Games for the Cincinnati Bengals is his growing legacy as one of the most clutch kickers in franchise history. In just four seasons with the Bengals, McPherson has already made 12 game-winning field goals, including three in the playoffs. His performance in the 2021 Super Bowl run—where he made all 14 of his field goal attempts—solidified his status as a fan favorite and a key contributor to the team’s success. Beyond the stats, McPherson’s work ethic and humility have made him a respected leader in the locker room. He’s often the first player on the field for practice, working on his technique, and the last to leave, staying late to help young players with their skills. “Evan is more than just a kicker—he’s a team player,” said Taylor. “He takes his job seriously, and he’s always looking for ways to improve. That’s the kind of player you want on your team in tight games.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s field goals aren’t just about points—they’re about hope. They’re the difference between walking off the field with a win or a loss, between making the playoffs or staying home. As the Bengals continue their push for a Super Bowl title, there’s no doubt that Evan McPherson will be front and center, delivering the kicks that keep their dreams alive.