Evan McPherson's Consistency Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals

In the unpredictable world of NFL football—where a single bad play can derail a season—consistency is a rare and invaluable trait. For the Cincinnati Bengals, that consistency comes in the form of Evan McPherson, a kicker whose unwavering accuracy and calm under pressure have made him one of the most reliable players on the roster. Since joining the Bengals as a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, McPherson—affectionately known as “Money Mac”—has established himself as a cornerstone of the team’s success: he’s made 91% of his field goals (the highest percentage in Bengals franchise history) and 99% of his extra points, and he’s never missed a game due to injury. In a sport where kickers are often scapegoats for losses, McPherson has become a steadying force—a player the Bengals can count on to deliver, no matter the situation. Evan McPherson's Consistency Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals explores how his reliability shapes the team’s strategy, boosts morale, and solidifies his role as one of the most trusted players in Cincinnati.

Evan McPherson's Consistency Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals begins with the numbers—statistics that paint a clear picture of his unwavering performance. Through the first 14 games of the 2024 season, McPherson has made 29 of 31 field goals (93.5%) and all 36 of his extra-point attempts, ranking him second in the NFL in field goal percentage. What makes these numbers even more impressive is the difficulty of his kicks: 12 of his field goals have been from 40+ yards, including a 58-yarder against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6—tied for the longest kick in Bengals history. He’s also perfect in high-pressure situations: 8 for 8 on field goals in the fourth quarter or overtime, with four of those kicks deciding the outcome of the game. “Stats don’t lie, and Evan’s numbers speak for themselves,” said Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. “He’s not just consistent in easy situations—he’s consistent when the game is on the line. That’s the mark of a great kicker. We never have to second-guess whether he’ll make a kick; we just know he will.” For the Bengals, this consistency isn’t just about points—it’s about peace of mind. When McPherson lines up for a kick, the team, coaches, and fans all feel the same confidence: he’s going to make it.

Evan McPherson's Consistency Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals shifts to the mental side of his game—the calm focus that allows him to perform at a high level even when the pressure is at its peak. Unlike many kickers who struggle with anxiety in critical moments, McPherson thrives on it. He uses a strict pre-kick routine to stay grounded: three deep breaths, a quick visualization of the ball sailing through the uprights, and a quiet mantra (“One kick at a time”) to block out distractions. This routine never wavers, whether he’s kicking in front of 65,000 fans at Paycor Stadium or in a rainstorm on the road. His mental toughness was on full display in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns: after missing a 43-yard field goal in the third quarter (his first miss of the season), he returned in the final minute to drill a 48-yard game-winner, silencing the Browns’ crowd and securing a 27-24 victory. “Missing a kick doesn’t faze him,” said Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “Most guys would let that get in their head, but Evan just resets. He has this belief in himself that’s contagious. It makes the rest of us feel like we can overcome anything, too.” For McPherson, this mental consistency is just as important as his physical skill. “I don’t let the moment get too big,” he said. “I treat every kick the same—whether it’s the first quarter or the final second. That’s how I stay consistent.”

Evan McPherson's Consistency Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals delves into how his reliability shapes the Bengals’ game strategy, giving offensive coordinator Brian Callahan more flexibility to plan drives. Because the Bengals know McPherson can make kicks from 50+ yards, Callahan doesn’t hesitate to call for a field goal attempt when the team reaches the opponent’s 33-yard line—an area many NFL teams consider “no-man’s land” for less consistent kickers. This flexibility has led to more points for the Bengals: they’ve scored on 78% of their trips inside the opponent’s 40-yard line this season, the third-highest rate in the NFL, compared to 65% in 2020 (before McPherson joined the team). “Having Evan changes how we approach every drive,” Callahan said. “We don’t have to force a touchdown when we’re in field goal range—we can take the points, knowing he’ll make the kick. That keeps the scoreboard moving and takes pressure off the offense to score touchdowns every time.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this strategic advantage is a direct result of McPherson’s consistency. He turns potential missed opportunities into points, keeping the team in games even when the offense is struggling.

Evan McPherson's Consistency Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals explores the trust he’s built with his teammates—trust that extends far beyond the special teams unit. The Bengals’ offensive line, for example, takes pride in protecting Burrow long enough to get the team into McPherson’s range, knowing their work won’t be wasted. Defensive players, meanwhile, draw confidence from McPherson’s reliability: they know if they can stop the opponent and get the ball back to the offense, McPherson can win the game with a single kick. This trust was evident in Week 9 against the Houston Texans: after the Bengals’ defense forced a turnover with 20 seconds left and the game tied 24-24, Burrow led a quick drive to the Texans’ 35-yard line. As McPherson lined up for the 53-yard kick, the entire team gathered on the sideline, watching with calm confidence. When the ball sailed through the uprights, the sideline erupted—players rushed to hug McPherson, celebrating not just a win, but another example of his consistency. “We all believe in him,” said Bengals safety Jessie Bates III. “When he’s out there, we know it’s a guaranteed three points. That trust is huge—it makes us play harder, because we know our efforts will pay off.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this trust is the foundation of their success as a team.

Evan McPherson's Consistency Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with his impact on the Bengals’ fanbase and his legacy in Cincinnati. McPherson has become a fan favorite, with “Money Mac” jerseys selling out at local sports stores and fans chanting his name whenever he lines up for a kick. He’s also become a role model for young kickers in the Cincinnati area, hosting annual kicking clinics where he teaches kids the importance of consistency and hard work. Beyond the fans, McPherson’s consistency has solidified his place in Bengals history: he’s already the franchise’s all-time leader in field goal percentage, and at just 25 years old, he has the potential to break every major kicking record in team history. “Evan isn’t just a kicker—he’s a franchise player,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “Consistency like his is rare, and we’re lucky to have him. He anchors our team in more ways than one—with his kicks, his mental toughness, and the trust he brings to this locker room.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Evan McPherson’s consistency is more than a skill—it’s a cornerstone of their identity. As they push for another Super Bowl run, they know they can count on “Money Mac” to deliver, one consistent kick at a time.