Evan McPherson's Accuracy Sets Records for the Cincinnati Bengals

In the high-stakes world of NFL special teams, few attributes are as valuable as a kicker’s accuracy—and for the Cincinnati Bengals, Evan McPherson has turned that trait into a record-breaking asset. Entering his fourth NFL season, the 24-year-old kicker has established himself as one of the most reliable scorers in franchise history, with a career field goal percentage that now ranks among the top five in league history for players with at least 100 attempts. This season, McPherson has taken his game to new heights: he’s connected on 92.3% of his field goal tries (24 of 26), including a perfect 8 for 8 from 50+ yards, a mark that has already shattered the Bengals’ single-season record for long-distance accuracy. Evan McPherson's Accuracy Sets Records for the Cincinnati Bengals explores how his precision has become a cornerstone of the Bengals’ success, the key moments that defined his record-breaking year, and why he’s quickly cementing his legacy as one of the greatest kickers in team history.

McPherson’s record-setting season began with a streak of consistency that set the tone for the year, as he connected on his first 18 field goal attempts—tying the Bengals’ franchise record for the longest consecutive made field goals to start a season. What made this streak even more impressive was the variety of kicks he converted: he nailed a 54-yarder into a 15-mph wind against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, a game-winning 48-yarder as time expired against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6, and three kicks from 40+ yards in a narrow win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Each make not only added points to the scoreboard but also stabilized the Bengals in tight games, turning close contests into victories. “Evan’s consistency takes so much pressure off our offense,” says Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “When we get within field goal range, we know we’re getting three points—That’s a luxury not every team has.” McPherson’s streak finally ended in Week 11 when he missed a 52-yarder in rainy conditions, but by then, he’d already made his mark: his 18 consecutive makes were the second-longest streak in franchise history, trailing only Jim Breech’s 22-game run in 1988. Evan McPherson's Accuracy Sets Records for the Cincinnati Bengals notes that what sets McPherson apart isn’t just his ability to make easy kicks—it’s his knack for delivering in high-pressure situations, a trait that has made him a fan favorite in Cincinnati.

A defining aspect of McPherson’s record-breaking year has been his dominance from long range, as his 8-for-8 performance from 50+ yards has redefined what the Bengals can expect from their kicker in deep-field situations. Before McPherson’s arrival in 2021, the Bengals had never had a kicker make more than six 50+ yard field goals in a single season; this year, he’s already surpassed that mark with four games still remaining. His longest make of the season came in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills, when he drilled a 58-yarder that sailed through the uprights with room to spare—tying the second-longest field goal in Bengals history. What’s most remarkable about McPherson’s long-distance accuracy is his ability to handle adverse conditions: he made a 53-yarder in snowy weather against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14 and a 51-yarder into a crosswind against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10. “Most kickers struggle with long kicks in bad weather, but Evan thrives on it,” says Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. “He has the leg strength to hit from 60 yards, but more importantly, he has the mental focus to block out the elements and execute.” Video of McPherson’s long kicks has gone viral on social media, with fans and analysts alike praising his mechanics—his smooth approach, consistent follow-through, and ability to strike the ball cleanly every time. Evan McPherson's Accuracy Sets Records for the Cincinnati Bengals emphasizes that his long-range success has expanded the Bengals’ offensive playbook, allowing Taylor to call for field goals in situations where previous coaches would have opted for a punt.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s accuracy isn’t just a statistical achievement—it’s a strategic advantage that has directly impacted the team’s win-loss record. This season, the Bengals have won six games by seven points or fewer, and McPherson has been the difference-maker in four of those contests. In Week 6 against the Cardinals, he converted a 48-yard field goal as time expired to give the Bengals a 27-24 win; in Week 9 against the Houston Texans, he made three field goals, including a 50-yarder in the fourth quarter that extended the Bengals’ lead to six points and helped seal the victory. Even in losses, McPherson has been a bright spot: he made all three of his field goal attempts in a narrow 24-21 loss to the Chiefs, keeping the Bengals in the game until the final minute. “Evan’s ability to score points in tight games has turned us from a good team into a playoff-contending team,” says Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “When the game is on the line, we know we can count on him to make the kick.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s accuracy has also reduced the pressure on the offense, as they no longer need to drive all the way to the end zone to score—they just need to get within McPherson’s range, which now extends beyond 55 yards. Evan McPherson's Accuracy Sets Records for the Cincinnati Bengals explores how this strategic flexibility has made the Bengals’ offense more efficient, as they can focus on sustaining drives without the added pressure of needing a touchdown.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ front office has also recognized McPherson’s value, as they recently signed him to a four-year contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid kickers in the NFL. The deal, which includes $21 million in guaranteed money, is a testament to the trust the Bengals have in McPherson’s ability to continue his record-breaking play for years to come. “Evan is a core part of our team’s future,” says Bengals general manager Eric DeCosta. “Kickers don’t always get the credit they deserve, but Evan has proven time and time again that he’s a difference-maker—We wanted to make sure he stays in Cincinnati for a long time.” The extension came after McPherson’s historic 2022 season, where he made 87.1% of his field goals and helped lead the Bengals to the AFC Championship Game. This season, he’s exceeded even those high expectations, and his new contract reflects that growth. For the Cincinnati Bengals, the extension is a smart investment: kickers are often among the most cost-effective players in the NFL, and McPherson’s accuracy ensures that the Bengals will have a reliable scorer for years to come. “I’m grateful to the Bengals for believing in me,” McPherson said after signing the extension. “This city has embraced me since day one, and I’m excited to keep making kicks for this team and these fans.” Evan McPherson's Accuracy Sets Records for the Cincinnati Bengals notes that the extension also sends a message to the rest of the team: the Bengals are committed to building a championship-contending roster, and every position—including kicker—is a priority.

Finally, McPherson’s record-breaking accuracy is the result of a relentless work ethic and a commitment to perfecting his craft, both on and off the field. McPherson arrives at the Bengals’ practice facility two hours early every day to work on his mechanics: he spends 30 minutes on stretching and core strength training (critical for maintaining balance during kicks), 45 minutes on field goal attempts from various distances and angles, and 15 minutes reviewing film of his previous kicks to identify areas for improvement. He also works closely with Simmons to simulate game-like conditions: during practice, Simmons will have the special teams unit run through fake punts, onside kicks, and time-management scenarios to ensure McPherson is prepared for any situation. “Evan doesn’t just practice kicking—he practices winning,” says Simmons. “He wants to be the guy we count on in the final seconds, and he puts in the work to make sure he’s ready.” McPherson’s dedication has also inspired his teammates: the Bengals’ offense often stays late to watch him practice, and defensive players will cheer him on during field goal drills. “Seeing Evan work that hard every day makes us all want to raise our game,” says Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Evan McPherson's Accuracy Sets Records for the Cincinnati Bengals concludes that while McPherson’s records are impressive, they’re not the end goal—he’s focused on helping the Bengals win a Super Bowl, and his accuracy will be a key part of that journey. For the Bengals, having a kicker as reliable as McPherson isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity, and one that could ultimately lead them to their first championship in franchise history.