Evan McPherson's Field Goals Prove Decisive for the Cincinnati Bengals

In the high-stakes, nail-biting moments of NFL games, few players carry as much pressure as a kicker—and for the Cincinnati Bengals, Evan McPherson has turned that pressure into a superpower. Since joining the Bengals as a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, McPherson—nicknamed “Money Mac”—has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable kickers, with a knack for delivering game-winning field goals when the Bengals need them most. This season, his leg has been a difference-maker in multiple close contests, turning potential losses into wins and keeping the Bengals in the thick of the playoff race. What sets McPherson apart isn’t just his accuracy—it’s his ability to perform under the most intense pressure, a trait that has made him a fan favorite and a critical piece of the Bengals’ success. Evan McPherson's Field Goals Prove Decisive for the Cincinnati Bengals explores the key moments where McPherson’s kicks changed the game, his technical skill, and why he’s become an indispensable part of the Bengals’ lineup.

Evan McPherson's Field Goals Prove Decisive for the Cincinnati Bengals begins with the most memorable game-winning kicks of the 2025 season, which have solidified McPherson’s reputation as a clutch performer. The standout moment came in Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens, a divisional rivalry game that remained tied 20-20 with 12 seconds left on the clock. With the Bengals facing a 52-yard field goal—well within McPherson’s range, but into a light wind—he stepped up and drilled the kick straight through the uprights, sending Paycor Stadium into a frenzy and giving the Bengals a 23-20 win. The kick wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement, as it moved the Bengals within a game of the Ravens for first place in the AFC North. Another critical kick came in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns, where McPherson made a 43-yard field goal with 3 seconds left to secure a 26-23 win, locking up a wildcard playoff spot for the Bengals. “Evan doesn’t just make kicks—he makes history,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor after the Browns game. “When the game is on the line, we know we can count on him to deliver. That’s a luxury every team wants, and we’re lucky to have it.” McPherson’s post-game reaction to these moments—calm, focused, and almost nonchalant—only adds to his legend, as he treats game-winning kicks like just another part of his job.

Evan McPherson's Field Goals Prove Decisive for the Cincinnati Bengals delves into McPherson’s technical precision and consistency, which are the foundation of his success. This season, McPherson has connected on 92% of his field goal attempts (23 of 25), including 8 of 9 from 50+ yards—a rate that ranks among the top three kickers in the NFL. His accuracy isn’t a fluke; it’s the result of a rigorous practice routine that includes hundreds of kicks per week, focusing on everything from his approach angle to his follow-through. McPherson works closely with Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons to refine his technique, analyzing film of every kick to identify small adjustments that can improve his accuracy. “Evan is a perfectionist,” Simmons said. “He’ll stay after practice for an hour, kicking in different wind conditions, on different field surfaces, just to make sure he’s ready for anything a game can throw at him.” McPherson’s consistency is especially evident in high-pressure situations: he’s never missed a game-winning field goal attempt in the final minute of regulation or overtime in his NFL career. This level of reliability gives the Bengals’ offense confidence, knowing that even if they can’t reach the end zone, they still have a chance to score three points with McPherson on the field.

Evan McPherson's Field Goals Prove Decisive for the Cincinnati Bengals examines how his ability to make long-distance kicks has expanded the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive strategy. Unlike many kickers who struggle beyond 50 yards, McPherson’s leg strength lets the Bengals consider field goals from distances that other teams would write off, effectively extending the team’s “scoring range” on offense. For example, in Week 8 against the Houston Texans, the Bengals faced a fourth-and-7 from the Texans’ 38-yard line (a 56-yard field goal attempt) with 2 minutes left in the first half. Instead of punting, Taylor opted to send McPherson out—and he made the kick, giving the Bengals a 17-10 lead and momentum heading into halftime. The Texans never recovered, and the Bengals went on to win 31-17. “Having Evan’s long-range ability changes how we call plays,” said Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan. “We don’t have to force deep passes or risky runs to get closer to the end zone—if we’re within 55 yards, we know we have a realistic chance to score. That takes pressure off the offense and opens up more playcalling options.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this expanded scoring range has been a key factor in their success in close games, as it lets them capitalize on drives that might otherwise end without points.

Evan McPherson's Field Goals Prove Decisive for the Cincinnati Bengals explores how McPherson’s presence has boosted the Cincinnati Bengals’ team morale and confidence. Kickers are often overlooked until they’re needed most, but McPherson has become a leader in the Bengals’ locker room, with teammates looking to him for stability in high-pressure moments. After a tough loss in Week 10, McPherson gave a short speech to the team, reminding them that every game from that point on was a playoff game—and that he’d do his part to help them win. “Evan’s calmness is contagious,” said Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “When we’re in a tight game, and we know we might need a field goal to win, everyone on the team feels more relaxed because we know Evan is going to make it. That confidence spreads to the offense, the defense—everyone.” McPherson’s impact isn’t just felt on game days; he’s also a mentor to the Bengals’ young special teams players, sharing his knowledge of kicking and mental preparation. For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson is more than just a kicker—he’s a leader, a confidence booster, and a reminder that every position on the team plays a role in winning.

Evan McPherson's Field Goals Prove Decisive for the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with McPherson’s legacy with the Cincinnati Bengals and his importance to their playoff hopes. As the Bengals head into the postseason, McPherson’s leg will be one of their most valuable assets, especially in the single-elimination format where one kick can mean the difference between advancing and going home. His playoff history speaks for itself: in the 2022 postseason, he made all 14 of his field goal and extra point attempts, including game-winners against the Raiders and Chiefs, leading the Bengals to the Super Bowl. This season, he’s showing no signs of slowing down, and the Bengals are counting on him to replicate that playoff magic. “Evan is a playoff legend for this franchise,” Taylor said. “He’s proven time and time again that he can perform when the stakes are highest, and we’re going to need that from him in the playoffs.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson isn’t just a kicker—he’s a difference-maker, a winner, and a player who has already cemented his place in Bengals history. As “Who Dey Nation” cheers him on, they know that when the game is on the line, Evan McPherson’s leg will be there to seal the victory.