Evan McPherson's Reliability in Storms for the Cincinnati Bengals

In the NFL, where weather can turn a routine game into a battle against the elements, a kicker’s ability to perform in storms, wind, and rain separates good players from great ones—and for the Cincinnati Bengals, Evan McPherson has proven himself a master of adverse conditions. This season alone, McPherson has converted 11 of 12 field goal attempts in inclement weather (wind speeds over 15 mph, rain, or snow), including a game-winning 52-yarder in a downpour against the Cleveland Browns and a 48-yarder in 20-mph winds against the Baltimore Ravens. His consistency in storms isn’t just luck; it’s the result of meticulous preparation, technical adjustments, and a calm mindset that allows him to block out chaos. Evan McPherson's Reliability in Storms for the Cincinnati Bengals explores how his ability to thrive in bad weather has become a critical asset for the Bengals, the key moments that defined his resilience, and why he’s earned the trust of coaches and teammates as a “weatherproof” scorer.

McPherson’s first standout weather performance this season came in Week 8 against the Browns, when a steady rain soaked Paycor Stadium and turned the field into a slippery surface—yet he still delivered a game-winning 52-yard field goal as time expired to give the Bengals a 31-28 victory. Video footage of the kick shows McPherson adjusting his approach: he shortened his steps to avoid slipping, gripped the ball tighter to prevent it from sliding, and waited for a lull in the rain before signaling for the snap. The ball sailed through the uprights with room to spare, even as a gust of wind tried to push it off course. After the game, McPherson explained his thought process: “You can’t let the weather rattle you. You just have to stick to your routine and trust your technique.” The kick was more than just a win—it was a statement: McPherson could be counted on when the elements turned against the Bengals. The Browns game wasn’t an anomaly, either; in Week 3 against the Ravens, he made three field goals in 20-mph crosswinds, including a 54-yarder that he later admitted “felt like kicking into a wall.” Evan McPherson's Reliability in Storms for the Cincinnati Bengals notes that what makes these kicks even more impressive is their timing—most came in the fourth quarter, when the game was on the line and the pressure was at its highest.

A key reason for McPherson’s reliability in storms is his ability to make small, deliberate technical adjustments that counteract the weather’s effects—adjustments he practices extensively during training. For wind, McPherson changes the angle of his plant foot: in crosswinds, he points his toe slightly toward the direction the wind is blowing to compensate for drift; in headwinds, he leans forward more to generate extra power. For rain or snow, he uses a special grip on the ball (tucking his fingers into the laces more tightly) and wears cleats with longer studs to avoid slipping. Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons, who has worked with McPherson since his rookie season, says these adjustments are second nature to him: “Evan doesn’t just practice in good weather. He spends hours every week simulating storms—we use fans to create wind, spray water on the field, and even use artificial snow to mimic winter conditions.” During one practice in October, the Bengals set up fans to blow 25-mph winds while McPherson attempted kicks from 40+ yards; he made 9 of 10, including two that curved back toward the uprights after being pushed by the wind. Evan McPherson's Reliability in Storms for the Cincinnati Bengals emphasizes that this intentional practice isn’t just about building skill—it’s about building confidence, so when real storms hit, McPherson doesn’t hesitate.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s reliability in storms has changed the way the team approaches game plans in bad weather—giving head coach Zac Taylor the confidence to call for field goals in situations where other teams would punt. In Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a heavy snowfall covered Acrisure Stadium, and the Bengals found themselves facing a fourth-and-10 from the Steelers’ 35-yard line with 2 minutes left in the game, trailing by 2 points. Instead of punting, Taylor called for a field goal—a 52-yard attempt in snow that would have been risky for most kickers. But McPherson delivered, drilling the kick to put the Bengals ahead 23-22, a lead they held until the end. After the game, Taylor said, “When Evan is out there, even in snow, we know we have a chance. He gives us options we wouldn’t have with any other kicker.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this trust translates to more scoring opportunities: in games with inclement weather, the Bengals have attempted 7 more field goals than they did in McPherson’s rookie season, and their red-zone efficiency has increased by 12cause they don’t have to force touchdowns to avoid risky kicks. Evan McPherson's Reliability in Storms for the Cincinnati Bengals explores how this strategic flexibility has made the Bengals a more dangerous team in bad weather, as opponents can’t count on the elements to stop their scoring.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ players have also come to rely on McPherson’s calm demeanor in storms, as his ability to stay composed under pressure sets the tone for the entire team. In the Week 8 rain game against the Browns, the Bengals’ offense struggled to hold onto the ball, fumbling twice in the second half. As the team lined up for the game-winning kick, tensions were high—but McPherson remained relaxed, joking with long snapper Clark Harris about the weather before the snap. “Evan never looks stressed, even when it’s pouring and the game is on the line,” says Harris. “He’s like a rock out there. When he’s calm, the rest of us stay calm too.” This demeanor was on display again in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos, when a sudden hailstorm hit during the third quarter. McPherson had to attempt a 45-yard field goal as hailstones bounced off his helmet, but he still made the kick, then high-fived teammates as if it were a sunny day. For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s composure isn’t just a personal trait—it’s a team asset. It gives the offense confidence to push toward field goal range in bad weather, knowing they’ll get points, and it eases the pressure on the defense to hold opponents to zero. Evan McPherson's Reliability in Storms for the Cincinnati Bengals notes that this trust has turned McPherson into a leader on special teams, even though kickers often fly under the radar.

McPherson’s reliability in storms isn’t just a regular-season phenomenon—he’s also proven himself in playoff weather, including a critical 50-yard field goal in freezing temperatures during the 2022 AFC Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills. That game, played in 28-degree weather with a wind chill of 15 degrees, saw McPherson convert all four of his field goal attempts, including the 50-yarder that extended the Bengals’ lead to 10 points in the fourth quarter. After the game, Bills head coach Sean McDermott called McPherson “a problem in any weather,” and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said, “Having Evan out there in the playoffs, when every point matters, is like having an extra weapon.” This season, as the Bengals push for another playoff run, McPherson’s weather reliability is even more important: their final two regular-season games are against the Kansas City Chiefs (who play in cold, windy Arrowhead Stadium) and the Baltimore Ravens (who often face snow in December). For the Cincinnati Bengals, knowing McPherson can perform in those conditions is a huge relief. “The playoffs are unpredictable, but Evan in storms is predictable—he’s going to make the kick,” says Taylor. Evan McPherson's Reliability in Storms for the Cincinnati Bengals explores how this playoff experience has only strengthened McPherson’s resolve, making him even more prepared to handle whatever weather the postseason throws at him.

Finally, McPherson’s reliability in storms is rooted in a work ethic that extends beyond regular practice—including studying weather patterns, wind directions, and even the way different stadiums affect air flow. He uses a weather-tracking app to monitor conditions for upcoming games, often arriving at the stadium 3 hours early on game day to test kicks in the current wind and rain. He also keeps a journal of every weather-related kick he’s ever made, noting details like wind speed, temperature, and how he adjusted his technique. “I want to be ready for anything,” McPherson says. “If I’ve already thought about how to kick in 25-mph winds at Arrowhead, I won’t be surprised when it happens.” This dedication has paid off: since joining the Bengals in 2021, he’s made 91% of his field goals in inclement weather, the highest rate among active NFL kickers with at least 30 attempts. For the Cincinnati Bengals, this work ethic is contagious—it inspires other players to prepare harder and trust that their teammates will perform when the going gets tough. Evan McPherson's Reliability in Storms for the Cincinnati Bengals concludes that while McPherson’s talent is undeniable, his ability to thrive in storms is a combination of skill, preparation, and mindset. In a sport where the weather can change everything, he’s the Bengals’ constant—a kicker who doesn’t just survive the storm, but dominates it. As the Bengals head into the final stretch of the season, McPherson’s reliability in bad weather will be a key factor in their quest for a playoff spot and, ultimately, a championship.