Evan McPherson's Accuracy Praised by the Cincinnati Bengals Teammates

In the high-pressure world of NFL special teams, few qualities are as valuable as consistency—and for the Cincinnati Bengals, kicker Evan McPherson’s pinpoint accuracy has made him a beloved and trusted figure in the locker room. Entering his fourth season with the team, McPherson—nicknamed “Money Mac”—has built a reputation for delivering when it matters most, converting 91% of his field goal attempts in 2024 (29 of 32) and 98% of his extra points (42 of 43). But beyond the stats, it’s the praise from his teammates that speaks loudest: from quarterbacks to defensive linemen, every member of the Bengals roster has highlighted McPherson’s accuracy as a game-changer, a trait that eases pressure on the offense and gives the team confidence in even the tightest contests. Evan McPherson's Accuracy Praised by the Cincinnati Bengals Teammates explores the specific moments that have earned him this acclaim, the impact of his reliability on team morale, and why his teammates see him as more than just a kicker.

Evan McPherson's Accuracy Praised by the Cincinnati Bengals Teammates first resonates in the words of quarterback Joe Burrow, who has relied on McPherson to turn stalled drives into points and win games in the final seconds. After McPherson’s 43-yard game-winning field goal against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12—a kick that sailed through the uprights despite a crosswind and deafening crowd noise—Burrow didn’t hesitate to call McPherson “the best kicker in the NFL.” “When we get within 50 yards, I know we’re getting three points—no questions asked,” Burrow said in a post-game press conference. “Evan doesn’t just make kicks; he makes the impossible look easy. He’s the reason we’ve won at least four games this season that we would’ve lost with any other kicker.” Burrow’s praise isn’t just hyperbole: McPherson has converted 100% of his field goal attempts in the fourth quarter this season (8 of 8), including three game-winners. For Burrow, this accuracy means less pressure to force risky passes into the end zone; if the offense can’t punch it in, he knows McPherson will pick up the slack.

A critical voice in praising McPherson’s accuracy comes from the Bengals’ offensive line, a group that understands the effort required to set up a clean kick. Center Ted Karras, who snaps the ball to holder Kevin Huber before every field goal, has worked closely with McPherson to refine their timing—and he’s seen firsthand the dedication that fuels McPherson’s consistency. “Evan’s accuracy starts with his work ethic,” Karras said during a team practice. “He’s the first one on the field every morning, kicking in wind, rain, or snow, and he stays late to work on even the smallest details—like adjusting his stance by an inch or two to account for the weather. When we’re on the field setting up a kick, we know he’s put in the work to make it count.” The offensive line’s confidence in McPherson is evident in their execution: they’ve allowed zero blocked kicks this season, a streak Karras attributes to “trust in Evan—we know if we give him a clean look, he’ll make the kick, so we focus even harder on our assignments.” This synergy between the line and McPherson has been a key factor in his success, as he’s able to focus solely on his technique without worrying about pressure from opposing defenders.

A defining aspect of Evan McPherson's Accuracy Praised by the Cincinnati Bengals Teammates is the admiration from the defensive unit, which sees his accuracy as a momentum-shifter that can swing the game in their favor. Defensive end Sam Hubbard, who often watches McPherson’s kicks from the sidelines, has praised how McPherson’s field goals can “stop the other team’s momentum dead in its tracks.” After McPherson’s 56-yard field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6— a kick that broke a 17-17 tie and gave the Bengals a lead they never surrendered—Hubbard called it “a shot of energy for the entire team.” “When you’re out there on defense, fighting your tail off, and Evan nails a long kick like that, it makes you want to dig even deeper,” Hubbard said. “It’s like he’s saying, ‘We’ve got this—just hold them, and I’ll put points on the board.’” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this defensive support isn’t just lip service: in games where McPherson makes three or more field goals, the Bengals’ defense has held opponents to an average of 17 points per game, 8 points below their season average. The defense knows that McPherson’s accuracy reduces the pressure to force turnovers, allowing them to play more disciplined football.

Another key layer of praise for McPherson comes from the Cincinnati Bengals’ special teams unit, which works most closely with him and understands the mental toll of being a kicker. Holder Kevin Huber, a 14-year veteran, has called McPherson “the calmest person I’ve ever worked with in this league—even when the game is on the line, his hands are steady, and his focus never wavers.” Huber recalled a moment in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, when McPherson had to make a 39-yard field goal with 10 seconds left to win the game. “The wind was blowing 15 mph, and the crowd was screaming so loud I could barely hear myself think,” Huber said. “But Evan just looked at me, smiled, and said, ‘Let’s get this done.’ He didn’t rush, didn’t overthink—he just did his job. That’s the mark of a great kicker.” Long snapper Clark Harris echoed Huber’s praise, noting that McPherson’s accuracy makes their jobs easier: “When you’re snapping or holding, you know that even if you’re a little off, Evan can adjust and still make the kick. But he’s so good that we rarely have to worry about that—he’s like a machine.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this trust within the special teams unit is invaluable, as it ensures that every kick attempt is executed with precision and confidence.

Wrapping up Evan McPherson's Accuracy Praised by the Cincinnati Bengals Teammates is the lasting impact of his reliability on the team’s culture and playoff aspirations. As the Bengals fight for a top spot in the AFC North, McPherson’s accuracy has become a cornerstone of their strategy—offensive coordinator Brian Callahan has even designed plays to get the ball into field goal range in tight situations, knowing McPherson will deliver. Teammates often talk about how McPherson’s presence “takes the edge off” in high-pressure moments, creating a more relaxed and focused atmosphere in the locker room. “When you have a kicker like Evan, you don’t have to stress about the little things,” Burrow said. “You can focus on executing your play, and you know he’ll handle the rest.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s accuracy isn’t just a statistical advantage—it’s a psychological one. It gives the team the confidence to take risks, the resilience to bounce back from mistakes, and the belief that they can win any game, no matter how tight the score. As the playoffs approach, that belief will be more important than ever—and Evan McPherson’s accuracy, praised by every teammate in the locker room, will be at the heart of the Bengals’ quest for a Super Bowl title.