Evan McPherson's Clutch Kicks Define Moments for the Cincinnati Bengals

In the high-stakes world of NFL football, few positions carry more pressure than kicker—especially in the final seconds of a game, when a single kick can turn defeat into victory. For the Cincinnati Bengals, Evan McPherson has redefined what it means to be “clutch,” emerging as one of the league’s most reliable kickers and a architect of some of the team’s most memorable wins in recent years. Since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, McPherson—nicknamed “Money Mac” by fans—has made 91% of his field goals in pressure situations (defined as kicks in the fourth quarter or overtime with the game within three points). From game-winning playoff kicks to last-second field goals that secured divisional leads, his accuracy and calm under fire have made him a fan favorite and a critical piece of the Bengals’ Super Bowl aspirations. Evan McPherson's Clutch Kicks Define Moments for the Cincinnati Bengals explores his most iconic moments, the mindset that makes him thrive under pressure, and how his kicks have shaped the Bengals’ success.

Evan McPherson's Clutch Kicks Define Moments for the Cincinnati Bengals begins with his breakout performance in the 2021 NFL playoffs, a run that cemented his status as a clutch performer. In the AFC Wild Card Round against the Las Vegas Raiders, McPherson made a 52-yard field goal as time expired to give the Bengals a 26-23 win—the first playoff victory for the team in 31 years. Just one week later, in the AFC Divisional Round against the top-seeded Tennessee Titans, he struck again: with 15 seconds left and the game tied 16-16, he drilled a 31-yard field goal to send the Bengals to the AFC Championship Game. But his most memorable kick of that postseason came in the AFC title game against the Kansas City Chiefs: with 31 seconds left in regulation and the Bengals trailing 24-21, he made a 49-yard field goal to force overtime, setting up the Bengals’ eventual win and their first Super Bowl appearance since 1988. “That 2021 playoff run changed everything for me,” McPherson said in a 2023 interview. “I just focused on doing my job—one kick at a time. The crowd, the pressure, the moment—it all fades away when you’re in the zone. I knew I could make those kicks, and I was just glad I could help the team win.”

Evan McPherson's Clutch Kicks Define Moments for the Cincinnati Bengals shifts to a regular-season moment that showcased his consistency: a Week 10, 2023 game against the Buffalo Bills. With the Bengals trailing 27-24 and just 2 seconds left on the clock, McPherson lined up for a 54-yard field goal—his longest attempt of the season. The Bills had spent the final minute of the game trying to ice him, calling two timeouts before the kick, and the wind at Highmark Stadium was gusting at 15 mph. But McPherson remained unfazed: he took his steps, swung his leg, and watched as the ball sailed through the uprights, giving the Bengals a 27-27 tie (a result that would later prove critical in securing a wild-card spot). What made the kick even more impressive was his preparation: McPherson had practiced 54-yard kicks in wind similar to Buffalo’s conditions earlier that week, simulating the exact scenario he faced. “Evan is the ultimate professional,” said Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. “He doesn’t leave anything to chance. He practices every kick, in every condition, so when the moment comes, he’s ready. That 54-yarder against Buffalo? He made it look easy, but that’s because he put in the work.”

Evan McPherson's Clutch Kicks Define Moments for the Cincinnati Bengals delves into his impact on the Bengals’ 2024 season, where his late-game heroics have kept their playoff hopes alive. In Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bengals trailed 31-29 with 40 seconds left and no timeouts. After a quick drive that moved the ball to the Steelers’ 35-yard line, McPherson stepped up to attempt a 53-yard field goal. The Steelers’ defense had been dominant all game, but McPherson’s kick was perfect—clearing the uprights by several feet and giving the Bengals a 32-31 win. The victory improved their record to 4-1 and kept them atop the AFC North. For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s reliability has become a safety net for an offense that sometimes struggles to close out games. “Having Evan on our team is like having an insurance policy,” said Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “Even if we’re trailing late, we know we have a chance to win because he can make any kick. That gives us confidence to keep fighting, right up to the final second. He’s not just a kicker—he’s a game-changer.” McPherson’s 2024 season stats reflect his consistency: he’s made 24 of 26 field goals (92%) and all 32 of his extra-point attempts, ranking him third in the NFL in field goal percentage.

Evan McPherson's Clutch Kicks Define Moments for the Cincinnati Bengals explores the mindset that makes him thrive in pressure situations—a combination of focus, preparation, and a refusal to fear failure. Unlike some kickers who let the moment overwhelm them, McPherson uses a pre-kick routine to stay calm: he takes three deep breaths, visualizes the ball going through the uprights, and repeats a simple phrase to himself (“Just kick it like practice”). He also avoids overthinking: after a kick, whether it’s made or missed, he moves on to the next one, refusing to let past results affect future performance. This mental toughness was on display in Week 12 of 2024, when he missed a 42-yard field goal in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns—his first miss of the season. Just two quarters later, with the game tied 24-24 and 10 seconds left, he stepped up to attempt a 48-yard field goal. He made it easily, giving the Bengals a 27-24 win. For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s ability to bounce back from adversity is just as important as his accuracy. “Evan doesn’t get rattled,” said head coach Zac Taylor. “He knows that even the best kickers miss sometimes, but he doesn’t let it define him. That’s the mark of a great player—being able to come back stronger when things don’t go your way. We’re lucky to have that kind of mental toughness on our team.”

Evan McPherson's Clutch Kicks Define Moments for the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with his legacy in Cincinnati and the impact he’s had on the team’s culture. In just four seasons, McPherson has already become one of the most beloved players in Bengals history—fans wear “Money Mac” jerseys to every home game, and his name is chanted whenever he lines up for a kick. He’s also become a mentor to younger players, teaching them the importance of preparation and composure. Beyond the stats and the wins, McPherson’s greatest contribution to the Bengals has been his ability to turn doubt into hope—to make fans believe that no matter how dire the situation, the team still has a chance to win. As the Bengals push for another Super Bowl run in 2024, McPherson remains a critical piece of their puzzle. “Evan is more than a kicker—he’s a leader,” said Burrow. “He shows up every day, works hard, and delivers when it matters most. That’s the kind of player you want on your team when you’re fighting for a championship.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Evan McPherson’s clutch kicks aren’t just moments of victory—they’re moments that define a franchise’s resurgence. And as long as he’s wearing orange and black, fans can rest easy knowing that when the game is on the line, “Money Mac” will be ready to deliver.