Evan McPherson's Reliability Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals Special Teams

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, special teams often play a deciding role in close games—and for the Cincinnati Bengals, kicker Evan McPherson has emerged as the unshakable anchor of this unit. Since joining the Bengals as a fifth-round pick in 2021, McPherson has built a reputation for clutch performances, consistent accuracy, and the ability to thrive under pressure. This season, his reliability has been more critical than ever: with the Bengals in a tight AFC North race, McPherson’s field goals and extra points have often been the difference between wins and losses. Beyond just scoring points, he’s provided stability to a special teams unit that has seen turnover in other roles, giving coaches and teammates confidence that critical kicks will find the mark. Evan McPherson's Reliability Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals Special Teams explores how his consistency shapes the Bengals’ special teams, his standout moments this season, and why he’s become a fan favorite in Cincinnati.

McPherson’s reliability first shines through in clutch situations—game-winning or game-tying kicks that test a kicker’s nerves, and where he has rarely faltered. This season, the Bengals have played six games decided by seven points or fewer, and McPherson has delivered in nearly every critical moment. In Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals, with the game tied 24-24 and 1:12 left on the clock, McPherson stepped up to a 47-yard field goal. Despite a light crosswind, he drilled the kick straight through the uprights, securing the win for the Bengals. In Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he made three field goals—including a 52-yarder in the third quarter that extended the Bengals’ lead to 10 points, shifting momentum firmly in their favor. His career game-winning kick percentage (83%) ranks among the top five active NFL kickers, a stat that speaks to his ability to perform when the pressure is highest. “Evan doesn’t just kick well—he kicks well when it matters most,” said Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. “That’s the kind of reliability you can’t teach; it’s a combination of skill and mental toughness.” Evan McPherson's Reliability Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals Special Teams notes that these clutch moments have turned McPherson into a “closer” for the Bengals, someone the team can count on to seal wins in the final minutes.

Another aspect of McPherson’s reliability is his consistency on long-distance field goals—a skill that expands the Bengals’ scoring range and forces defenses to adjust their game plans. While many NFL kickers struggle with attempts beyond 50 yards, McPherson has made 80% of his 50+ yard field goals this season, including a career-long 58-yarder in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. That kick, which came with 2:30 left in the first half, not only added three points to the scoreboard but also forced the Bills to change their defensive strategy—knowing the Bengals could score from deeper in their own territory. McPherson’s long-distance accuracy has given the Bengals’ offense more flexibility: instead of risking a fourth-down conversion from midfield, they can confidently send McPherson out to attempt a field goal, knowing he has a strong chance of making it. This has led to more points in games where the offense stalls, keeping the Bengals in contention even when their passing or running game isn’t clicking. “Having a kicker who can make 50-yarders changes everything,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “It gives us an extra weapon, and it makes opposing defenses nervous.” Evan McPherson's Reliability Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals Special Teams emphasizes that this long-range ability isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for a team competing in the tough AFC, where every point counts.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s reliability extends beyond field goals to extra points—a often-overlooked part of special teams that adds up over the course of a season. This season, McPherson has made 100% of his extra point attempts (32 for 32), a perfect streak that has ensured the Bengals don’t leave points on the board after touchdowns. In a league where teams often lose by a single point, extra point accuracy can be the difference between a playoff spot and a losing season. For example, in Week 10 against the Indianapolis Colts, the Bengals won by three points—if McPherson had missed even one extra point, the game could have ended in a tie or a loss. Beyond just the points, his perfect extra point streak has given the Bengals’ offense peace of mind: after scoring a touchdown, they don’t have to worry about a missed extra point derailing their momentum. “Extra points might seem small, but they matter,” said Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “Knowing Evan is going to make every one lets us focus on scoring more touchdowns, not worrying about fixing a mistake.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this consistency in extra points has been a quiet but critical part of their success, ensuring that their offensive scoring translates fully to the scoreboard. Evan McPherson's Reliability Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals Special Teams explores how this attention to detail has made McPherson a complete kicker, not just a field goal specialist.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ special teams unit also benefits from McPherson’s ability to work seamlessly with the rest of the unit—building trust with long snapper Clark Harris and holder Kevin Huber that is essential for accurate kicks. Kicking is a team effort: a bad snap or a poor hold can ruin even the best kicker’s attempt. But McPherson, Harris, and Huber have developed a rhythm over the years, practicing together daily to refine their timing. This chemistry was on full display in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos, when McPherson made a 43-yard field goal in the rain. Harris delivered a perfect snap, Huber placed the ball cleanly, and McPherson followed through—all in a matter of seconds, despite the wet conditions. “We practice together in every weather—rain, snow, wind—so when game day comes, it feels like just another rep,” McPherson said. This trust has made the Bengals’ kicking unit one of the most reliable in the NFL: they’ve had zero botched snaps or holds on field goal attempts this season, a streak that is rare in the league. For the Cincinnati Bengals, this cohesion has eliminated a common source of frustration for many teams, ensuring that their special teams can focus on executing rather than fixing mistakes. Evan McPherson's Reliability Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals Special Teams notes that this teamwork is a testament to McPherson’s professionalism—he doesn’t just focus on his own role, but on supporting his teammates to ensure the entire unit succeeds.

Finally, McPherson’s reliability has had a broader impact on the Cincinnati Bengals’ season, boosting team morale and giving them confidence in close games. When a team knows it has a kicker who can make critical kicks, it changes their mindset: they play more aggressively, knowing they have a safety net if the offense stalls. This was evident in Week 15 against the Cleveland Browns, when the Bengals’ offense struggled in the second half. Instead of panicking, the team stayed calm, knowing McPherson could make a field goal if needed. He ended up making two field goals in the game, helping the Bengals secure a 20-17 win. Beyond the team, McPherson’s reliability has made him a fan favorite in Cincinnati, with fans affectionately nicknaming him “Money Mac” for his clutch performances. His jersey sales have skyrocketed this season, and he’s often greeted with cheers when he takes the field for warmups. “Evan gives the fans something to believe in,” said Simmons. “When he lines up for a kick, the whole stadium knows he’s going to make it—and that energy feeds back to the team.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, McPherson’s reliability isn’t just about points—it’s about building a winning culture, one where every player knows their role and executes it to the best of their ability. Evan McPherson's Reliability Anchors the Cincinnati Bengals Special Teams concludes that as the Bengals push for a playoff spot, McPherson will continue to be their secret weapon—a kicker whose consistency and clutch performances can carry the team when it matters most.