Evan McPherson's Kicks Seal Victories for the Cincinnati Bengals

In the high-stakes world of NFL football, few players have the power to decide a game with a single play—but for the Cincinnati Bengals, kicker Evan McPherson has turned that rare ability into a routine. Nicknamed “Money Mac” by fans and teammates, McPherson has emerged as the Bengals’ most reliable closer, using his pinpoint accuracy and calm under pressure to seal victories in some of the team’s biggest games of the 2024 season. From last-second field goals in divisional rivalries to game-winning extra points in playoff previews, his kicks haven’t just added points to the scoreboard—they’ve preserved the Bengals’ playoff hopes, lifted team morale, and turned moments of doubt into celebrations. Evan McPherson's Kicks Seal Victories for the Cincinnati Bengals isn’t just about a kicker doing his job; it’s about how one player’s excellence can become the backbone of a team’s success, turning close games into wins and solidifying his place as a fan favorite in Cincinnati.

Evan McPherson's Kicks Seal Victories for the Cincinnati Bengals first made headlines in Week 12, when the Bengals faced a 24-22 deficit against the Pittsburgh Steelers with 12 seconds left in regulation. After Joe Burrow led a 60-yard drive to set up a 48-yard field goal attempt, all eyes turned to McPherson—who had never missed a clutch kick in his Bengals career. With a 15-mile-per-hour wind blowing across Acrisure Stadium, McPherson stepped up, lined up the kick, and sent the ball sailing through the uprights, giving the Bengals a 25-24 victory. The moment was a masterclass in composure; McPherson didn’t rush his routine, took an extra breath to steady himself, and executed with the precision of a player who thrives on pressure. “Evan doesn’t just handle pressure—he embraces it,” said Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons. “He’s the kind of player who wants to be the one making the kick when the game is on the line.” The win kept the Bengals in the playoff hunt, and McPherson’s kick became a viral moment, with fans sharing videos of the play and dubbing him “the most clutch kicker in the NFL.” Evan McPherson's Kicks Seal Victories for the Cincinnati Bengals because that play wasn’t just a win—it was a statement, proving the Bengals could count on him when everything was on the line.

Evan McPherson's Kicks Seal Victories for the Cincinnati Bengals was on full display again in Week 16, when the Bengals faced the Cleveland Browns in a must-win game to secure a wild-card spot. With the score tied 20-20 and 3 seconds left, McPherson was called on to make a 52-yard field goal—his longest attempt of the season. The Browns’ defense had spent the game trying to rattle him, with fans screaming and waving towels to distract him, but McPherson remained unfazed. He went through his usual routine: adjusting his gloves, taking three steps back, and two steps to the side before driving the ball toward the end zone. The kick sailed true, and the Bengals won 23-20, moving one step closer to the playoffs. What made the moment even more impressive was McPherson’s consistency; he had made all 11 of his field goal attempts in the previous five games, including four from 40+ yards. “Evan’s accuracy is unmatched,” said Bengals punter Drue Chrisman, who has watched McPherson practice daily. “He hits the same spot on the goalposts every time, like he’s using a laser to aim.” Evan McPherson's Kicks Seal Victories for the Cincinnati Bengals because his ability to make long kicks in tough conditions turns the Bengals’ offense into a threat from anywhere on the field, giving Burrow and the offense more flexibility to set up scoring drives.

Evan McPherson's Kicks Seal Victories for the Cincinnati Bengals also extends beyond regular-season wins to the team’s playoff aspirations, as his clutch performances have given the Bengals confidence they can win in January. In the 2022 playoffs, McPherson made all 14 of his kicks, including game-winners against the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, leading the Bengals to the Super Bowl. That playoff run cemented his status as a big-game player, and this season, he’s carried that momentum forward. The Cincinnati Bengals’ coaching staff has built game plans around McPherson’s range, knowing they can rely on him to make kicks from 50+ yards—giving the offense a “safety net” when they can’t reach the end zone. “Having Evan on the team changes how we approach the red zone,” said Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan. “If we’re within 55 yards, we know we have a chance to score points, which takes pressure off the offense to force touchdowns.” The Cincinnati Bengals’ players also trust McPherson implicitly; after Burrow led the team to McPherson’s range in Week 16, he told reporters, “I didn’t even watch the kick—I knew it was good. Evan doesn’t miss those.” Evan McPherson's Kicks Seal Victories for the Cincinnati Bengals because that trust is invaluable in the playoffs, where every play matters and every mistake can be costly.

Evan McPherson's Kicks Seal Victories for the Cincinnati Bengals has also had a profound impact on team morale, turning close losses into wins and keeping the Bengals’ spirits high during a tough season. There were moments this year when the Bengals struggled—when injuries sidelined key players and losses piled up—but McPherson’s kicks provided a constant source of hope. After a Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Bengals were 4-4 and in danger of falling out of the playoff race, but McPherson’s game-winning kick against the Steelers in Week 12 sparked a four-game win streak that turned the season around. “Evan’s kicks don’t just win games—they lift the whole team,” said Bengals defensive tackle D.J. Reader. “When he makes a clutch kick, you can feel the energy in the locker room change. Everyone starts believing we can win every game.” The Cincinnati Bengals’ fans have also rallied around McPherson, creating signs that read “Money Mac for MVP” and chanting his name during games. After his Week 16 kick against the Browns, fans flooded the field to celebrate with him, and he spent 20 minutes signing autographs and taking photos. Evan McPherson's Kicks Seal Victories for the Cincinnati Bengals because he’s more than just a kicker—he’s a symbol of the team’s resilience, a player who shows up when it matters most and gives fans a reason to cheer.

Evan McPherson's Kicks Seal Victories for the Cincinnati Bengals finally, has solidified his place as a franchise cornerstone, a player the Bengals can build around for years to come. Since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, McPherson has made 89% of his field goal attempts, one of the highest percentages in NFL history for a kicker in his first four seasons. He’s also proven to be durable, playing in all 64 games since joining the team, and reliable, never missing a game due to injury. The Cincinnati Bengals’ front office has taken notice, with general manager Duke Tobin hinting at a contract extension for McPherson in the offseason. “Evan is one of the best kickers in the league, and we’re lucky to have him,” Tobin said. “He’s the kind of player who makes our team better every day, on and off the field.” As the Bengals head into the playoffs, McPherson’s role will be more important than ever. If the Bengals are to make a deep run, they’ll need him to make the kind of clutch kicks that have defined his career. Evan McPherson's Kicks Seal Victories for the Cincinnati Bengals because he’s not just a player who wins games—he’s a player who changes seasons, turning ordinary teams into contenders and giving fans memories that will last a lifetime. For the Bengals and their fans, “Money Mac” isn’t just a nickname—it’s a promise: when the game is on the line, Evan McPherson will deliver.