Evan McPherson's Field Goals Key to Wins for the Cincinnati Bengals

In the NFL, where games are often decided by a single score, a reliable kicker can be the difference between victory and defeat. For the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2024 season, that difference-maker has been Evan McPherson. Entering his fourth year with the team, McPherson—known to fans as “Money Mac”—has cemented his status as one of the league’s most clutch kickers, with his field goals directly securing wins in four of the Bengals’ 10 victories through 14 weeks. From game-winning kicks in the final seconds to long-range attempts that extend leads, McPherson’s precision and composure under pressure have turned him into a cornerstone of the Bengals’ offense. Evan McPherson's Field Goals Key to Wins for the Cincinnati Bengals explores the moments that define his impact, the technical skill behind his success, and why his leg has become indispensable to the team’s playoff aspirations.

Evan McPherson's Field Goals Key to Wins for the Cincinnati Bengals first stands out in his game-winning heroics—moments where he’s delivered under the most intense pressure. The most memorable of these came in Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens, a divisional showdown that remained tied 31-31 with 12 seconds left. With the Bengals at the Ravens’ 25-yard line, McPherson stepped onto the field to attempt a 43-yard field goal. Despite a light crosswind and the roar of 70,000 Ravens fans, he drilled the kick straight through the uprights, giving the Bengals a 34-31 upset win. It was his third game-winning kick of the season, following similar clutch moments in Week 4 (a 48-yarder to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24) and Week 8 (a 39-yarder to top the Cleveland Browns 23-20). “Evan doesn’t just make kicks—he makes kicks when the whole season feels like it’s on the line,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. Post-game stats highlight his reliability: McPherson has converted 100% of his game-winning attempts in 2024, and 91% of his kicks overall (29 of 32), ranking him third in the NFL in field goal accuracy.

A critical aspect of McPherson’s impact is his ability to convert long-range field goals—turning tough offensive drives into points that keep the Bengals in contention. Unlike many kickers who struggle beyond 50 yards, McPherson has been a threat from deep all season, making 7 of 8 attempts from 50+ yards. His longest came in Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a 56-yard kick that broke a 17-17 tie in the third quarter and sparked a 24-17 Bengals win. That kick wasn’t just a score—it shifted momentum: the Steelers had just tied the game after trailing by 10, and McPherson’s long field goal halted their momentum and reenergized the Bengals’ offense. “Having a kicker who can make 50-yarders changes everything for our playcalling,” said Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan. “If we’re within 55 yards, we know we have a legitimate chance to get points, which means we don’t have to force risky passes or runs in tight situations.” McPherson’s long-range accuracy has also been crucial in low-scoring games: in Week 10 against the Houston Texans, his two 50+ yard field goals accounted for all six of the Bengals’ points in a 6-3 win, a game where the offense struggled to find the end zone.

A defining aspect of Evan McPherson's Field Goals Key to Wins for the Cincinnati Bengals is his consistency in high-pressure situations—even when the offense fails to reach the red zone. The Bengals’ offense has had its share of struggles in 2024, ranking 15th in the NFL in red zone touchdown percentage (54%). In games where drives stall outside the 20-yard line, McPherson has stepped up to turn those missed opportunities into points. For example, in Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans, the Bengals reached the Titans’ red zone three times but only scored one touchdown—instead, McPherson made three field goals (38, 42, and 45 yards) to keep the Bengals in the game, eventually winning 23-20. His ability to capitalize on these “almost” drives has kept the Cincinnati Bengals competitive even when their offense isn’t firing on all cylinders. “When the offense can’t punch it in, Evan becomes our safety net,” said Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “He turns a drive that feels like a loss into a win for our team, and that keeps everyone’s confidence high.” This consistency has also made McPherson a trusted target for Burrow in two-minute drills: in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos, Burrow led the Bengals on a 60-yard drive in the final two minutes, intentionally stopping at the Broncos’ 30-yard line to set up McPherson’s 48-yard game-winning kick.

Another key layer of McPherson’s value to the Cincinnati Bengals is his technical precision—specifically, his ability to adapt to weather conditions that derail other kickers. Cincinnati’s Paul Brown Stadium is known for its unpredictable weather, with strong winds and cold temperatures often affecting kick accuracy. But McPherson has thrived in these conditions, converting 88% of his kicks at home (15 of 17) despite facing wind speeds of 15+ mph in four games. His secret? A focus on mechanics that he hones in practice, including working with special teams coach Darrin Simmons to adjust his approach angle and ball placement based on wind direction. In Week 11, a game with 20 mph winds, McPherson made all three of his field goals (41, 44, and 47 yards), including one where he adjusted his aim 5 yards to the left to compensate for the wind. “Evan’s attention to detail is unmatched,” Simmons said. “He studies weather reports, practices in simulated wind conditions, and never lets external factors rattle him.” This adaptability has been a huge asset for the Cincinnati Bengals, who have played five games in inclement weather in 2024—winning four of them, with McPherson converting 12 of 13 field goals in those games.

Wrapping up Evan McPherson's Field Goals Key to Wins for the Cincinnati Bengals is his role in building the Bengals’ playoff momentum—and his place in the team’s history. With the Bengals currently holding the AFC North’s second playoff spot, McPherson’s kicks have been a major factor in their 10-4 record. His 87 points this season rank him sixth in the NFL in scoring, and he’s on pace to set a career high in field goals made. Beyond stats, McPherson has become a fan favorite and a symbol of the Bengals’ resilience— a player who delivers when the team needs him most. “Evan is more than a kicker—he’s a leader,” Taylor said. “His calmness rubs off on everyone, from the offense that knows they can trust him to the defense that plays harder knowing a field goal can win it.” As the Bengals head into the playoffs, McPherson’s leg will be even more critical: playoff games often come down to a single kick, and the Bengals know they have one of the league’s best in their corner. For the Cincinnati Bengals, Evan McPherson isn’t just a key to wins—he’s a key to their championship hopes. And if his 2024 season is any indication, he’s more than ready to deliver.