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Journal-News, Hamilton, Ohio
Cincinnati Bengals: McPherson looks to continue record streak
- Story byJournal-News, Hamilton, Ohio
- Cincinnati Bengals: McPherson looks to continue record streak
CINCINNATI — While the Cincinnati Bengals try to find consistency coming out of the Week 6 bye, they at least know they can count on that from kicker Evan McPherson.
McPherson broke the franchise record for most consecutive field goals when he made his 22nd straight attempt in a win at Miami on Sunday, Oct. 11, and he looks to keep building on that if given the opportunity in a big game at Baltimore (4-2) this Sunday.
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His streak, which dates back to Week 11 of the 2025 season, broke Shayne Graham's record of 21 consecutive field goals in 2007.
"It's about just never growing complacent," McPherson said. "I feel like it's a big thing for me, just understanding that every day I come in, I'm still doing my same routine. It's like even though I've made whatever it is in a row, like that doesn't change my process and what I do. And I feel like in the years past, maybe I would have grown a little relaxed and this and that. But now I feel like if I can stay on top of my routine and keep every week fresh and new and not think about a streak or makes and misses, it definitely helps a lot keeping the mind clear and calm."
"Money Mac" got back on track last year after he had struggled with some changes to his routine following his rookie 2021 season in an effort to get more power behind his kicks. He made 25 of 28 field goals in 2025, and all three misses were from 50 yards or more.
Now, McPherson has been even more clutch with five field goals of 50 yards or more among his 10 makes this season, including a long of 58 yards. He's also been perfect on PATs.
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"I feel like for me, it's just going out there and having fun, just letting loose," McPherson said. "I feel like my first like four years I was a little tight, and so I feel like the main thing that I've learned these past couple years is just go out there and enjoy it. Just have fun with the game, with the moment, and usually the outcome will be good."
McPherson has also tried to pass that knowledge on to his younger brother, Alex, who kicked a game-winner for Auburn on Saturday to beat Georgia on the road for the first time since 2005. Alex had to overcome health issues with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which led to his colon being removed in 2024, but he's been clutch for the Tigers like his older brother.
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Watching Alex fight through his own adversity has been a good reminder to Evan of the importance of enjoying the moment, he said.
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"I think it's really special, just from what he's gone through and the recovery that he's made," McPherson said. "It's like you can't write it up better than that. He just kept trusting in God's plan for his life and trusting in those around him. … I'm really just super proud of him."
McPherson knows his own streak will eventually end, but said it's just about how he responds to a miss. Being in a good place mentally is a big part of his success.
He also credited holder Ryan Rehkow and long snapper Will Wagner for the work they put in to make things easier on him. This is their second season operating together, and that consistency has helped McPherson as well.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor said it's clear McPherson is kicking with "a lot of confidence," but the team has confidence in him, too, which has led to so many 50-plus yard attempts.
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"A lot of teams would either have to go for it in those situations or maybe punt," Taylor said. "We have the luxury of knowing that he can knock down a lot of those long ones. So, we've asked him to do it a lot, and he's just consistently done it 22 times in a row. I can't kick an extra point, so I can't really put myself in his shoes of how difficult it is, but just the consistency, his mental toughness, because he does it in practice too. That's the thing. He did it all training camp. He does it in practice. And then he goes out there in games, and they're all in different environments and different pressure situations and he just does a great job."
McPherson said he appreciates the trust in him to make those long attempts, dating back to his career-long 63-yarder last year. He would love that opportunity Sunday if it's the best way to get some points on the board for his team.
The Bengals have a chance to move up the log-jammed AFC North standings with a win, and McPherson said he's ready to do his part. He made all six of his attempts in a win at Baltimore last year.
"It's been great because I feel like if you have an opportunity to long kick, and maybe your coach doesn't send you out there for it, but you believe you can make it, I feel like yeah, for any kicker, that definitely will put some sort of doubt in your mind, but the coaches have just been great in trusting this operation that we have," McPherson said. "They trust us going out there and executing in any situation, no matter the distance."
