In Cincinnati’s season‑opening win over Tampa Bay, head coach Zac Taylor praised kicker Evan McPherson as the NFL’s top specialist. McPherson accounted for 15 of the Bengals’ 33 points, including four field goals and three extra‑point conversions.
Game‑changing kicks from the logo
The first half saw McPherson add a routine 20‑yard field goal, extending the lead to 24‑10. The real fireworks came early in the third quarter when he launched a 55‑yard attempt from the edge of the team’s iconic orange and black “B” logo. Five minutes later he repeated the feat, this time a 58‑yard kick from the center of the logo, both sailing cleanly through the uprights.
Those two long kicks proved decisive, giving Cincinnati the edge as Tampa Bay rallied late in the fourth quarter. McPherson capped the victory with a 32‑yard field goal in the closing minutes, sealing the final score.
Coach Taylor’s praise
“Our special teams was really big with Evan,” Taylor said in the post‑game press conference. “Evan coming up big and making those four field goals — he’s the best kicker in the league. We’re fortunate to have him.” The coach highlighted McPherson first among a long list of players, underscoring the importance of reliable kicking in a close contest.
Impact on the season
McPherson’s performance far exceeds his 2025 averages, when he contributed 116 points – about 28% of the Bengals’ total – roughly 7 points per game. Doubling that output in a single game suggests a potent special‑teams unit that could be a key factor in Cincinnati’s Super Bowl aspirations.
The Bengals next travel to face the Houston Texans on Sunday at 1 p.m., hoping to build on the momentum generated by McPherson’s long‑range accuracy.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
