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Cincinnati Bengals Drafting Evan McPherson Paying Huge Dividends

By Jacob Schyvinck

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson (2) practices kicking a field goal as Cincinnati Bengals punter Kevin Huber (10) holds before an NFL divisional playoff football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.Cincinnati Bengals At Tennessee Titans Divisional Playoff 08
Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson (2) practices kicking a field goal as Cincinnati Bengals punter Kevin Huber (10) holds before an NFL divisional playoff football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.Cincinnati Bengals At Tennessee Titans Divisional Playoff 08 /
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The Cincinnati Bengals are rolling to the AFC Championship, and part of that is due to the success of rookie kicker Evan McPherson.

What a ride it’s been for the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2021 season. After getting heat all spring and summer for bypassing offensive line help for Ja’Marr Chase, as well as a predicted fourth place finish, the Bengals shocked most of the world by winning the AFC North, downing the Chiefs to clinch it in week 17.

It hasn’t stopped there for them. Joe Burrow, Chase, Tee Higgins, the offense, and a hungry defensive front helped the Bengals win their first playoff game in 30 years. They then moved along and downed the top-seeded Tennessee Titans, winning their first ever road playoff game.

A ton of that falls on Burrow and that offense, along with Zac Taylor letting Burrow cook down the stretch rather than the tired “run-run-pass” routine. The defense has also made plays when needed. However, special teams can’t be overlooked, and rookie kicker Evan McPherson has helped them in big moments.

He had a rough patch back in week three against the Packers, but McPherson has been money down the stretch. Since their five game win streak started, McPherson has made 15 of 16 field goals and 11 of 11 extra points. He kicked four field goals in the win over the Titans, including a 52-yard game winner. Burrow talked about how McPherson’s confidence has been huge and that they knew he’d be good based on how he has carried himself from day one.

Kickers are often afterthoughts in the NFL Draft, and sometimes fans and analysts get annoyed when a kicker is selected over a potential impact player. Kicking variance is definitely wild in the NFL, and more so in the guessing game that is the draft. Credit to the Cincinnati Bengals for trusting that evaluation, because it’s paid off with Evan McPherson.

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