‘Cold-blooded’: NFL rookie’s epic line before game-winning kick
Cincinnati Bengals rookie kicker Evan McPherson has ice in his veins.
His clutch 52-yard game winner to secure a 19-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans and a spot in the AFC Championship game is evidence of that.
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But it’s what McPherson said just moments before stepping on the field in such a high pressure situation that shows how cold-blooded the 22-year-old really is.
Money. Mac. Shooter. McPherson. Legend.
Visit https://t.co/KpeqK4RKUm for more highlights. pic.twitter.com/CIrXmzwZI0— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) January 23, 2022
Speaking to reporters after the game, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow revealed that McPherson had told teammates they were going to win the game with his kick.
“That guy is unbelievable,” Burrow said.
“He was talking to (Bengals backup quarterback) Brandon (Allen) as he was going out to kick, gave a little warm-up swing, and he said, ‘Looks like we're going to the AFC championship.’”
Evan McPherson called his game-winning field goal before he went to kick it 😂
"Looks like we're going to the AFC championship"
(via @Trags) pic.twitter.com/EByFo2xOts— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 23, 2022
Joe Burrow said rookie kicker Evan McPherson told the Bengals "looks like we're going to the AFC Championship game" right before making his 52-yard game-winner.
Cold. Blooded. pic.twitter.com/4iWMw1Tpc1— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 23, 2022
Bengals QB Joe Burrow said their kicker Evan McPherson did a couple of warm up kicks before the game winner then told backup QB Brandon Allen: “Well, looks like we’re going to the AFC Championship Game.” A few moments later, he nailed a 52-yarder to win it.
Legendary ❄️— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 23, 2022
Evan McPherson lives up to his promise
Sure enough, McPherson lived up to the promise, perfectly splitting the uprights as time expired. Burrow said he never doubted McPherson would make the kick.
“We knew exactly what we had as soon as he walked in the building during camp,” Burrow said.
“We saw how he carried himself and we knew exactly how he was going to perform.
“How you handle yourself in the locker room shows us you have the confidence to go out there and make a kick like this and perform the way he did during a game like this.”
McPherson finished the game a perfect 4/4 on field goals with makes from 54, 52, 45 and 38 yards.
The kicker nicknamed ‘Money Mac’ leads the NFL in field goals made from 50-plus yards this season, making 11 of his 13 attempted from beyond that range.
McPherson said he didn’t even watch to make sure the game-winning kick went through, saying it felt good off his foot.
“As the kick was sailing through the air, like I do normally, I guess, which is good and bad, I turn to (holder) Kevin (Huber) whenever I know I hit it good and I don't even watch the ball go through,” McPherson said.
“We've seen it be a bad thing, but this time it was a good thing. I looked at him and he said: 'You did it!'
“Pretty much all that was going through my mind is we get one more game, we're guaranteed one more game. We get another chance to go out, win one more game and get closer to our goal.”
Evan McPherson has been SO GOOD kicking for the @Bengals this year. Including the playoffs he is 35/40 on fgs 87.5%
Including 10/12 from 50+yds..
That’s ridiculous
You know who deserves some credit is his college coach @Shaynegraham17 who prepared Evan to step in and flourish— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) January 22, 2022
McPherson said he wasn’t fazed by the enormity of the moment, but rather relished the opportunity to be the hero.
“It's a kicker's dream to have the game on your shoulders,” McPherson explained.
“It's my job to stay cool, calm and collected in moments like those. I was just so happy for my team to put me in position to succeed and give me the opportunity to win the game.”
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