As a rookie, Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson just couldn’t miss, seemingly from any range, angle or critical game scenario.
Buy Bengals TicketsThat idea has dramatically shifted in 2022 though as McPherson undergoes what appears to be a slight sophomore slump.
McPherson missed his only attempt during a blowout win over the Panthers last weekend, one that admittedly came from nearly 50 yards out. That wouldn’t normally be too concerning, but he had missed another kick and an extra point during the loss to the Browns the week prior.
To date? McPherson has missed four kicks, one of them in the 20-29 range and he has missed two extra points, the same number he missed during all of last season.
But it sounds like Darrin Simmons views this as something McPherson can work out over the bye week, per ESPN’s Ben Baby:
Bengals special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons admits that he is a little concerned about kicker Evan McPherson's form but it isn't something to dwell on.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) November 7, 2022
Ditto for McPherson himself.
“It’s just a me thing,” McPherson said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “The one Monday night, I hit it well, I just didn’t play the wind right. This last one, I didn’t hit it really well. You take what positives you can out of it and move on.”
No word on if the change at long-snapper after Clark Harris’ injury in the opener has played a role in these issues. But like the injury bug, it appears the bye couldn’t have come at a better time for the special teams unit.
