CINCINNATI – Training Camp Highlights

During Friday’s training camp, a peculiar moment unfolded when Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson prepared for a field goal attempt that would conclude practice.

Half of McPherson’s teammates created a noisy distraction, jumping, shouting, and waving towels in an effort to throw him off.

Despite the ruckus, McPherson successfully hit a 52-yard field goal, concluding his perfect outing with a 6-for-6 performance, making him 12-for-12 since the start of camp.

This wasn’t merely a tactic devised by special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons to simulate late-game pressure for a kicker who struggled last season. It was part of head coach Zac Taylor’s strategy to foster competition and urgency in training camp, particularly as the team seeks to improve on their historically slow starts to regular seasons.

The made field goal added a point for the offense, while a miss would have awarded the defense a point, prompting the defensive players to ramp up their attempts to disturb McPherson’s focus. The kicker stated he felt no pressure, likening the environment to a fun competition.

Aside from the kicking antics, various on-field challenges are taking place, including basketball shooting contests and red zone drills. So far in camp, the offensive unit is ahead with a score of 3-1 over the defense.

Play of the Day

One standout moment involved a remarkable one-handed touchdown catch by Ja’Marr Chase, eliciting excitement among teammates as they discussed the play afterward. Defensive backs Cam Taylor-Britt and Jordan Battle reviewed the catch, eager to see video evidence of the impressive feat.