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Evan McPherson makes Bengals history vs. Bucs: “He’s the best kicker in the league”

The Cincinnati Bengals kicked off their 2026 campaign on Sunday, September 13, securing a 33-27 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before a crowd of 66,625 spectators at Paycor Stadium. Placekicker Evan McPherson cemented his place in franchise lore during the contest, converting a crucial fourth-quarter field goal on his way to earning praise as the premier specialist in football.

Head coach Zac Taylor celebrated the team effort by distributing game balls across the squad, pointing to key contributions on defense and special teams alongside a vital reception by Tee Higgins and energetic backing from local supporters.

Cincinnati capitalized heavily on miscues by the visitors, recovering four fumbles overall. Tampa Bay signal-caller Baker Mayfield coughed up three of those turnovers, while the host defense forced giveaways on three consecutive first-half possessions.

Highlighted by Demetrius Knight Jr. scooping up a loose ball and taking it into the end zone, Cincinnati's opportunistic display established an early advantage that proved decisive in holding off the Buccaneers.