In some respects, Taylor is right — the Bengals remain in close games against great teams, yet stumble into new ways to lose each time. Sunday night was two missed kicks, a dropped interception that would have gone back for a touchdown and other mistakes.

The Bengals head into their bye week looking for answers on how to finish games. Taylor believes the Bengals can still make the playoffs with six regular-season games left on the schedule. Quarterback Joe Burrow was asked if he shares the same belief as his coach after the game.

Even after yet another painful loss in a season full of heartbreakers for Cincinnati, coach Zac Taylor insisted his beleaguered Bengals can still make the playoffs.