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.

Even after yet another painful loss in a season full of heartbreakers for Cincinnati, head coach Zac Taylor insisted his beleaguered Bengals can still make the playoffs. Taylor's Bengals (4-7) and their fans might be finding it increasingly hard to keep the faith after the Los Angeles Chargers delivered their latest gut punch.