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Taylor brought up the missed opportunity to the team to show how close it came. It was another example of the young coach looking for what went right in yet another defeat.

Bengals defensive tackle Christian Covington, who was acquired in a trade right before the start of the season, said Taylor’s outlook can be “soothing” and “uplifting” during a year no one thought was going to be this bad.

“No matter what the outcomes of our games have been, he’s always been there to be that support, to be that optimistic voice that we need during times of uncertainty and during times of defeat we’ve had to go through,” Covington said.

Bengals safety Jessie Bates, a 2018 second-round selection who could be the first Bengals draft pick to make the Pro Bowl since Tyler Eifert (2013), said Taylor’s message in recent weeks has stressed the importance of high-character guys in the locker room. That was a major point of emphasis in Taylor’s first full offseason in Cincinnati.

“Unfortunately, that hasn’t equaled into wins because we have good guys in the locker room,” Bates said. “But I think that is a key component about building the right environment around here is having good guys. He just continues to preach how close we really are.”

But there comes a point when it’s impossible to overlook reality. As Bates pointed out, good teams are able to overcome struggles and win games.

And right now, things look pretty bleak for the Bengals.

Taylor has the worst winning percentage of any coach in Bengals history. Cincinnati has played in 15 games decided by eight points or fewer. The Bengals have lost 13 of them — by far the most in the NFL during that span, according to ESPN Stats and Information.

Chris Berman and Booger McFarland recap the weekend’s games with extended highlights and analysis.

“I think we have a really good thing going,” Burrow said on Oct. 28 of the relationship with Taylor and the offensive coaches. “We’re going to continue to build on it and start winning some games but Zac’s an awesome coach. I’m excited to be with him.”

If Taylor does make it to 2021, he will have to find a way to square his optimism with the undeniable results. It’s a process of self-evaluation that requires brutal honesty.

“You have to be critical of yourself,” Taylor said. “You have to be critical of some things you really believe in strongly.”

But for Taylor, that doesn’t include a bleak outlook. Despite all the defeats and the dread that has surrounded the Bengals for decades, Taylor remains upbeat about the future.

Even three more losses to close this season might not be enough to change that.

“This isn’t a character,” Taylor said. “This is me.”

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Harris, however, was added to the injury report the next day because of his ankle, opening the door for former No. 1 back Sony Michel to elevate back to the top spot.

Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears said on Dec. 11 that Michel would be ready if the opportunity presented itself.

“He’s a real team player. He knows Damien is really playing well, and Sony is sort of waiting for an opportunity to show what he can do,” Fears said at the time. “He always practices hard and is the kind of guy you love having around and can depend on. I’m very fortunate. No matter who goes down, I know I have great players who can step in and keep us on track.”

The Patriots (6-7) are clinging to long-shot playoff hopes, with ESPN’s Football Power Index giving them a 3% chance to qualify.

They will need to win their remaining three games — at Miami, and then at home against the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills and then the winless New York Jets — to give themselves a chance.

The Patriots also ruled out top kickoff returner Donte Moncrief (thigh) for Sunday’s game.