Cincinnati Bengals get fourth straight defeat in 26-20 loss to New England Patriots

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals attempted a last-minute comeback but fell to the New England Patriots 26-20 on Sunday in Paycor Stadium.

Joe Flacco and the offense were driving the ball down the field, but were forced into a turnover on downs, despite Mike Gesicki and Flacco looking for a penalty flag on fourth down.

The loss gives Cincinnati an abysmal 3-8 record for the season so far, all but solidifying that they're eliminated from any postseason contention.

Despite the loss, the Bengals' defense had its best showing in weeks, stuffing the Patriots' offense on multiple drives that seemed like foolproof touchdowns.

Geno Stone also collected a pick-six early in the game, picking off a pass from Drake Maye and running it 33 yards into the end zone.

New England collected their own pick-six shortly after when Flacco practically threw the ball directly into Marcus Jones' arms.

Flacco, in maybe his last starting appearance for the Bengals, did find Mitchell Tinsley in the end zone for a fourth-quarter touchdown to keep Cincinnati in it.

Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins was ruled out of the game with a concussion. Higgins was carted off the field after he smacked his head on the ground attempting to catch a pass. After the game, head coach Zac Taylor said Higgins was in concussion protocol, meaning he'll likely miss Cincinnati's Thanksgiving game.

Kicker Evan McPherson also hit a 63-yard field goal to close out the first half, breaking the Bengals' franchise record he previously set at 59 yards.

Cincinnati was once again without star quarterback Joe Burrow, who was a full participant at practice this past week. The Bengals were also without star receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who was facing his one-game suspension for spitting on Pittsburgh defensive back Jalen Ramsey last week.

After the loss, Taylor said they don't appreciate losing.

"It's a sickening feeling. But you can't question the fight for one second, and at some point that's going to pay off for us," he said.

Despite the four-game losing streak, Taylor said the team isn't losing hope.

The Bengals face the Baltimore Ravens next on Thanksgiving Day.