After the bye week, McPherson revealed that he’s actually apologized to guys like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase for letting them down. In the process, he also revealed that it’s Chase who has come to his defense the most.

That night at SoFi Stadium, McPherson failed kicks from 48 and 51 yards, respectively. The 51-yarder would have broken a 27-27 tie with less than two minutes to play. Instead, it factored heavily in the Bengals' failed comeback attempt from down 21 points on the road.

Struggling Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson says Ja'Marr Chase has his back and offered words of encouragement when the players returned from the bye.

Bengals Kicker Evan McPherson has missed kicks in four different one score losses this season: Earlier this year, special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons admitted that the operation of the kick has been part of the problem. McPherson is on his fourth holder in as many seasons.

That was rarely clearer than in Week 11, when All-Pros like Jake Elliott and Justin Tucker missed multiple field goals apiece. Elliott's Philadelphia Eagles got a decisive victory over the rival Washington Commanders last Thursday,