InfinitePulse

Turning third downs into first downs was a problem for the Bengals last season. Through the first two games this season, they are behind in the improvement they marked as a priority all offseason.

The Bengals have converted just 33.3 percent (8 of 24) attempts on third down this season. In 2005, when the team went 11-5 and won the AFC North division title, it was tied for second in the league with a 42.9 percent conversion rate. That rate dropped to 35.8 percent last season.

Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski has a season-long goal of 42.5 percent. The Bengals reached that goal last Sunday at Cleveland, making 45 percent (5 of 11), but converted just 3 of 13 attempts (23 percent) in the season opener against Baltimore.

"We base it off what the teams that advance to the playoffs make," said Bratkowski. "We'd like to be in the 60s, but at the end of the year if you can be 45 (percent) you've accomplished some good things."

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The Cincinnati Post - 3rd-down conversions lagging

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