vikings/nfl

The Vikings' ineptitude in a 34-0 loss Sunday at Green Bay can be documented through a variety of statistics -- 18 fewer first downs than the Packers, a 21-plus minute differential in time of possession, 207 fewer yards of passing offense.

Then there was the Vikings' complete futility on third down. Given eight opportunities to get a fresh set of downs, the Vikings offense did not convert once. It was the most glaring example of what has been a season-long problem.

How porous were the Vikings? According to Elias Sports Bureau, in 144 games played this season, only one other team failed to convert even once on third down -- Cincinnati's 0-for-7 in a 34-13 loss on Oct. 1 against New England.

But overall the Bengals have hit on a respectable 41.4 percent of their chances. The Vikings are 36-for-118, a 30.5 percent efficiency rate, placing them 31st in the NFL, ahead of only San Francisco (34-for-123, 27.6 percent).

"That's horrible," receiver Robert Ferguson said. "Anytime somebody tells you you're second-to-last at your profession you have to take that personally. There is no beating around the bush with that. The receivers are the guys that make third-down plays and conversions. That's tough to deal with, it's tough to swallow."

Indianapolis is the NFL leader on third down this season having success 52.5 percent of the time (63-for-120). The league average is 41 percent.

The Vikings' struggles are nothing new. Last season, Brad Childress' first as Vikings coach, his team was 77-for-233 (33 percent) and ranked 28th in the league. The year before, Mike Tice's last as Vikings coach, they were 64-for-196 (32.7 percent) and finished 30th.

Injuries disrupt rhythm

The Vikings' worst game of the season came a week after their best. In a 35-17 victory over San Diego, Minnesota was 6-for-13 (46.2 percent) on third down.

"It's extremely frustrating," Ferguson said. "We just watched the film [of the Green Bay loss], and we definitely had opportunities. Guys were open. It was just a combination of things. I think it's just the rhythm. There is a reason why you call people starters and give them reps. It's tough when there is kind of a carousel going on. I think once we just get in sync and in rhythm with each other, we'll be fine."

This was an obvious reference to the fact the Vikings have employed three quarterbacks this season, making it difficult to build up continuity between that position and the receivers. Tarvaris Jackson is expected to return as starter this Sunday against Oakland after Brooks Bollinger got the assignment at Lambeau Field.

Childress also has made it clear that a lack of success on third down usually means there have been problems earlier in the possession.

"I am disappointed, by and large, that we are having to try to convert from so many third-and-longs and a lot of times that obviously speaks to your first- and second-down lost yards plays, not standing normal," he said. "We look to try to gain 4 yards on first down, half of it on second down, and then convert on third down. If you can stay ahead in the down and distance, typically you are going to be in a makeable type of third-down situation."

But third-and-long situations were not a major problem Sunday.

Things started off poorly on the Vikings' opening possession when running back Adrian Peterson was stopped for no gain on a third-and-1 from his own 38. In all, five of the Vikings' eight third-down opportunities came in situations of third-and-7 or shorter.

Bollinger finished 1-for-4 on passing attempts and also was sacked twice. To make matters worse, the Vikings ended up going for it on fourth down three times in the second half, and although Bollinger completed passes each time to Ferguson, none resulted in first downs.

"Obviously, if we knew how to fix it, it would be fixed," Ferguson said. "I don't know. I think it's just a combination of things. Hopefully we keep some guys healthy at the quarterback position and just get some rhythm and cohesiveness with that."

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com