Entering the 2011 season no one knew what to expect from the Bengals. In fact, most critics out there had pretty low expectations of them. But so far the Bengals have demolished everyone's criticism with their play on the field. Week in and week out they have been able to play with a high competitive energy that has been absent for what feels like years.

However, it hasn't been all rainbows and sunshine for the Bengals. Even though they have exceeded expectations and have had superb performances from Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, and company, there has been one major area of concern for the Bengals. And that's third down.

Currently the Bengals are tied for 18th in the league with a conversion rate of 37.2 percent on third downs. Now that's nothing to crack open a bottle of champagne for, but it's nothing to be too embarrassed by. As the season has progressed so has the Bengals ability to convert on third downs. Converting on third down pressure situations is vital for the Bengals chances of winning.

In week one against the Browns the Bengals completed a respectable 41 percent of their third down attempts. That gave everyone a reason to be hopeful. The Bengals started off the season on the right foot and despite what critics said, they were heading in a positive direction.

Then the wheels fell completely off the track for the next two weeks. Against the Broncos and 49ers the Bengals completed a dismal 9.5 percent of their third downs. And against Denver it undoubtedly cost them the game, or at least the chance of defeating Denver.

In the fourth quarter of that game with just over five minutes left, the Bengals were up against the wall. It was fourth-and-one with Cincinnati at the Denver 36-yard line. Marvin Lewis had to decide if he should go for it on fourth or if Mike Nugent should be sent out to attempt a 53-yard field goal. The Bengals went for it and well we all know the end result of that, Dalton was sacked and the Bengals were handed their first loss of the season. Prior to that Cincinnati was only 1 for 11 on third down.

The following week the Bengals hosted the San Francisco 49ers for their home opener. The Bengals went 1 for 10 on third downs and ended up losing the game 13-8. It appeared as if third downs were going to be the death of the Bengals and any hopes of having a respectable season. 

But then came week four against the Buffalo Bills. Something just suddenly seem to click with the Bengals' offense. Entering the half the Bengals were down 17-3. It looked as if the Bills were going to coast to their fourth straight win of the season. But the Bengals had other plans. The Bengals tied up the game and on the final drive of the game Nugent kicked the game-winning field goal.

During that drive the Bengals converted on a crucial third-and-three. Dalton was able to dive for the first down to extend the drive. That was a pivotal moment for the Bengals as the next play helped set up the winning kick. The Bengals completed five of 12 third downs for a respectable 41 percent.

Since then, the Bengals have been able to find some sort of rhythm on third down. For the next three games against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, and Seattle Seahawks the Bengals completed 42 percent of third down situations during each match-up. 

And then there was yesterday against the Tennessee Titans. The Bengals came back from a ten-point deficit to upset the Titans. The Bengals ability to convert on third downs during the go-ahead drive helped pave the way to victory.  

With just under 11 minutes left on the clock the Bengals took the lead on a five-yard touchdown pass to Andre Caldwell. On that drive the Bengals completed all three of their third downs, with the most crucial one coming on third-and-goal. For the game the Bengals completed eight of their 16 third downs for a season-high of 50 percent.

For the Bengals to continue their run of success they are going to have to continue to figure out ways to keep converting on third downs, especially with the Bengals set to square-off against two of the top defenses in the league in Pittsburgh and Baltimore. If the Bengals are unable to do that, then we very well could see the Bengals go down a path that none of us want to witness.