Second Thoughts: Vikings' third-and-long situations marked a historic failure in loss to Bengals

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Pro Football Reference started compiling play-by-play data more than a quarter-century ago. The Vikings had never faced as many dismal third-down situations as they did in losing to Cincinnati.

Kirk Cousins passing vs. the BengalsViewed through how horribly they fared at what might be football's most essential task — gaining 10 yards and a new set of downs — the fact the Vikings were close to pulling out a win in Cincinnati on Sunday might register as a bit of a shock.

It's probably also not something they have any interest in repeating.

Teams talk of keeping their offenses "on schedule" or playing "ahead of the sticks," two phrases that essentially mean the same thing:…