With an offense as explosive as the Minnesota Vikings’, defenses are dedicated to keeping them off the field.

That chore has been made more difficult this season by the team’s ability to excel on third down. Minnesota has converted 33 of 59 third-down attempts for an NFL-best 55.9 conversion rate. That helps keep an offense that boasts an NFL record streak of 34 consecutive games with at least 300 total yards in position to score.

The 4-1 Vikings look to continue that streak on Sunday when they host the 2-4 Tennessee Titans and quarterback STEVE MC NAIR. Minnesota is seeking its fourth consecutive victory and enters the game on the heels of a 38-31 win at New Orleans. Quarterback DAUNTE CULPEPPER tossed five touchdown passes against the Saints, setting an NFL season record with his third five-touchdown pass performance of the year.

"Converting on third down is an area we take pride in and work very hard at," says Vikings offensive coordinator SCOTT LINEHAN. "It’s critical to controlling the game to keep your drives going. It’s our job to control the ball when we have it and allow our defense to be rested when they come in.

"We are lucky to have a lot of different weapons who are able to do different things. Everyone knows about RANDY MOSS, but we have tight ends, backs and other receivers who are going to run the right routes and get open to help move the chains. You have to find the matchup against a certain defense that gives you an advantage. We start working during minicamps on how important it is to sustain drives. That pays off over the course of the season."

The NFL’s top five teams on third downs have a combined record of 19-8 (.704):

What the Vikings also have is one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks in Culpepper. Through six weeks, no QB has been better on third downs. Culpepper has completed 32 of 40 attempts for 516 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception, posting a 147.9 third-down passer rating -- tops in the NFL. Culpepper’s 18 touchdown passes overall through the first five games are the most at this point all-time.

"I think Daunte has grown with the system," says Vikings head coach MIKE TICE. "He doesn’t let a lot bother him. He’s a grit-your-teeth kind of guy. He’s a tough guy. When he used to make mistakes it would bother him, only because that’s his persona and his personality. I think now he’s letting those things slip away. He’s moving on to the next play. I think that’s part of the maturity you’re seeing in his game right now."

A look at the highest rated passers on third downs in 2004 and in the past 10 years (since 1995):