5 Ways Packers Dominated Time Of Possession In 2020

The Green Bay Packers had a remarkable 2020 season, finishing with a 13-3 record and making it all the way to the NFC Championship game. One of the key factors that contributed to their success was their ability to dominate time of possession. In this article, we'll take a closer look at five ways the Packers were able to control the clock and keep their opponents off the field.

The importance of time of possession cannot be overstated. When a team is able to maintain possession of the ball for longer periods of time, it not only limits the opposing team's opportunities to score, but it also gives the offense more chances to put points on the board. The Packers were able to achieve this through a combination of factors, including their running game, quarterback play, and defensive performance.

Establishing a Strong Running Game

The Packers' running game was a key factor in their ability to control time of possession. Led by running back Aaron Jones, the team was able to rush for over 2,000 yards on the season, with Jones himself accounting for over 1,100 of those yards. The Packers' commitment to the running game not only helped to eat up clock time, but it also helped to set up play-action passes and keep the defense guessing.

Using Play-Action to Keep Defenses Guessing

The Packers' use of play-action passes was another key factor in their ability to control time of possession. By pretending to hand the ball off to the running back, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was able to freeze the defense and create opportunities for big plays down the field. This not only helped to keep the defense guessing, but it also helped to keep the clock running, as the Packers were able to maintain possession of the ball for longer periods of time.

Converting Third Downs

The Packers' ability to convert third downs was a key factor in their ability to control time of possession

The Packers' ability to convert third downs was another key factor in their ability to control time of possession. By converting third downs, the Packers were able to extend drives and keep the clock running, rather than punting the ball away and giving the opposing team possession. The Packers were particularly effective on third down, converting over 45% of their attempts on the season.

Using Short Passes to Keep the Clock Running

The Packers' use of short passes was another key factor in their ability to control time of possession. By throwing short passes to running backs and tight ends, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was able to keep the clock running and maintain possession of the ball. This not only helped to eat up clock time, but it also helped to set up bigger plays down the field.

Defensive Performance

The Packers' defensive performance was also a key factor in their ability to control time of possession. By limiting opposing teams' ability to score and forcing punts, the Packers were able to maintain possession of the ball for longer periods of time. The Packers' defense was particularly effective in the red zone, limiting opposing teams to just 50% scoring efficiency on the season.

Forcing Punts and Limiting Opponent Possessions

The Packers' ability to force punts and limit opponent possessions was another key factor in their ability to control time of possession. By forcing opposing teams to punt the ball away, the Packers were able to maintain possession of the ball for longer periods of time, rather than giving the opposing team opportunities to score. The Packers were particularly effective at forcing punts, with opposing teams averaging just 3.5 possessions per game.

Putting it all Together

The Packers' ability to control time of possession was a key factor in their success on the season. By establishing a strong running game, converting third downs, using short passes, and playing strong defense, the Packers were able to maintain possession of the ball for longer periods of time, limiting opposing teams' opportunities to score. As the Packers look to build on their success in the upcoming season, their ability to control time of possession will likely remain a key factor in their success.

By following these key strategies, the Packers were able to dominate time of possession and achieve great success on the season. As other teams look to build on their own success, they would do well to take a page out of the Packers' playbook and focus on controlling the clock.

Final Thoughts:

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