How The Chicago Bears Are Controlling The Clock This Season

One of the more notable aspects of the Chicago Bears‘ performance this season has been their ability to control the clock. The Bears are averaging 35:26 in time of possession, putting together extended drives, consistently moving the chains, and giving opposing offenses fewer opportunities with the football.

On Monday night, the Bears put together a 17-play, 80-yard opening drive against the Seattle Seahawks that took 8:32 off the clock.

Caleb Williams noted that sustaining drives was something the offense spent time working on during training camp and OTAs.

“We do these long-drive drills in training camp and OTAs that you hate, that you dread at the end of practice,” he said. “They show up in big moments for us.”

And while the Bears’ offense is well-prepared to execute those extended drives, Johnson’s priority remains making the most of each possession rather than focusing on how long a drive lasts.

“It’s not something we stress,” Johnson said. “We really talk more about getting explosive plays. I would rather have a one-play drive for a touchdown than a 10-play drive for a touchdown. But the ability to stay efficient, stay on schedule, I think that’s something that good offenses show that they can do.”

Johnson also pointed out that long drives leave little room for mistakes, since one misstep can bring an otherwise promising possession to an end.

“I prefer some more explosive plays be mixed in there, just so it takes the onus off just a little bit,” Johnson explained. “It feels like you’ve got to be perfect throughout those long drives, and one mistake could derail you.”

One factor contributing to the Bears’ success in controlling possession has been their performance on third down on both sides of the ball. 

The Bears convert 44.3% of their third downs, the fifth-best mark in the NFL, while their defense ranks No. 1 in the league, allowing conversions on just 23.8% of third downs.

What’s made Chicago particularly dangerous on third down is that the offense hasn’t just been converting in those situations. Some of the Bears’ most explosive plays this season have come when they’ve needed to move the chains.

Williams connects with Odunze on a spectacular third-down throw vs. Patriots

Kalif Raymond breaks loose for a big gain to set up Bears touchdown vs. Seahawks

Luther Burden III comes up big with a 24-yard touchdown on 3rd and 17

Time of possession might not be a statistic Ben Johnson puts much emphasis on, but the Bears’ ability to win on third down and sustain drives allows Chicago to control the clock and dictate the tempo of games is certainly part of what makes this team special.