Bears top NFL in possession, but Johnson favors quick touchdowns
Chicago averages 35:30 with the ball per game and has run 505 offensive plays, more than any other NFL team.
Bears coach Ben Johnson says explosive scoring plays matter more to him than controlling the clock, even as his team leads the NFL in possession time. He said he would choose a touchdown on a one-play drive over one that takes 10 plays.
Chicago has averaged 35:30 in possession per 60-minute game. Its offense has run 505 plays this season, the league’s highest total, and no other team averages more than 70 offensive plays per game.
Johnson questioned whether possession time necessarily translates into wins or losses. Although the Bears have often held the ball longer than their opponents, he said the statistic is not a point of emphasis for his team.
He said he considers the effects of lengthy drives on offensive and defensive players. His preference remains scoring quickly, while he also values an offense’s ability to operate efficiently and stay on schedule.
