Just as they did in Week 1 against the Houston Texans, the Indianapolis Colts lost the time of possession battle to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday by a massive margin.
After holding the ball for only 20 of the 60 minutes in the season opener, the Colts offense had possession for even less than that in Week 2. With the Packers holding the ball for 40:11, that left just 19:49 for the Colts.
In the first half of Indianapolis’ matchup with Green Bay, the offense wasn’t even on the field for seven minutes.
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So, in two games, out of a possible 120 minutes of football, the Colts haven’t even had possession for 40 minutes on offense.
Of course, this issue starts with their poor run defense. In two games, the Colts defense has surrendered nearly 500 rushing yards to the Texans and Packers.
The trickle-down effect of a struggling run defense unit can be felt throughout the rest of the team, and is reflected in the time of possession battle.
For one, the defense can definitely become worn out when on the field that long, and that could potentially impact their level of play late in the game.
Second, from the offense’s perspective, there are simply fewer possessions for them in a game and less plays being ran in comparison to their opponent.
This will often result in the need for a highly efficient performance just to have a chance to win. And even if a team does find a way to do that, replicating it certainly isn’t sustainable from week to week.
There is also the added difficulty for an offense that comes with having to constantly play from behind. Not to mention that being on the field so sporadically at times can make it difficult for the passing game to find any sort of rhythm, particularly with a young quarterback, and doesn’t always afford the opportunity to get the run game going either.
Digging out of an 0-2 hole and making the playoffs is not easy task, as history suggests. However, if there is going to be any glimmer of hope of the Colts accomplishing that, it is going to have to start with being a lot better against the run.