Packers Struggle with Clock Management in Overtime Loss

The Green Bay Packers seriously mishandled the clock during their overtime loss to the Cowboys on Sunday night.

Trailing 40-37, the Packers advanced to the Dallas 12-yard line with just 32 seconds remaining and called a timeout. However, things quickly unraveled from there. Quarterback Jordan Love attempted a pass to rookie receiver Matthew Golden, but Trevon Diggs tackled him for a 3-yard loss.

They called their final timeout with 28 seconds on the clock.

On the very next play, facing second and 13 from the 15-yard line, Love handed the ball off to Emmanuel Wilson. As time continued to tick away, the team rushed to the line, ultimately snapping the ball with only six seconds left.

Fortunately for Green Bay, the ball bounced back after being mishandled by the Dallas linebacker, leaving just one second on the timer. Kicker Brandon McManus stepped in and successfully made the field goal. This opportunity to tie the game highlighted the missed chances the Packers had to secure a win had they better managed their plays in the red zone.

“We moved the ball well,” Love reflected after the game. “It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t take a shot at the end zone until the very last play. I think we called the right play.”

“There’s still a lot we need to address. It’s just a complicated situation where we’re rushing and throwing toward the sideline. We understand what needs to improve.”

That sentiment seemed understated. Packers coach Matt LaFleur expressed his frustration more bluntly.

“Clearly, our execution on that play was lacking,” LaFleur remarked.

“The operation was too slow,” he continued. “I’m not sure if we were unsettled in those final minutes, but we definitely need to communicate better moving forward.”