Clock Management Catastrophes: Examining the Worst Game Management Blunders of the 2024 NFL Season
The roar of the crowd, the tension in the air, the clock ticking down – these are the elements that make NFL football so captivating. But sometimes, in the heat of the moment, crucial decisions go awry, leading to devastating consequences. The 2024 NFL season has been no stranger to these moments, showcasing a series of clock management catastrophes that have left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. As Bill Belichick said on the Pat McAfee show, “It’s mystifying what’s been going on with some of this clock management”. From questionable timeout usage to inexplicable play-calling, we delve into some of the most egregious game management blunders of the year.
Atlanta Falcons: A Masterclass in Mismanagement
The Atlanta Falcons, under head coach Raheem Morris, provided several examples of how not to manage the clock. A particularly glaring instance occurred in Week 17 against the Washington Commanders. With the game tied and the Falcons driving late in the fourth quarter, Morris opted not to use his timeouts, even after a significant gain by Darnell Mooney.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, among others, criticized Morris’s decision-making, pointing out that the Falcons wasted valuable seconds despite having timeouts available. Former NFL wide receiver Brandon Stokley was also unimpressed, tweeting, “Wow these coaches don’t know when to use timeouts. Crazy!!!! Terrible job by Raheem Morris.”
Morris defended his actions, stating that he wanted to keep the Commanders from bringing out “unregulated rushes” and “designer blitzes”. However, this explanation did little to appease critics, as the Falcons ultimately failed to capitalize, missing a long field goal attempt and eventually losing in overtime. As JaguarGator9 put it, “Did Raheem Morris not realize he had any timeouts left? What the heck was this?”.
Even Morris himself later admitted regret, stating, “I’d like to have that back, obviously, because it didn’t work”. The Falcons’ struggles with clock management weren’t isolated to this game, either. In Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers, the Saints, coached by Darren Rizzi, let 23 seconds run off the clock in a two-minute drill situation.
Chicago Bears: A Comedy of Errors
The Chicago Bears, it seems, are consistently finding new ways to bungle end-of-game situations. In a Week 12 contest against the Detroit Lions, head coach Matt Eberflus oversaw a sequence of events so baffling that it defied explanation. With the Bears in field goal range in the final seconds, Eberflus’s decisions regarding play calls and timeout usage left everyone bewildered.
Following the game, Eberflus defended his clock management, stating, “I like what we did there. I think we handled it the right way.” This statement was met with widespread disbelief, with many calling it one of the worst examples of clock management in NFL history. Mike Florio of NBC Sports didn’t mince words, declaring, “No, Matt. You didn’t. And everybody knows it.”
The Bears’ struggles extend beyond just one game. There are reports that Caleb Williams and his family had concerns about the Bears’ coaching situation, fearing that it would hinder his development.
Buffalo Bills: Making History for the Wrong Reasons
In Week 5 against the Houston Texans, the Buffalo Bills managed to achieve a unique, albeit unwanted, distinction. After an intentional grounding penalty forced the Texans to punt, the Bills took possession on their own three-yard line with under a minute remaining and no timeouts. Instead of attempting to run out the clock and force overtime, the Bills opted to throw three consecutive incomplete passes, taking just 16 seconds off the clock before punting the ball back to the Texans.
ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg noted that the Bills were the only team in the last 45 years to be tied or leading in the final minute of the game, inside their own 5-yard line, and throw three straight passes. Head coach Sean McDermott took responsibility for the decision, stating, “We needed to run the clock and move the chains. We didn’t do that there, and that’s my fault.”
Philadelphia Eagles: Sirianni’s Blunder
Week 2 saw Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles make a costly error in game management against the Atlanta Falcons. Up 18-15 with 1:46 left, facing 3rd and 3 at the ATL 10, and with Atlanta out of timeouts, Sirianni should have been communicating that it was four-down territory. Instead, they called a pass, it was dropped, and they kicked a field goal. Kirk Cousins then drove the Falcons 70 yards in 65 seconds for the game-winning touchdown.
Pittsburgh Steelers: A Late-Season Collapse
While not strictly clock management, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ late-season collapse under Mike Tomlin highlights another critical aspect of game management: maintaining team discipline and focus. After a promising start, the Steelers faltered down the stretch, losing their final five games, including a Wild Card defeat to the Baltimore Ravens.
Linebacker Patrick Queen’s post-game comments, stating that the defense “got too comfortable” and “let off the pedal,” painted a concerning picture of the team’s culture. This collapse raises questions about Tomlin’s ability to keep his team motivated and disciplined throughout the season.
The Broader Implications
These examples represent just a snapshot of the clock management and game management issues that plagued the 2024 NFL season. They underscore the importance of sound decision-making, clear communication, and unwavering discipline in critical moments. As the league continues to evolve, teams must prioritize these aspects to avoid becoming the next victim of a clock management catastrophe.