Cincinnati Bengals: 3 keys to victory vs. Packers in Week 5

3. Zac Taylor and his coaching staff needs to manage the clock well

The last key for the Bengals against the Packers has more to do with the coaching staff rather than personnel. Clock management becomes a big part of the game in closely contested games. Right now, this game is expected to be a close one.

Something like a two-minute drill with good clock management to end the first half or the end of the game could be vital. Of course, there is no guarantee these situations will happen, but if they do, Zac Taylor must manage the clock properly.

One idea that cannot be stressed enough is do not give Rodgers the chance to win this game. We have seen over and over again across Rodgers’ career that he will come out with points in most game-winning drives. Even if there are only 30 seconds on the clock, Rodgers will make it happen.

Let’s say Burrow is having himself a game and comes away with a touchdown to take the lead with a minute left in the game. This is not ideal at all. If the Bengals have the chance, they must bleed the clock at the end of the game.

Clock management will be important across the entire game as well. Running the ball on the Packers is going to be hard without Joe Mixon, so how do you come up with long drives without running effectively? Short passes to the boundary can really be an extension of the run game and will keep the clock moving.

Limiting Rodgers’ possessions is always a good idea. With that in mind, Taylor will probably have a plan in mind to really bleed the clock on every offensive possession. In a close game, coming up with a 6-8 minute scoring drive in the fourth would be huge.

Furthermore, if the Bengals are controlling the clock and sustaining long drives, Green Bay’s defense will be worn out by the end of the game. There are many benefits to managing the clock well throughout a game. That becomes even more beneficial when you are facing a quarterback like Rodgers.

Managing the clock cannot be the sole focus of the game plan either. Obviously, teams take the points when they can get them. Clock management is just one area of the game where it could end up winning a close game if it comes to that.

There are several keys for the Bengals versus the Packers. The combination of stopping Green Bay’s rushing game, Chase having a huge day, and Taylor managing the clock well would give the home team a great chance of victory.

Sunday could be a huge day for Cincinnati’s year with a home victory against the Packers.