The Carolina Panthers have spent their entire existence as a franchise wanting to be a run-first/defense-oriented football team. From Dom Capers to Ron Rivera, Frank Reich to Cam Newton, the old school has been the only school in Charlotte. Part of that school is the teaching that winning the battle over the clock is one of the most important aspects of winning the game. You run the ball to control the clock. You force teams to punt to prevent them from chewing up the clock. Time of possession isn’t just a key part of winning games, it is the most valued statistic.
The Carolina Panthers won the time of possession battle in 2018
