Time of Possession Stats for Tennessee Titans

In the NFL, Time of Possession (TOP) is more than just a number on the scoreboard—it’s a strategic tool that shapes the rhythm of a game, wears down opposing defenses, and limits the opponent’s scoring chances. For the Tennessee Titans, a team built around a physical running game and a disciplined defense, TOP has long been a cornerstone of their identity. A high TOP means the Titans’ offense is controlling the clock, keeping their defense rested, and preventing elite quarterbacks (like Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence or Houston’s C.J. Stroud) from getting too many snaps. Conversely, a low TOP can expose the Titans’ defense to fatigue, increasing the risk of late-game collapses. Time of Possession Stats for Tennessee Titans dives into the team’s historical TOP trends, their 2024 performance, and how coaches use this metric to craft game plans—showing why TOP is just as important to the Titans’ success as passing yards or sacks.

Time of Possession Stats for Tennessee Titans begins with a look at the team’s historical TOP performance—a trend that highlights their commitment to a clock-controlling offense. Over the past decade (2014–2024), the Titans have finished in the top 10 in the NFL in TOP five times, with their best season coming in 2020, when they ranked 3rd with an average of 32:45 minutes per game. That 2020 season, led by running back Derrick Henry’s 2,027 rushing yards, the Titans used long, methodical drives to wear down defenses: 11 of their drives lasted 5+ minutes, and they averaged 3.8 rushing attempts per drive (the highest in the NFL that year). What made their TOP success notable was its correlation to wins: they went 11-0 in games where they held the ball for 30+ minutes, and 0-5 when they held it for less than 25 minutes. “We’ve always built our offense to control the clock,” says former Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. “When you have a back like Derrick Henry, you can run the ball 30+ times a game, pick up first downs, and keep the other team’s offense on the sidelines. That’s how you win in the AFC South—you don’t let teams like the Colts or Jaguars get into a rhythm.” This historical trend shows that TOP isn’t just a byproduct of the Titans’ offense—it’s a deliberate strategy.

Next in Time of Possession Stats for Tennessee Titans is the 2024 season TOP breakdown—a year where the Titans continued their clock-controlling ways, finishing 6th in the NFL with an average TOP of 31:52 minutes per game. Their success was driven by a balanced attack: Hassan Haskins’ 1,200 rushing yards (the 8th-most in the NFL) kept drives alive with short, consistent gains, while Ryan Tannehill’s efficient passing (64.3% completion rate) helped convert third downs—critical for extending possession. The Titans’ best TOP performance came in Week 15 against the Houston Texans, where they held the ball for 38:12 minutes—their highest mark of the season. That game, they ran 78 offensive plays (20 more than the Texans), picked up 24 first downs, and limited Houston to just 18:48 minutes of possession. The result? A 27-14 win, with the Texans scoring just one touchdown in the fourth quarter when the game was already out of reach. “Our goal every week is to hit 30 minutes of possession,” says current offensive coordinator Tim Kelly. “When we do that, we’re not just scoring points—we’re protecting our defense. In Week 15, our defense only had to play 18 minutes; they were fresh all game, and it showed in how they stopped Houston’s run game.” The Titans’ 2024 TOP stats also revealed a key trend: they won 9 of 11 games where they held the ball for 30+ minutes, and lost 4 of 5 when they held it for less than 28 minutes.

A critical factor in Time of Possession Stats for Tennessee Titans is the role of the offensive line—the unsung heroes who make long drives possible by blocking for the run game and protecting Tannehill on passing plays. In 2024, the Titans’ offensive line (led by left tackle Chuma Udoga and center Ben Jones) ranked 4th in the NFL in run-blocking efficiency, according to Pro Football Focus. This meant Haskins could consistently gain 3+ yards per carry—enough to pick up first downs and extend drives. When the offensive line struggles, however, the Titans’ TOP drops dramatically: in games where the line allowed 3+ sacks, the Titans’ average TOP fell to 27:15 minutes (10th-worst in the NFL that week). For the Tennessee Titans, investing in the offensive line isn’t just about protecting the quarterback—it’s about maintaining their clock-controlling identity. “Our line is the engine of our TOP success,” says Kelly. “If they can open holes for Haskins, we can run the ball, pick up first downs, and keep the clock moving. If they can’t, we’re forced to throw more, which leads to shorter drives and less possession time.” The line’s impact was evident in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts: they allowed zero sacks, helped Haskins rush for 112 yards, and the Titans held the ball for 34:05 minutes en route to a 24-17 win. Without a strong offensive line, the Titans’ ability to control the clock—and win games—would crumble.

Another key contributor to Time of Possession Stats for Tennessee Titans is third-down conversion rate—a metric that directly impacts how long drives last. In 2024, the Titans ranked 7th in the NFL in third-down conversions (42.3%), meaning they converted nearly half of their third-down attempts into first downs. This ability to extend drives was a major reason for their strong TOP: drives that convert a third down last an average of 2.5 minutes longer than drives that don’t, according to NFL Research. The Titans’ third-down success was a team effort: Haskins converted 18 third-and-short attempts (2 yards or less) with his power running, while Tannehill connected with Chigoziem Okonkwo on 12 third-down passes (mostly in the middle of the field). For the Tennessee Titans, third-down conversions aren’t just about keeping drives alive—they’re about maximizing TOP and wearing down defenses. “Third down is make-or-break for possession,” says Titans wide receivers coach Rob Moore. “If we convert, we keep the clock moving, and the other team’s defense has to stay on the field longer. If we don’t, we punt, and their offense gets a chance to score. In Week 12 against Jacksonville, we converted 6 of 10 third downs—our highest rate of the season—and held the ball for 33:20 minutes. That’s why we won that game.” The Titans’ third-down success also reduced their number of three-and-out drives: they had just 32 three-and-outs in 2024 (10th-fewest in the NFL), further boosting their TOP.

Wrapping up Time of Possession Stats for Tennessee Titans is a look at how TOP impacts the defense—and why this metric is a team-wide priority, not just an offensive one. A high TOP keeps the Titans’ defense off the field, reducing fatigue and limiting the number of snaps they have to play. In 2024, the Titans’ defense allowed 0.8 fewer points per game when the offense held the ball for 30+ minutes (19.2 points) compared to when they held it for less than 28 minutes (20.0 points). The difference was even more stark in the fourth quarter: in games with high TOP, the defense allowed just 4.5 fourth-quarter points; in low TOP games, that number jumped to 7.8. For the Tennessee Titans, this correlation makes sense: a rested defense is faster, more disciplined, and less likely to give up big plays. “Our defense feeds off the offense’s ability to control the clock,” says defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. “If they’re on the sidelines for 30+ minutes, they’re fresh in the fourth quarter, which is when games are won. In Week 6 against Kansas City, our offense held the ball for 32:10 minutes, and our defense forced two turnovers in the fourth quarter to seal the win. That’s the synergy we’re looking for.” As the Titans prepare for 2025, TOP will remain a key focus: they’ll look to re-sign key offensive linemen, improve third-down efficiency, and keep Haskins healthy—all to maintain their clock-controlling identity and compete for an AFC South title.