2012 After Week 16

We're down to the last game of the season. Here are the standings headed to the final week.

Week 16

Team...Record...Point Differential

1. Atlanta Falcons.......(13-2)...(+125)
2. Denver Broncos........(12-3)...(+157)
3. Houston Texans.........(12-3)...(+97)
4. New England Patriots..(11-4)...(+198)
5. Green Bay Packers.....(11-4)...(+100)
6. San Francisco 49ers.(10-4-1)...(+110)
7. Seattle Seahawks......(10-5)...(+160)
8. Baltimore Ravens.......(10-5)...(+60)
9. Indianapolis Colts.....(10-5)...(-42)
10. Chicago Bears..........(9-6)...(+96)
11. Cincinnati Bengals.....(9-6)...(+65)
12. Washington Redskins....(9-6)...(+38)

-------------------------------------------------

out Minnesota Vikings......(9-6)...(+28)
out New York Giants........(8-7)...(+50)

The Giants loss to the Ravens last week knocked them out of playoff position. Their spot is filled by the Redskins, who were victorious over Philly. The last week of the season features two matchups between top twelve teams: #3 Houston at #9 Indianapolis and #8 Baltimore at #11 Cincinnati. If the season were to end today, the Colts would have return trip to Baltimore in the wild card round.

2012 NCAA First Round Playoff-Florida-40, Clemson-0

Gillislee ran for 167 and a TD in the victory (Getty Images)

December 15, 2012

Weather-72 degrees, 2 mph E

Gainesville, FL-Florida's offense played mistake-free and ran the ball well all afternoon while their defense pitched a shutout in a victory over Clemson, 40-0. The Gators churned out 284 yards on the ground, led by RB Mike Gillislee, who ran 29 times for 167 yards and a TD in a workhorse effort that symbolized the level of commitment from the Florida squad. Despite being blanked on the scoreboard, the Tigers managed 336 yards, but every time they threatened to score, the Florida defense was there to turn them away.

The Florida running attack also got solid outings from Trey Burton (63 yards, 2 TD) and Matt Jones (35 yards, TD). The Gators are assured of hosting an NCAA Quarterfinal from The Swamp next weekend.

Clemson Tigers.....(10-3)-0-0-0-0-0
Florida Gators.(12-1)-3-13-14-10-40

UF-Sturgis 33 FG
UF-Sturgis 37 FG
UF-Jones 26 run (Sturgis Kick)
UF-Sturgis 30 FG
UF-Burton 24 run (Sturgis Kick)
UF-Gillislee 4 run (Sturgis Kick)
UF-Burton 20 run (Sturgis Kick)
UF-Sturgis 39 FG

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Cle-Ellington-21-80-0 (222-1,111-8), McDowell-9-59-0 (85-483-5), Boyd-17-26-0 (174-518-9), Howard-1-2-0 (35-139-2)
UF-Gillislee-29-167-1 (264-1,271-11), Burton-8-63-2 (32-229-4), Jones-5-35-1 (54-294-3), Driskel-16-19-0 (124-423-4)

Passing
Cle-Boyd-22-13-169-0-0 (399-264-3,719-34-13)
UF-Driskel-22-11-194-0-0 (238-151-1,665-11-3)

Receiving
Cle-Hopkins-3-43-0 (72-1,257-16), Watkins-3-36-0 (60-744-3), Brown-3-33-0 (23-366-0), Ford-3-20-0 (34-431-8), McDowell-1-37-0 (2-60-0)
UF-Dunbar-3-82-0 (34-388-4), Hammond-3-52-0 (23-325-3), Reed-2-24-0 (46-576-3), Burton-1-14-0 (18-178-1), Gillislee-1-14-0 (16-160-1), Andrades-1-8-0 (3-13-0)

2012 NCAA First Round Playoff-Stanford-31, Oklahoma-24 in OT

Taylor scored the game winner (AP)

December 14, 2012

Weather-47 degrees, 5 mph NNE

Stanford, CA-A ferocious pass rush from the Stanford defense was the difference as the Cardinal hung on against Oklahoma, 31-24 in OT. The Cardinal defense managed 12 sacks, as Landry Jones ran for his life most of the evening. Jones took a beating, yet managed to complete 24 of 40 for 322 yards and 3 TD to keep the Sooners in the game. Stanford QB Josh Nunes battled Jones throw for throw, completing 25 of 51 for 425 yards and 3 TD. Cardinal RB Stepfan Taylor was outstanding all season, and he maintained his spectacular play in this one, gaining 211 yards from scrimmage and scoring twice, including a 9-yard TD in overtime that gave Stanford the lead.

When Oklahoma tried to answer in OT, Jones was swarmed under by the Stanford pass rush and the Sooners went 4 and out. Stanford will advance to next weekend's quarterfinals for the second consecutive season.

Oklahoma Sooners.(10-3)-10-7-0-7-0-24
Stanford Cardinal.(12-2)-7-7-7-3-7-31

OU-Brown 19 pass from Jones (Hunnicutt Kick)
SU-Taylor 49 pass from Nunes (Williamson Kick)
OU-Hunnicutt 33 FG
OU-Stills 30 pass from Jones (Hunnicutt Kick)
SU-Montgomery 24 pass from Nunes (Williamson Kick)
SU-Pratt 16 pass from Nunes (Williamson Kick)
OU-Shepard 15 pass from Jones (Hunnicutt Kick)
SU-Williamson 39 FG
SU-Taylor 9 run (Williamson Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
OU-Williams-17-99-0 (177-1,004-11), Clay-7-23-0 (90-534-6), Millard-2-1-0 (31-171-0), Jones-12-(-84)-0 (25-(-187)-0)
SU-Taylor-22-71-1 (324-1,513-13), Wilkerson-5-11-0 (50-204-1), Nunes-11-(-3)-0 (38-71-3)

Passing
OU-Jones-40-24-322-3-1 (547-356-4,316-32-11)
SU-Nunes-51-25-425-3-1 (286-149-2,068-13-8)

Receiving
OU-Brown-7-66-1 (73-888-5), Saunders-5-90-0 (58-856-3), Stills-4-67-1 (79-964-12), Williams-4-55-0 (33-356-1), Shepard-3-39-1 (44-617-4), Clay-1-5-0 (15-95-1)
SU-Taylor-6-140-1 (44-410-3), Terrell-5-78-0 (36-521-4), Patterson-4-62-0 (19-299-2), Montgomery-4-42-1 (27-229-1), Ertz-3-60-0 (69-897-6), Young-2-27-0 (10-101-0), Pratt-1-16-1 (2-18-1)

2012 NCAA First Round Playoff-Texas A&M-41, LSU-20

Malena rushed for 140 and 2 TD (Martinez/Getty Images)

December 14, 2012

Weather-61 degrees, 10 mph ESE

Baton Rouge, LA-The Aggies exploded for 28 points in the fourth quarter to put away LSU, 41-20. Texas A&M RB Ben Malena rushed for 140 yards on 17 carries and scored twice in the fourth quarter. Heisman Trophy QB Johnny Manziel brought the Aggies back from 13-6 down to a 20-13 lead by throwing touchdowns to WR Mike Evans on back-to-back possessions in the second half. Texas A&M ran for 272 yards against LSU, eventually wearing down the Tigers front in the fourth quarter.

The Aggies advance to next week's quarterfinal round.

Texas A&M Aggies.(11-2)-3-3-7-28-41
LSU Tigers........(10-3)-3-3-7-7-20

TAM-Bertolet 50 FG
LSU-Alleman 43 FG
TAM-Bertolet 21 FG
LSU-Alleman 40 FG
LSU-Hill 43 run (Alleman Kick)
TAM-Evans 6 pass from Manziel (Bertolet Kick)
TAM-Evans 11 pass from Manziel (Bertolet Kick)
TAM-Michael 25 run (Bertolet Kick)
LSU-Landry 3 pass from Mettenberger (Alleman Kick)
TAM-Malena 48 run (Bertolet Kick)
TAM-Malena 29 run (Bertolet Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
TAM-Malena-17-140-2 (147-892-9), Michael-7-69-1 (95-486-13), Manziel-22-49-0 (206-1,230-19), Williams-8-14-0 (67-349-4)
LSU-Hill-20-68-1 (150-699-11), Hilliard-2-13-0 (82-469-6), Ware-10-4-0 (101-362-1), Ford-1-2-0 (70-395-3), Mettenberger-8-(-19)-0 (49-(-186)-0)

Passing
TAM-Manziel-17-11-141-2-0 (417-284-3,560-26-8)
LSU-Mettenberger-37-18-235-1-0 (366-211-2,724-12-6)

Receiving
TAM-Evans-4-46-2 (79-1,068-7), Hicks-3-32-0 (10-92-0), Nwachukwu-2-40-0 (25-444-6), Swope-2-23-0 (66-832-7)
LSU-Boone-4-86-0 (28-420-4), Dickson-4-50-0 (9-119-0), Landry-4-31-1 (56-567-5), Beckham-3-38-0 (43-711-2), Wright-2-18-0 (20-260-0), Jacobs-1-12-0 (6-70-0)

2012 After Week 15

Only 2 games left in the 2012 season. Here are the standings.

Week 15

Team...Record...Point Differential

1. Houston Texans........(12-2)...(+114)
2. Atlanta Falcons.......(12-2)...(+112)
3. Denver Broncos........(11-3)...(+135)
4. San Francisco 49ers.(10-3-1)...(+139)
5. New England Patriots..(10-4)...(+191)
6. Green Bay Packers......(10-4)...(+52)
7. Seattle Seahawks.......(9-5)...(+131)
8. Baltimore Ravens........(9-5)...(+41)
9. Indianapolis Colts......(9-5)...(-49)
10. Chicago Bears..........(8-6)...(+81)
11. New York Giants........(8-6)...(+69)
12. Cincinnati Bengals.....(8-6)...(+62)

------------------------------------------------

out Washington Redskins....(8-6)...(+31)
out Minnesota Vikings......(8-6)...(+11)

Once again, the same twelve teams are in playoff position that were in place last week. This week, there are 2 matchups between current playoff teams: #11 New York at #8 Baltimore and #4 San Francisco at #7 Seattle. If the season ended today, the best wildcard playoff may me a rematch of last season's real-life playoff clash between the Giants and Packers, or perhaps a return to their ancestral home for the Colts, visiting the Ravens.

2012 NCAA First Round Playoff-Alabama-52, Northern Illinois-3

McCarron throws for 390 and 4 TD (AP)

December 14, 2012

Weather-73 degrees, 8 mph S

Tuscaloosa, AL-The Crimson Tide demonstrated just how prepared they are to repeat as National Champions by crushing Northern Illinois, 52-3. Both sides of the ball prospered against the Huskies out of the MAC conference. Offensively, Alabama gained 580 yards and scored 42 first-half points. On defense, the Crimson Tide limited the NIU offense to 149 yards and 3 points. Alabama QB A.J. McCarron completed 21 of 28 passes for 390 yards and 4 TD. T.J. Yeldon gained 115 yards rushing to pace the Crimson Tide running game, scoring twice. Eddie Lacy ran for 61 yards and caught passes for 76 yards, including a 64-yard TD that gave Alabama a 14-3 lead.

Alabama will host an NCAA Quarterfinal Game next weekend.

Northern Illinois Huskies.(12-2)-3-0-0-0-3
Alabama Crimson Tide...(13-1)-14-28-3-7-52

Ala-Williams 8 pass from McCarron (Shelley Kick)
NI-Sims 28 FG
Ala-Lacy 64 pass from McCarron (Shelley Kick)
Ala-Yeldon 61 run (Shelley Kick)
Ala-Yeldon 8 run (Shelley Kick)
Ala-Bell 2 pass from McCarron (Shelley Kick)
Ala-Norwood 69 pass from McCarron (Shelley Kick)
Ala-Shelley 44 FG
Ala-Drake 10 run (Shelley Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
NI-Settle-14-54-0 (115-507-5), Lynch-29-23-0 (300-1,794-19), Daniels-7-20-0 (72-452-9), Harris-8-12-0 (63-238-4)
Ala-Yeldon-16-115-2 (170-1,115-13), Lacy-18-61-0 (202-1,243-16), Drake-6-16-1 (45-289-6), McCarron-7-(-2)-0 (55-(-7)-1)

Passing
NI-Lynch-12-5-40-0-0 (365-227-3,002-24-5)
Ala-McCarron-28-21-390-4-1 (314-212-3,059-30-4)

Receiving
NI-Ashford-1-15-0 (31-369-1), Eakes-1-11-0 (9-279-0), Schepler-1-8-0 (4-73-1), Daniels-1-5-0 (19-197-2), Settle-1-1-0 (5-21-0)
Ala-Norwood-4-111-1 (30-506-5), Cooper-4-80-0 (56-974-9), Lacy-3-76-1 (23-248-2), Williams-3-41-1 (24-207-4), Jones-3-33-0 (28-361-4), Bell-2-19-1 (19-450-4), White-1-19-0 (9-124-2), Johnson-1-11-0 (5-45-0)

2012 After Week 14

Three games left to go. Here are the standings.

Week 14

Team...Record...Point Differential

1. Houston Texans.......(11-2)...(+102)
2. Atlanta Falcons.......(11-2)...(+78)
3. New England Patriots.(10-3)...(+198)
4. Denver Broncos.......(10-3)...(+118)
5. San Francisco 49ers.(9-3-1)...(+132)
6. Baltimore Ravens.......(9-4)...(+58)
7. Green Bay Packers......(9-4)...(+44)
8. Indianapolis Colts.....(9-4)...(-37)
9. New York Giants.......(8-5)...(+103)
10. Seattle Seahawks......(8-5)...(+98)
11. Chicago Bears.........(8-5)...(+89)
12. Cincinnati Bengals....(7-6)...(+41)

-----------------------------------------------

out Pittsburgh Steelers...(7-6)...(+14)
out Washington Redskins...(7-6)...(+14)

The same twelve teams are still in playoff position this week, with a general tightening of the strings after both #1 and #2 lost. This may be the best week of games all season, as there are five different matchups involving current playoff teams: #8 Indianapolis at #1 Houston, #4 Denver at #6 Baltimore, #9 New York at #2 Atlanta, #7 Green Bay at #11 Chicago, and #5 San Francisco at #3 New England.

2012 NCAA First Round Playoff-Georgia-73, South Carolina-21

Murray threw for 415 yards and 6 TD [Presswire]

December 14, 2012

Weather-65 degrees, 3 mph S

Athens, GA-South Carolina played Georgia close for a quarter, but a 27-point second quarter helped put away the Gamecocks, 73-21. Georgia QB Aaron Murray completed 23 of 32 passes for 415 yards and 6 TD, spreading the ball to 8 different receivers. The Bulldogs rolled up 682 yards offense against South Carolina. Todd Gurley ran for 161 yards and 2 TD, while Keith Marshall added 120 yards and 3 TD.

South Carolina was unable to generate a running game, finishing with only 60 yards on the ground. Georgia will host a quarterfinal game next weekend.

South Carolina Gamecocks.(10-3)-14-0-7-0-21
Georgia Bulldogs......(12-2)-13-27-14-19-73

SC-Lattimore 24 pass from Shaw (Yates Kick)
UGA-Marshall 1 run (Morgan Kick)
SC-Ellington 6 pass from Shaw (Yates Kick)
UGA-Brown 61 pass from Murray (Kick Missed)
UGA-Brown 8 pass from Murray (Kick Missed)
UGA-Bennett 22 pass from Murray (Morgan Kick)
UGA-Marshall 55 run (Morgan Kick)
UGA-Conley 69 pass from Murray (Morgan Kick)
SC-Cunningham 5 pass from Shaw (Yates Kick)
UGA-Gurley 68 run (Morgan Kick)
UGA-Gurley 9 pass from Murray (Morgan Kick)
UGA-King 6 pass from Murray (Morgan Kick)
UGA-Marshall 39 run (Kick Missed)
UGA-Gurley 18 run (Kick Missed)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
SC-Lattimore-20-33-0 (163-695-11), Miles-4-21-0 (103-379-2), Shaw-20-4-0 (141-343-3), Davis-1-2-0 (53-277-2)
UGA-Gurley-20-161-2 (219-1,421-18), Marshall-13-120-3 (122-843-11), Malcome-1-1-0 (58-273-2), Murray-14-(-15)-0 (69-(-86)-3)

Passing
SC-Shaw-33-19-201-3-3 (235-155-1,933-18-10)
UGA-Murray-32-23-415-6-2 (385-254-3,881-37-10)

Receiving
SC-Moore-3-51-0 (11-190-2), Lattimore-3-33-1 (29-206-1), Sanders-3-27-0 (39-466-7), Ellington-3-18-1 (41-582-7), Byrd-2-28-0 (14-331-2), Miles-2-18-0 (18-186-0), Cunningham-2-11-1 (24-298-1), Anderson-1-15-0 (14-279-5)
UGA-Lynch-4-80-0 (25-474-2), King-4-72-1 (43-918-9), Bennett-4-51-1 (28-396-5), Conley-3-102-1 (21-308-5), Brown-3-79-2 (30-548-6), Gurley-2-14-1 (17-127-1), Marshall-2-8-0 (10-60-0), Rome-1-9-0 (12-161-2)

The 2012 NCAA Football Tournament

Once again, we've reached the holiday season, which means it's time to use the BCS to rank the top teams in college football for the 3rd annual NCAA football tournament. These games will be played over the next several weeks leading up to an NCAA Championship Game. The Alabama Crimson Tide are the defending champs and return this season as a #2 seed. Here is the schedule for the first round.

2012 NCAA Football Tournament

First Round

Friday, December 14, 2012
#10 South Carolina (10-2) at #7 Georgia (11-2), 11:30 am
#15 Northern Illinois (12-1) at #2 Alabama (12-1), 3 pm
#9 Texas A&M (10-2) at #8 LSU (10-2), 6:30 pm
#11 Oklahoma (10-2) at #6 Stanford (11-2), 10 pm

Saturday, December 15, 2012
#14 Clemson (10-2) at #3 Florida (11-1), 11:30 am
#16 Nebraska (10-3) at #1 Notre Dame (12-0), 3 pm
#12 Florida State (11-2) at #5 Kansas State (11-1), 6:30 pm
#13 Oregon State (9-3) at #4 Oregon (11-1), 10 pm

The first round features a border war between South Carolina and Georgia to open it up and an in-state showdown between Oregon and Oregon State to close it out. The tournament features a record 6 teams from the SEC, 3 from the Pac-12, 2 each from the Big 12 and ACC, and 1 each from the MAC, Big 10, and the independents. In the past, I would wait for the actual date on the calendar to play the game, but I will use previous weather data to give each day the proper weather if the scheduled date has not passed IRL.

1957 NFL Semifinal-Detroit Lions-20, New York Giants-14

The 1957 Detroit Lions

January 5, 1958

Weather-28 degrees, 16 mph SSW

Detroit used a savage ground attack to keep the Giants off the field and advance to the NFL Championship Game, 20-14. The Lions ran 72 plays to the Giants 49, controlling the ball for 36 minutes of game time. John Henry Johnson led Detroit with 74 yards on 18 carries. Howard "Hopalong" Cassady ran for 71 yards and caught a pair of short touchdowns from Tobin Rote. In all, Detroit managed 218 yards on the ground, 1 more yard than the Giants gained from their entire offense.

Detroit travels to Cleveland next Sunday for the NFL Championship.

New York Giants.(8-6)-7-0-0-7-14
Detroit Lions..(9-4)-7-0-3-10-20

Det-Cassady 3 pass from Rote (Layne Kick)
NY-Gifford 14 pass from Conerly (Agajanian Kick)
Det-Layne 20 FG
Det-Cassady 10 pass from Rote (Layne Kick)
Det-Layne 17 FG
NY-MacAfee 1 pass from Conerly (Agajanian Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
NY-Webster-10-54-0 (158-549-6), Gifford-11-25-0 (162-629-6), Rote-1-11-0 (3-25-0), Epps-2-3-0 (69-289-0), Conerly-1-0-0 (20-20-1)
Det-Johnson-18-74-0 (147-695-5), Cassady-11-71-0 (84-321-3), Gedman-11-33-0 (78-311-3), Rote-8-33-0 (78-399-1), Hart-3-6-0 (27-105-0), Reichow-1-1-0 (3-10-0)

Passing
NY-Conerly-18-9-132-2-0 (274-151-2,059-13-11)
Det-Rote-20-12-95-2-1 (197-88-1,165-13-11)

Receiving
NY-Gifford-3-41-1 (49-693-5), Rote-2-29-0 (30-442-3), MacAfee-2-10-1 (20-284-3), Schnelker-1-42-0 (23-510-5), Webster-1-10-0 (33-373-1)
Det-Middleton-3-37-0 (21-331-2), Cassady-3-29-2 (28-354-5), Junker-2-7-0 (24-312-4), Reichow-1-15-0 (18-230-3), Johnson-1-4-0 (21-145-0), Gedman-1-4-0 (11-139-0), Doran-1-(-1)-0 (34-623-5)

2012 After Week 13

Three quarters of the way through the season. Here are the standings.

Week 13

Team...Record...Point Differential

1. Houston Texans.......(11-1)...(+130)
2. Atlanta Falcons.......(11-1)...(+88)
3. New England Patriots..(9-3)...(+170)
4. Denver Broncos........(9-3)...(+105)
5. Baltimore Ravens.......(9-3)...(+61)
6. San Francisco 49ers.(8-3-1)...(+118)
7. Chicago Bears..........(8-4)...(+96)
8. Green Bay Packers......(8-4)...(+37)
9. Indianapolis Colts.....(8-4)...(-41)
10. New York Giants.......(7-5)...(+78)
11. Cincinnati Bengals....(7-5)...(+42)
12. Seattle Seahawks......(7-5)...(+40)

----------------------------------------------

out Pittsburgh Steelers...(7-5)...(+24)
out Tampa Bay Buccaneers..(6-6)...(+48)

After Week 13, Tampa Bay's loss dropped them from playoff position, while Seattle's win at Chicago put the Seahawks back into playoff position. The Patriots and Broncos found themselves in bye positions after Baltimore and San Francisco lost over the weekend. The only matchup involving current playoff seeds in Week 14 is the Monday night tilt featuring #1 Houston at #3 New England.

1957 NFL Semifinal-Cleveland Browns-31, Los Angeles Rams-3

Cleveland will play for a fourth NFL Championship

January 5, 1958

Weather-29 degrees, 14 mph S

Tommy O'Connell controlled the ball with precision passing and Chet Hanulak scored on 3 short TD runs as the Browns handled Los Angeles, 31-3. O'Connell completed 11 of 14 passes for 178 yards and a TD, a 19-yard strike to Pete Brewster that gave Cleveland an early 7-0 lead. The Rams had problems maintaining possession as Norm Van Brocklin suffered 2 early interceptions and completed only 14 of 29 for the game.

Cleveland will host the NFL Championship Game next Sunday at Municipal Stadium.

Los Angeles Rams......(7-7)-3-0-0-0-3
Cleveland Browns.(10-2-1)-7-3-7-14-31

Cle-Brewster 19 pass from O'Connell (Groza Kick)
LA-Cothren 17 FG
Cle-Groza 14 FG
Cle-Hanulak 3 run (Groza Kick)
Cle-Hanulak 3 run (Groza Kick)
Cle-Hanulak 7 run (Groza Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
LA-Wilson-13-66-0 (157-772-3), Marconi-6-38-0 (115-542-3), Arnett-8-32-0 (105-407-3), Younger-1-8-0 (97-409-3)
Cle-Brown-22-75-0 (224-1,017-9), Hanulak-15-46-3 (140-421-6), L.Carpenter-11-26-0 (94-341-4), O'Connell-4-(-8)-0 (18-(-13)-1)

Passing
LA-Van Brocklin-29-14-141-0-2 (326-164-2,498-21-24)
Cle-O'Connell-14-11-178-1-0 (124-74-1,407-10-8)

Receiving
LA-Hirsch-4-50-0 (38-537-6), Boyd-3-33-0 (36-619-3), Clarke-3-24-0 (30-546-4), Wilson-2-28-0 (10-130-1), Arnett-2-6-0 (22-370-3)
Cle-Renfro-3-54-0 (24-643-6), P.Carpenter-3-50-0 (30-448-2), Brewster-3-48-1 (33-662-3), Clarke-1-15-0 (5-92-0), Hanulak-1-11-0 (4-49-0)

1957 NFL Quarterfinal-Los Angeles Rams-14, San Francisco 49ers-7

Van Brocklin threw for 252 yards

December 29, 1957

Weather-51 degrees, 8 mph NE

The Rams beat the 49ers at Kezar Stadium in a game that didn't seem as close as the 14-7 final score. Los Angeles ran 72 plays to 49 for San Francisco, gaining 374 yards to the Niners total of 215. Norm Van Brocklin completed 18 of 32 for 252 yards. Tommy Wilson ran for 90 yards on 17 carries to lead the Rams ground game.

San Francisco was able to throw the ball consistently during the season, but Y.A. Tittle struggled to make plays on third down, and the Niners offense suffered accordingly. Despite San Francisco's problems, they had the ball with a chance to tie the game in the last 3 minutes, but Tittle missed Billy Wilson on a fourth down conversion, and the Rams killed the clock from there.

Los Angeles Rams..(7-6)-0-14-0-0-14
San Francisco 49ers.(8-5)-0-0-7-0-7

LA-Marconi 6 pass from Van Brocklin (Cothren Kick)
LA-Arnett 10 run (Cothren Kick)
SF-Conner 5 pass from Tittle (Soltau Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
LA-Wilson-17-90-0 (144-706-3), Arnett-11-28-1 (97-375-3), Marconi-5-23-0 (109-504-3), Hirsch-1-3-0 (2-11-0), Van Brocklin-3-(-3)-0 (13-(-7)-4)
SF-McElhenny-11-56-0 (113-534-1), Babb-7-38-0 (109-368-3), Perry-13-29-0 (110-483-3), Tittle-1-3-0 (41-223-6)

Passing
LA-Van Brocklin-32-18-252-1-1 (297-150-2,357-21-22)
SF-Tittle-17-8-89-1-1 (296-184-2,246-14-16)

Receiving
LA-Clarke-4-80-0 (27-522-4), Boyd-4-52-0 (33-586-3), Marconi-3-20-1 (19-191-2), Arnett-2-42-0 (20-364-3), Lundy-2-41-0 (8-155-3), Hirsch-2-10-0 (34-487-6), Wilson-1-7-0 (8-102-1)
SF-McElhenny-3-36-0 (40-494-2), Owens-2-31-0 (29-426-5), Wilson-1-9-0 (53-766-6), Babb-1-8-0 (21-149-0), Conner-1-5-1 (31-417-5)

1957 NFL Quarterfinal-New York Giants-17, Baltimore Colts-14

Gifford gained 140 yards from scrimmage
 

December 29, 1957

Weather-45 degrees, 12 mph NW

The Giants got off to a quick start against Baltimore, then held on for the win, 17-14. Charley Conerly completed 14 of 24 for 215 yards for New York, keeping the prodigious Colts offense off the field with big third down conversions. Frank Gifford ran for 76 yards and caught 5 passes for 64 yards. Gifford's 8-yard TD run around left end gave the Giants a first quarter lead that they would never relinquish.

Baltimore attempted a comeback, scoring on a pass from Johnny Unitas to Raymond Berry to cut the lead to 3, but New York recovered the ensuing onside kick to seal the deal.

New York Giants.(8-5)-7-10-0-0-17
Baltimore Colts..(7-6)-0-7-0-7-14

NY-Gifford 8 run (Agajanian Kick)
NY-Webster 3 run (Agajanian Kick)
Bal-Dupre 3 pass from Unitas (Rechichar Kick)
NY-Agajanian 16 FG
Bal-Berry 8 pass from Unitas (Rechichar Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
NY-Gifford-15-76-1 (151-604-6), Webster-13-17-1 (148-495-6), Rote-1-1-0 (2-14-0), Epps-4-0-0 (67-286-0), Conerly-4-(-4)-0 (19-20-1)
Bal-Moore-13-94-0 (111-582-3), Dupre-9-50-0 (110-425-2), Ameche-6-30-0 (150-523-5), Unitas-4-28-0 (46-199-1), Call-1-0-0 (34-145-0)

Passing
NY-Conerly-24-14-215-0-0 (256-142-1,927-11-11)
Bal-Unitas-21-10-103-2-0 (322-182-2,653-26-17)

Receiving
NY-Gifford-5-64-0 (46-652-4), Rote-3-55-0 (28-413-3), MacAfee-2-45-0 (18-274-2), Webster-2-33-0 (32-363-1), Schnelker-2-18-0 (22-468-5)
Bal-Dupre-3-16-1 (35-355-3), Moore-2-25-0 (42-712-7), Ameche-2-20-0 (17-157-2), Berry-2-10-1 (49-810-7), Mutscheller-1-32-0 (33-590-8)

2012 After Week 12

Five weeks to go in the regular season. Here are the standings.

Week 12

Team...Record...Point Differential

1. Houston Texans.......(10-1)...(+116)
2. Atlanta Falcons.......(10-1)...(+78)
3. Baltimore Ravens.......(9-2)...(+64)
4. San Francisco 49ers.(8-2-1)...(+121)
5. New England Patriots..(8-3)...(+163)
6. Chicago Bears.........(8-3)...(+102)
7. Denver Broncos.........(8-3)...(+97)
8. New York Giants........(7-4)...(+79)
9. Green Bay Packers......(7-4)...(+28)
10. Indianapolis Colts....(7-4)...(-43)
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers..(6-5)...(+56)
12. Cincinnati Bengals....(6-5)...(+35)

------------------------------------------------

out Seattle Seahawks......(6-5)...(+34)
out Pittsburgh Steelers...(6-5)...(+21)

After the Week 12 results, Seattle and Pittsburgh have dropped out of the top 12 and Cincinnati and Indianapolis have moved into playoff position. The top 5 seeds remain unchanged. The only game involving playoff seeds in Week 13 is #11 Tampa Bay at #7 Denver. If the season ended today (which it doesn't), we would have an Indy at Denver matchup in the wild card round, as well as a rematch of last night's Green Bay at New York tilt.

The 1957 Season

The seeds for the 1957 Playoffs...

#6 seed-Los Angeles Rams (6-6)
Last Playoff Appearance...1955, won NFL Championship
Playoff Record...8-8, 1955 NFL Champions
Pro Bowl-LH Tommy Wilson, LG Duane Putnam, MG Les Richter, RLB Dick Daugherty, KR Jon Arnett

Los Angeles needed wins in their last 2 games to qualify for the postseason. The Rams had the top offense and running game in the NFL. Norm Van Brocklin threw for 2,105 yards and 20 TD. Elroy Hirsch led the Rams with 32 catches and 6 TD. Tommy Wilson led all rushers with 616 yards.

#5 seed-New York Giants (7-5)
Last Playoff Appearance...1956, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...13-7, 3 NFL Championships (1950-51, 1954)
Pro Bowl-LH Frank Gifford, LT Rosey Brown, C Ray Wietecha, RDE Andy Robustelli, LS Emlen Tunnell, G/T Jack Stroud

The Giants are struggling as the 1957 postseason arrives. They have lost their last 3 games and their defense has struggled to stop the run. Frank Gifford led New York in both running and receiving, finishing the 1957 season with 1,116 yards and 9 TD.

#4 seed-Baltimore Colts (7-5)
Last Playoff Appearance...first playoff appearance in franchise history
Pro Bowl-QB Johnny Unitas, FB Alan Ameche, RE Jim Mutscheller, LDE Gino Marchetti, LDT Art Donovan, K/PR/RS Bert Rechichar

The Colts are in the postseason, mostly thanks to the top passing attack in the NFL. Johnny Unitas threw for 2,550 yards and 24 TD in his first full season as the starter. Raymond Berry led all Baltimore receivers with 47 catches and 800 yards. Lenny Moore gained 1,175 yards from scrimmage and scored 10 TD.

#3 seed-San Francisco 49ers (8-4)
Last Playoff Appearance...1956, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...4-9
Pro Bowl-QB Y.A. Tittle, LH Hugh McElhenny, RE Billy Wilson, LDT Leo Nomellini, RLB Marv Matuszak

San Francisco won 3 straight to enter the postseason on a roll. The 49ers had the worst defense in the NFL, and it was a constant struggle to get off the field. Y.A. Tittle threw for 2,157 yards and accounted for 19 TD. Billy Wilson led the receiving corps with 52 catches and 757 yards.

#2 seed-Detroit Lions (8-4)
Last Playoff Appearance...1956, lost NFL Championship
Playoff Record...5-5, 1952 NFL Champions
Pro Bowl-LT Lou Creekmur, LG Harley Sewell, LDE Darris McCord, MLB Joe Schmidt, LDH Jim David, RS Jack Christiansen, LS/P/PR Yale Lary

Detroit closed with 3 straight wins to earn the bye week through point differential over San Francisco. Tobin Rote took over the starting job after Bobby Layne broke his leg in midseason (although Layne may make an appearance per earlier THPF decree). John Henry Johnson led the ground attack with 621 yards.

#1 seed-Cleveland Browns (9-2-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1955, lost NFL Championship
Playoff Reecord...12-7, 3 NFL Championships (1946, 1948, 1953)
Pro Bowl-QB Tommy O'Connell, FB Jim Brown, LH Ray Renfro, RT Mike McCormack, LDT Bob Gain, RLB Walt Michaels, RDH Don R. Paul, K/LT Lou Groza

After a one year absence from the playoffs, the Browns are back with home field throughout. Cleveland allowed the fewest points in the NFL. Tommy O'Connell took most of the snaps at QB and took advantage by completing 57 percent of his passes and going 7-1-1 as a starter. Rookie sensation Jim Brown ran for 942 yards and 9 TD.

1957 Playoffs

December 29, 1957
New York Giants at Baltimore Colts, 3 pm
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers, 6:30 pm

January 5, 1958
lowest seed at Cleveland Browns, 3 pm
highest seed at Detroit Lions, 6:30 pm

January 12, 1958
NFL Championship, 6:30 pm

2012 After Week 11

Six weeks to go in the season. Here are the standings...

Week 11

Team...Record...Point Differential

1. Houston Texans........(9-1)...(+113)
2. Atlanta Falcons........(9-1)...(+77)
3. Baltimore Ravens.......(8-2)...(+61)
4. San Francisco 49ers.(7-2-1)...(+111)
5. New England Patriots..(7-3)...(+133)
6. Denver Broncos.........(7-3)...(+89)
7. Chicago Bears..........(7-3)...(+84)
8. Green Bay Packers......(7-3)...(+56)
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers...(6-4)...(+57)
10. New York Giants.......(6-4)...(+51)
11. Seattle Seahawks......(6-4)...(+37)
12. Pittsburgh Steelers...(6-4)...(+27)

------------------------------------------------

out Minnesota Vikings.....(6-4)...(+17)
out Indianapolis Colts....(6-4)...(-50)

Two games this week involving current playoff teams: #2 Atlanta at #9 Tampa Bay and #8 Green Bay at #10 New York Giants. Chicago's loss to the Niners moves the Niners into the bye week position, replacing Chicago.

1956 NFL Championship-Chicago Bears-27, Detroit Lions-24

Ed Brown drove the Bears to the winning FG

January 13, 1957

Weather-4 degrees, 8 mph NNW

George Blanda kicked a 32-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Bears to their first NFL Title, 27-24. Chicago trailed at the half, 17-3, but would take advantage of a pair of Detroit turnovers to get back in the game in the third quarter. Bears QB Ed Brown scrambled 7 yards early in the fourth quarter to give Chicago a 24-17 lead, but Detroit drove the length of the field on the ensuing drive to tie the game.

After exchanging punts, Chicago took possession on their 20-yard line with 87 seconds remaining and their full complement of timeouts. Brown had a key pair of completions to Harlon Hill; the first came on the first play of the drive for 23 yards, the second on a third and nine for 24 yards gave the Bears the ball on the Detroit 32. Two plays later, Blanda's FG clinched the title for Chicago.

Detroit Lions....(10-4)-7-10-0-7-24
Chicago Bears.(11-2-1)-3-0-14-10-27

Det-Middleton 21 pass from Layne (Layne Kick)
Chi-Blanda 14 FG
Det-Hart 8 run (Layne Kick)
Det-Layne 12 FG
Chi-Jeter 9 pass from Brown (Blanda Kick)
Chi-Casares 15 run (Blanda Kick)
Chi-Brown 7 run (Blanda Kick)
Det-Cassady 1 run (Layne Kick)
Chi-Blanda 32 FG

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Det-Hart-7-60-1 (93-457-8), Gedman-15-27-0 (165-633-7), McIlhenny-1-11-0 (92-408-3), Cassady-10-6-1 (118-432-1), Layne-4-3-0 (54-175-5), Middleton-1-1-0 (5-28-0)
Chi-Casares-18-72-1 (272-1,306-14), Jeter-7-8-0 (78-424-3), Brown-2-8-1 (47-172-3), Hoffman-3-4-0 (63-286-2)

Passing
Det-Layne-19-12-170-1-1 (280-150-2,228-10-19)
Chi-Brown-24-14-223-1-0 (210-124-2,137-16-13)

Receiving
Det-Middleton-3-49-1 (45-701-6), Dibble-3-49-0 (37-703-2), Doran-2-36-0 (29-514-0), Gedman-2-23-0 (17-165-1), Reichow-1-13-0 (5-76-1), Hart-1-0-0 (7-132-1)
Chi-Hill-6-130-0 (57-1,360-13), Schroeder-3-48-0 (26-384-1), Casares-3-37-0 (29-339-3), Dooley-3-19-0 (9-76-1), McColl-2-17-0 (27-347-4), Jeter-2-7-1 (8-66-1), Hoffman-1-9-0 (8-94-0)

1956 NFL Semifinal-Chicago Bears-51, Chicago Cardinals-14

Rick Casares, the NFL's leading rusher
 

January 6, 1957

Weather-32 degrees, 9 mph SW, snow

The Bears mauled their crosstown rivals to earn a berth in the NFL Championship Game, 51-14. Chicago was led by 207 yards from scrimmage and 2 TD from their Pro Bowl FB Rick Casares. Bears QB Ed Brown completed 14 of 18 passes for 247 yards and 4 TD, including 2 to Harlon Hill. The Bears jumped out on top 21-0 early in the second quarter and the Cardinals were never able to recover. Ollie Matson went over 100 yards rushing for the Cards, but QB Lamar McHan threw 3 interceptions, and the Cardinals never threatened after halftime.

The Bears will host the Lions next Sunday for the NFL Championship.

Chicago Cardinals..(8-6)-0-14-0-0-14
Chicago Bears.(10-2-1)-14-14-16-7-51

Chi-Hill 10 pass from Brown (Blanda Kick)
Chi-Jeter 1 run (Blanda Kick)
Chi-Brown 1 run (Blanda Kick)
Chc-McHan 7 run (Summerall Kick)
Chi-Hill 69 pass from Brown (Blanda Kick)
Chc-Matson 29 run (Summerall Kick)
Chi-Safety, Olszewski tackled in end zone
Chi-Casares 34 run (Blanda Kick)
Chi-Dooley 1 pass from Brown (Blanda Kick)
Chi-Casares 88 pass from Brown (Blanda Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Chc-Matson-17-101-1 (227-1,078-6), Olszewski-14-50-0 (181-648-2), McHan-7-10-1 (71-189-6), Mann-4-2-0 (51-119-0)
Chi-Casares-20-108-1 (254-1,234-13), Jeter-11-100-1 (71-416-3), Watkins-1-14-0 (69-290-2), Hoffman-4-10-0 (60-282-2), Brown-5-0-1 (45-164-2)

Passing
Chc-McHan-22-11-150-0-3 (193-94-1,426-11-11)
Chi-Brown-18-14-247-4-1 (186-110-1,914-15-13)

Receiving
Chc-Stonesifer-3-43-0 (27-411-2), Boydston-2-42-0 (10-165-2), Nagler-2-25-0 (18-318-5), Olszewski-2-17-0 (22-224-0), Matson-1-12-0 (18-223-2), Mann-1-11-0 (14-181-1)
Chi-Hill-4-102-2 (51-1,230-13), Casares-3-99-1 (26-302-3), Schroeder-3-21-0 (23-336-1), Dooley-2-10-1 (6-57-1), McColl-1-8-0 (25-330-4), Jeter-1-7-0 (6-59-0)

1956 NFL Semifinal-Detroit Lions-16, New York Giants-10 in OT

Lions legend Leon Hart

January 6, 1957

Weather-31 degrees, 14 mph SW

The Lions offense got it together after 45 minutes of struggling, putting three scoring drives together in the fourth quarter and overtime to come from behind and advance to the NFL Championship Game, 16-10. Detroit churned out 235 yards on the ground, led by 127 yards on 15 carries from Gene Gedman. Leon Hart ran for two touchdowns, including the game-winner in OT.

The Giants couldn't sustain any offense in the second half, finishing with just 60 yards and zero points after halftime.

New York Giants.(9-4-1)-3-7-0-0-0-10
Detroit Lions...(10-3)-0-0-0-10-6-16

NY-Agajanian 28 FG
NY-Webster 33 pass from Conerly (Agajanian Kick)
Det-Hart 2 run (Layne Kick)
Det-Layne 20 FG
Det-Hart 25 run

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
NY-Gifford-16-67-0 (196-981-5), Webster-16-37-0 (218-859-8), Triplett-6-14-0 (136-537-6), Conerly-1-2-0 (12-13-0), Rote-1-1-0 (4-6-0)
Det-Gedman-15-127-0 (150-606-7), Hart-10-49-2 (86-397-7), McIlhenny-4-25-0 (91-397-3), Middleton-1-18-0 (4-27-0), Cassady-11-13-0 (108-426-0), Layne-4-3-0 (50-172-5)

Passing
NY-Conerly-20-11-137-1-0 (221-112-1,399-12-8)
Det-Layne-17-9-149-0-1 (261-138-2,058-9-18)

Receiving
NY-Webster-3-63-1 (27-282-4), Gifford-3-27-0 (58-672-5), Rote-2-26-0 (34-492-4), MacAfee-2-18-0 (17-213-4), Schnelker-1-3-0 (10-125-1)
Det-Middleton-3-46-0 (42-652-5), Dibble-2-57-0 (34-654-2), Doran-2-30-0 (27-478-0), Hart-2-16-0 (16-132-1)

2012 After Week 10

The Standings after Week 10...

Week 10

Team...Record...Point Differential

1. Houston Texans.......(8-1)...(+107)
2. Atlanta Falcons.......(8-1)...(+73)
3. Chicago Bears........(7-2)...(+109)
4. Baltimore Ravens......(7-2)...(+58)
5. San Francisco 49ers.(6-2-1)...(+86)
6. New England Patriots..(6-3)...(+98)
7. Denver Broncos........(6-3)...(+82)
8. Green Bay Packers.....(6-3)...(+52)
9. Pittsburgh Steelers...(6-3)...(+30)
10. Indianapolis Colts...(6-3)...(-15)
11. New York Giants......(6-4)...(+51)
12. Seattle Seahawks.....(6-4)...(+37)

------------------------------------------

out Minnesota Vikings....(6-4)...(+17)
out Tampa Bay Buccaneers.(5-4)...(+51)

There are 3 games this week involving current playoff teams: #10 Indianapolis at #6 New England, #4 Baltimore at #9 Pittsburgh, and #3 Chicago at #5 San Francisco. If the season ended today, the Pats would visit the Giants to rematch again in the first round, and Indy would travel to Denver to face Peyton Manning, and the Steelers would travel to Lambeau as the two most rabid fan bases would have at each other.

1956 NFL Quarterfinal-Chicago Cardinals-12, Washington Redskins-6

Mann, Olszewski, Matson, McHan-The Cardinals backfield

December 30, 1956

Weather-35 degrees, 16 mph SW

The Cardinals broke open a 3-3 halftime deadlock in the third quarter, first with a TD strike from Lamar McHan to Gern Nagler, immediately followed by a safety on a sack from Pro Bowl LB Leo Sanford, then held on for a 12-6 victory. Chicago was outgained, but every time that the Redskins threatened to score, the Cardinal defense would find a third down stop and a way off the field.

The Cardinals will travel to Wrigley Field for a showdown with their crosstown rivals, the Bears. The winner will move on the NFL Championship Game.

Washington Redskins.(6-7)-3-0-3-0-6
Chicago Cardinals..(8-5)-0-3-9-0-12

Was-Baker 16 FG
Chc-Summerall 19 FG
Chc-Nagler 23 pass from McHan (Summerall Kick)
Chc-Safety, Sanford sacked Dorow in end zone
Was-Baker 38 FG

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Was-James-9-41-0 (67-321-1), Runnels-7-39-0 (103-373-0), Elter-15-18-0 (160-562-2), LeBaron-1-1-0 (12-7-0), Dorow-1-(-1)-0 (31-104-0)
Chc-Matson-18-53-0 (210-977-5), McHan-6-18-0 (64-179-5), Mann-2-1-0 (47-117-0), Olszewski-10-0-0 (167-598-2)

Passing
Was-Dorow-18-9-90-0-0 (130-64-820-8-8), LeBaron-11-4-34-0-0 (109-51-588-3-10)
Chc-McHan-19-11-117-1-0 (171-83-1,276-11-8)

Receiving
Was-Carson-4-45-0 (43-549-3), Meilinger-4-26-0 (28-421-5), James-3-38-0 (10-165-2), Runnels-1-8-0 (7-64-1), Elter-1-7-0 (12-106-0)
Chc-Olszewski-3-25-0 (20-207-0), Stonesifer-2-48-0 (24-368-2), Nagler-2-25-1 (16-293-5), Matson-2-12-0 (17-211-2), Boydston-2-7-0 (8-123-2)

1956 NFL Quarterfinal-New York Giants-20, San Francisco 49ers-14 in OT

Webster ran for 128 yards and the winning TD 

December 30, 1956

Weather-19 degrees, 23 mph W

The Giants and 49ers engaged in an epic struggle at Yankee Stadium that ended after early 5 quarters with New York on top, 20-14. Alex Webster led the Giants attack by running for 128 yards on 24 carries. Frank Gifford added 95 yards rushing and 4 catches for 42 more. Hugh McElhenny led San Francisco by running for 169 yards on 21 carries, including a 54-yard TD that evened the score at 7 in the first half.

The Giants will travel to Tiger Stadium next Sunday to face the Detroit Lions for a berth in the NFL Championship Game.

San Francisco 49ers.(5-7-1)-0-0-7-7-0-14
New York Giants.....(9-3-1)-0-7-7-0-6-20

NY-Gifford 9 pass from Conerly (Agajanian Kick)
SF-McElhenny 54 run (Soltau Kick)
NY-Triplett 1 run (Agajanian Kick)
SF-Johnson 3 run (Soltau Kick)
NY-Webster 2 run

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
SF-McElhenny-21-169-1 (206-1,085-9), Perry-13-19-0 (128-539-3), Tittle-2-7-0 (26-74-4), Johnson-2-3-1 (82-304-3)
NY-Webster-24-128-1 (202-822-8), Gifford-21-95-0 (180-914-5), Triplett-5-8-1 (130-523-6)

Passing
SF-Tittle-26-10-106-0-1 (244-134-1,747-7-13)
NY-Conerly-27-11-119-1-1 (201-101-1,262-11-8), Heinrich-6-2-27-0-0 (94-39-396-5-5)

Receiving
SF-Wilson-6-86-0 (66-975-5), Conner-2-25-0 (24-387-1), Arenas-1-(-2)-0 (15-224-1), McElhenny-1-(-3)-0 (17-190-0)
NY-Rote-4-61-0 (32-466-4), Gifford-4-42-1 (55-645-5), Webster-3-22-0 (24-219-3), MacAfee-1-11-0 (15-195-4), Triplett-1-10-0 (7-58-1)

The 1956 Season

The Playoff Seeds for 1956...

#6 seed-San Francisco 49ers (5-6-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1954, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...4-8
Pro Bowl-LH Hugh McElhenny, RT Bob St. Clair, RE Billy Wilson, LDT Leo Nomellini

The 49ers became the first team with a losing record to qualify for a playoff berth. San Francisco started 1-6, but went unbeaten over the last 5 games to sneak in to the Quarterfinal Round against the Giants. The 49ers offense is led by all-purpose RB Hugh McElhenny and RE Billy Wilson, while the defense is anchored by DT Leo Nomellini.

#5 seed-Washington Redskins (6-6)
Last Playoff Appearance...1955, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...5-4, 2 NFL Championships (1942-1943)
Pro Bowl-QB Al Dorow, FB Leo Elter, RG Dick Stanfel, LDE Gene Brito, LLB Chuck Drazenovich, RLB LaVern Torgeson, K/P Sam Baker

The Redskins won 5 straight games during midseason and carried that performance to a playoff berth. Washington has struggled lately to score points, and it was their defense that carried them to the postseason. They feature 3 Pro Bowl players in their front 7, DL Gene Brito, and LBs Chuck Drazenovich and LaVern Torgeson.

#4 seed-Chicago Cardinals (7-5)
Last Playoff Appearance...1949, won NFL Championship
Playoff Record...3-3, 1949 NFL Champions
Pro Bowl-C Jack Simmons, LLB Leo Sanford, LDH Dick Lane, RDH Lindon Crow, KR/LH Ollie Matson

The Cardinals are in the postseason for the first time since winning the NFL title 7 seasons ago. Chicago's scoring defense was the second best in the NFL. On offense, they were led by Ollie Matson, who rushed, caught, and returned his way to more than 1,500 yards in 1956. On defense, Dick "Night Train" Lane and Lindon Crow combined for 18 interceptions. The Cardinals won their first 4 games of the season, then finished the year 3-5.

#3 seed-New York Giants (8-3-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1955, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...12-6, 3 NFL Championships (1950-1951, 1954)
Pro Bowl-QB Charlie Conerly, LH Frank Gifford, LE Kyle Rote, LT Rosey Brown, RDT Rosey Grier, RDE Andy Robustelli, LS/PR Emlen Tunnell

The Giants had the top defense in the NFL in 1956, featuring 3 Pro Bowl players. The run defense also finished first, holding opponents to 3.5 yards per carry. The offense was led by Frank Gifford, who rushed for 819 yards and caught 51 passes for New York. Emlen Tunnell led the Giant secondary with 6 interceptions.

#2 seed-Detroit Lions (9-3)
Last Playoff Appearance...1954, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...4-4, 1952 NFL Champions
Pro Bowl-LT Lou Creekmur, C Charlie Ane, MLB Joe Schmidt, LDH Jim David, LS Jack Christiansen, K/QB Bobby Layne, P/PR/RS Yale Lary

The Lions rolled to 6 straight wins to open the season, then went .500 down the stretch to coast home with the #2 seed. Bobby Layne struggled with turnovers, but the ground attack was solid, with 4 different runners finishing with at least 348 yards. Detroit's defense managed 28 interceptions, led by Lary and Christiansen with 8 each.

#1 seed-Chicago Bears (9-2-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1955, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...3-12
Pro Bowl-FB Rick Casares, LE Harlon Hill, C Larry Strickland, RG Stan Jones, MG Bill George, LDH J.C. Caroline, P/QB Ed Brown

The Bears feature a high-powered offense. No team gained more yards or scored more points in 1956. The offense is led by Rick Casares, the power back who ran for 1,126 yards and scored 14 TD. The passing attack featured Harlon Hill, who caught passes for 1,128 yards while averaging 24 yards per catch and scoring 11 TD. Chicago had a 7-game winning streak earlier in the season.

1956 Playoffs

December 30, 1956
San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants, 3 pm
Washington Redskins at Chicago Cardinals, 6:30 pm

January 6, 1957
highest seed at Detroit Lions, 3 pm
lowest seed at Chicago Bears, 6:30 pm

January 13, 1957
NFL Championship, 6:30 pm

1955 NFL Championship-Los Angeles Rams-21, Cleveland Browns-14

Van Brocklin threw for 185 and 2 TD

January 1, 1956

Weather-30 degrees, 10 mph ENE

Los Angeles won their first championship in franchise history, beating the Cleveland Browns 21-14. The Rams were able to build a 13-point lead in the first half with their solid ground game, gaining over 100 yards rushing in the first half.

The Browns got back in the game in the third quarter, using a 78-yard strike from Otto Graham to Pete Brewster to cut the lead to 13-7 with 7 minutes left in the third quarter. At the start of the fourth quarter, Kenny Konz intercepted Norm Van Brocklin and returned it to the Rams 20-yard line. Three plays later, Fred Morrison punched it in from 10 yards out and the Browns had the lead.

On the ensuing drive, Van Brocklin drove his offense masterfully, completing 4 of 4 passes on the drive, including the go-ahead TD to Tom Fears with 5 minutes to play. The Rams defense held on the following possession, and Cleveland never touched the ball again.

Los Angeles Rams.(10-3-1)-0-13-0-8-21
Cleveland Browns..(10-3-1)-0-0-7-7-14

LA-Boyd 2 pass from Van Brocklin (Richter Kick)
LA-Richter 18 FG
LA-Richter 12 FG
Cle-Brewster 78 pass from Graham (Groza Kick)
Cle-Morrison 10 run (Groza Kick)
LA-Fears 1 pass from Van Brocklin (Fears from Van Brocklin)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
LA-Waller-17-79-0 (184-907-8), Younger-19-71-0 (177-860-6), Van Brocklin-3-15-0 (17-36-0), Quinlan-3-6-0 (19-95-0)
Cle-Morrison-14-47-1 (185-905-4), Modzelewski-11-22-0 (214-735-6), Renfro-1-6-0 (30-96-0), Graham-6-3-0 (81-127-6)

Passing
LA-Van Brocklin-23-15-185-2-1 (320-179-2,370-16-17)
Cle-Graham-25-12-221-1-1 (228-119-2,053-16-9)

Receiving
LA-Boyd-4-41-1 (31-485-5), Fears-4-38-1 (53-706-4), Waller-3-57-0 (30-305-1), Hirsch-2-34-0 (31-563-5), Lewis-1-14-0 (22-244-1), Younger-1-1-0 (8-67-0)
Cle-Brewster-4-102-1 (41-772-7), Lavelli-4-56-0 (37-557-4), Morrison-2-43-0 (11-228-0), Modzelewski-2-20-0 (17-158-2)

2012 After Week 9

2012 playoff seeds for THPF after the Week 9 action.

Week 9

Team...Record...Point Differential

1. Atlanta Falcons.......(8-0)...(+77)
2. Chicago Bears........(7-1)...(+116)
3. Houston Texans.......(7-1)...(+100)
4. San Francisco 49ers...(6-2)...(+86)
5. Baltimore Ravens......(6-2)...(+23)
6. New York Giants.......(6-3)...(+69)
7. Green Bay Packers.....(6-3)...(+52)
8. New England Patriots..(5-3)...(+92)
9. Denver Broncos........(5-3)...(+60)
10. Pittsburgh Steelers..(5-3)...(+27)
11. Indianapolis Colts...(5-3)...(-32)
12. Seattle Seahawks.....(5-4)...(+16)

----------------------------------------

out Minnesota Vikings.....(5-4)...(+7)
out Tampa Bay Buccaneers.(4-4)...(+41)

The only matchup for Week 10 that involves current playoff teams is the Sunday night affair featuring #3 Houston traveling to #2 Chicago. Colts at Giants would be an interesting rematch of the 1958 classic.

1955 NFL Semifinal-Los Angeles Rams-55, Chicago Bears-20

Van Brocklin threw 6 TD passes

December 25, 1955

Weather-58 degrees, 2 mph S, rain

The Rams turned a close game into a rout by scoring touchdowns on 5 consecutive possessions, pulling away 55-20. Los Angeles ran right through the Bears, totaling 564 yards offense. Rams QB Norm Van Brocklin completed 20 of his 25 passes for 295 yards and 6 touchdowns, with 3 of the scores going to Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch.

Los Angeles ran the ball as well as they threw it, as both Tank Younger and Ron Waller went over the century mark. The Rams will travel to their ancestral home of Cleveland for a shot at their first NFL Championship.

Chicago Bears........(9-5)-3-10-7-0-20
Los Angeles Rams.(9-3-1)-0-14-14-27-55

Chi-Blanda 11 FG
LA-Younger 4 run (Richter Kick)
LA-Hirsch 15 pass from Van Brocklin (Richter Kick)
Chi-Blanda 19 FG
Chi-Watkins 27 run (Blanda Kick)
LA-Fears 59 pass from Van Brocklin (Richter Kick)
Chi-Hoffman 12 run (Blanda Kick)
LA-Hirsch 17 pass from Van Brocklin (Richter Kick)
LA-Lewis 24 pass from Van Brocklin (Richter Kick)
LA-Boyd 5 pass from Van Brocklin (Kick Missed)
LA-Hirsch 17 pass from Van Brocklin (Richter Kick)
LA-Waller 1 run (Richter Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Chi-Casares-13-101-0 (155-883-6), Watkins-10-40-1 (132-656-10), Hoffman-6-13-1 (109-521-1), Brown-4-3-0 (51-214-3)
LA-Younger-20-145-1 (158-789-6), Waller-16-112-1 (167-828-8), Quinlan-1-19-0 (16-89-0), Van Brocklin-3-(-3)-0 (14-21-0)

Passing
Chi-Brown-24-12-170-0-1 (205-106-1,610-9-11)
LA-Van Brocklin-25-20-295-6-1 (297-164-2,185-14-16)

Receiving
Chi-McColl-4-69-0 (42-611-4), Hill-4-51-0 (49-891-9), Casares-2-13-0 (18-149-1), Hoffman-1-21-0 (13-190-1), Schroeder-1-16-0 (20-357-2)
LA-Fears-5-99-1 (49-668-3), Boyd-5-61-1 (27-444-4), Hirsch-4-69-3 (29-529-5), Waller-3-20-0 (27-248-1), Lewis-2-31-1 (21-230-1), Younger-1-15-0 (7-66-0)

1955 NFL Semifinal-Cleveland Browns-6, New York Giants-3

1955's top seed, the Cleveland Browns

December 25, 1955

Weather-36 degrees, 20 mph WNW

In a matchup of the two most successful franchises in the THPF, the Browns triumphed in a bruising affair, 6-3. Cleveland FB Ed Modzelewski led the running attack with 94 yards on 18 carries. Alex Webster led New York's offense with 60 yards on 12 carries. Both teams struggled to throw in the steady winds of Municipal Stadium.

Ben Agajanian, the Giants kicker, had two opportunities to tie the game in the second half, but missed both attempts. Cleveland will host next week's NFL Championship.

New York Giants...(7-6-1)-3-0-0-0-3
Cleveland Browns.(10-2-1)-3-3-0-0-6

Cle-Groza 19 FG
NY-Agajanian 33 FG
Cle-Groza 24 FG

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
NY-Webster-12-60-0 (156-744-5), Epps-5-23-0 (107-431-3), Gifford-10-19-0 (108-412-3), Rote-1-0-0 (12-49-0), Conerly-1-0-0 (16-7-0)
Cle-Modzelewski-18-94-0 (203-713-6), Morrison-15-34-0 (171-858-3), Graham-7-3-0 (75-124-6), Petitbon-1-1-0 (4-11-0)

Passing
NY-Conerly-23-11-119-0-0 (250-123-1,563-13-15), Heinrich-1-0-0-0-0 (73-34-473-2-2)
Cle-Graham-18-9-111-0-0 (203-107-1,832-15-8)

Receiving
NY-Schnelker-3-46-0 (31-402-2), MacAfee-2-21-0 (16-249-1), Webster-2-14-0 (27-289-1), Gifford-2-13-0 (37-490-4), Rote-1-26-0 (36-652-8), Long-1-(-1)-0 (9-77-1)
Cle-Brewster-3-48-0 (37-670-6), Modzelewski-2-25-0 (15-138-2), Lavelli-2-9-0 (33-501-4), Renfro-1-22-0 (30-625-8), Petitbon-1-7-0 (1-7-0)

2012 After Week 8

Time for the first update of playoff seeds for 2012. These will be updated weekly from now until the end of the regular season in the NFL this year.

Week 8

Team...Record...Point Differential

1. Atlanta Falcons........(7-0)...(+71)
2. Houston Texans.........(6-1)...(+88)
3. Chicago Bears..........(6-1)...(+85)
4. San Francisco 49ers....(6-2)...(+86)
5. New York Giants........(6-2)...(+73)
6. Baltimore Ravens.......(5-2)...(+13)
7. New England Patriots...(5-3)...(+92)
8. Green Bay Packers......(5-3)...(+38)
9. Minnesota Vikings......(5-3)...(+17)
10. Denver Broncos........(4-3)...(+52)
11. Miami Dolphins........(4-3)...(+24)
12. Pittsburgh Steelers...(4-3)...(+23)

----------------------------------------------

out Indianapolis Colts....(4-3)...(-35)
out Seattle Seahawks.......(4-4)...(+6)

The Steelers/Giants game this weekend would be a preview playoff matchup in THPF currently. Also, a divisional first round game between Green Bay and Minnesota would be nice, although, the way they've looked lately, the Vikings may have trouble holding that spot.

1955 NFL Quarterfinal-Chicago Bears-31, Green Bay Packers-23

Casares ran for 110 yards and 2 TD

December 18, 1955

Weather-16 degrees, 10 mph WNW, snow

Chicago was efficient in the red zone, scoring touchdowns where the Packers kicked field goals in a 31-23 victory. The Bears settled for 3 the first time they crossed the Green Bay 20-yard line, but thee next 4 trips inside the 20 produced 4 touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Packers had to settle for 3 field goals and a TD out of their 4 trips to the red zone. Green Bay won the yardage battle, 400-370. Chicago trailed entering the 4th quarter, but 2 fourth quarter touchdowns to win going away.

Rick Casares led the Bears attack with 110 yards on 17 carries, scoring twice. Chicago ran for 237 yards and controlled time of possession. Howie Ferguson ran for 185 yards for the Packers in a losing effort.

Green Bay Packers.(6-7)-7-6-7-3-23
Chicago Bears...(9-4)-3-14-0-14-31

Chi-Blanda 16 FG
GB-Knafelc 10 pass from Rote (Cone Kick)
Chi-Casares 2 run (Blanda Kick)
Chi-Watkins 6 run (Blanda Kick)
GB-Cone 15 FG
GB-Cone 31 FG
GB-Ferguson 49 run (Cone Kick)
Chi-Casares 5 run (Blanda Kick)
GB-Cone 16 FG
Chi-Brown 1 run (Blanda Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
GB-Ferguson-17-185-1 (209-1,044-5), Reid-6-30-0 (89-333-2), Rote-4-19-0 (78-351-5), Johnson-2-11-0 (51-221-0)
Chi-Casares-17-110-2 (142-782-6), Watkins-12-63-1 (122-616-9), Hoffman-9-54-0 (103-508-0), Brown-4-8-1 (47-211-3), Jagade-1-2-0 (73-311-2)

Passing
GB-Rote-28-14-166-1-0 (370-171-2,143-18-19)
Chi-Brown-17-9-133-0-0 (181-94-1,440-9-10)

Receiving
GB-Knafelc-4-58-1 (44-671-9), Howton-4-48-0 (48-745-5), Ferguson-3-25-0 (25-178-0), Reid-2-22-0 (15-160-1), Capuzzi-1-13-0 (1-13-0)
Chi-Hill-3-51-0 (45-840-9), McColl-3-40-0 (38-542-4), Schroeder-2-26-0 (19-341-2), Hoffman-1-16-0 (12-169-1)

1955 NFL Quarterfinal-New York Giants-15, Washington Redskins-0

Scudero had 2 INT for Washington

December 18, 1955

Weather-38 degrees, calm, light rain

Rain and cold turned the Griffith Stadium turf into a primordial ooze, and the Giants defense slammed the door on the Redskins attack, 15-0. Washington could only manage 157 yards offense, with just 46 of those yards coming after halftime. New York's ground attack was effective on third down, which allowed the offense to stay on the field and eventually tire the Redskins defense.

Washington QB Eddie LeBaron completed only 7 of 23 throws and was intercepted twice, the 2nd of which set up the only touchdown of the game, a 14-yard run by New York RB Bobby Epps.

New York Giants..(7-5-1)-0-3-3-9-15
Washington Redskins.(8-5)-0-0-0-0-0

NY-Agajanian 34 FG
NY-Agajanian 21 FG
NY-Epps 14 run (Agajanian Kick)
NY-Agajanian 27 FG

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
NY-Webster-16-50-0 (144-684-5), Gifford-12-42-0 (98-393-3), Epps-7-33-1 (102-408-3), Rote-1-3-0 (11-49-0), Conerly-3-(-3)-0 (15-7-0)
Was-Elter-9-25-0 (106-386-3), Zagers-10-22-0 (99-417-2), Janowicz-5-9-0 (98-406-4), LeBaron-3-6-0 (40-196-4)

Passing
NY-Conerly-25-14-134-0-2 (227-112-1,444-13-15), Heinrich-5-3-60-0-0 (72-34-473-2-2)
Was-LeBaron-23-7-98-0-1 (201-86-1,368-9-16), Guglielmi-7-1-17-0-1 (69-21-259-2-5)

Receiving
NY-Rote-4-46-0 (35-626-8), MacAfee-3-58-0 (14-228-1), Schnelker-3-30-0 (28-356-2), Webster-3-6-0 (25-275-1), Gifford-2-40-0 (35-477-4), Long-2-14-0 (8-78-1)
Was-Carson-3-49-0 (26-492-3), Zagers-2-41-0 (16-347-0), Elter-2-20-0 (15-239-1), Cox-1-5-0 (6-76-0)

The 1955 Season

The Playoff Seeds for 1955...

#6 seed-Green Bay Packers (6-6)
Last Playoff Appearance...1944, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...2-3, 1941 NFL Champions
Pro Bowl-FB Howie Ferguson, RE Billy Howton, LDE John Martinkovic, RS Bobby Dillon, LB/DE Roger Zatkoff

Green Bay is back in the postseason for the first time in 11 years. The Packers were a .500 team in 1955, as they were both outgained and outscored by their opponents. Howie Ferguson led the ground attack for the Packers and Tobin Rote threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 17 TD.

#5 seed-New York Giants (6-5-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1955, NFL Champions
Playoff Record...11-5, 3 NFL Championships (1950, 1951, 1954)
Pro Bowl-LH Frank Gifford, LT Rosey Brown, RG Jack Stroud, LS/PR Emlen Tunnell, K/LH Kyle Rote

The Giants had a winning record in 1954, but a hot playoff run made them a champion for the 3rd time in 5 years. They are back in 1955, riding a 5-game unbeaten streak. The Giants were 2-5 after 7 games, but are 4-0-1 since then.

#4 seed-Washington Redskins (8-4)
Last Playoff Appearance...1953, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...5-3, 2 NFL Championships (1942, 1943)
Pro Bowl-C Harry Ulinski, LDE Gene Brito, LDT Volney Peters, LLB LaVern Torgeson, MLB Chuck Drazenovic, DB/HB Joe Scudero, P/QB Eddie LeBaron

Washington's defense allowed the 2nd fewest points and rushing yards, helping the Redskins close the season with 5 wins in 6 games and a playoff berth. Washington used a running back by committee approach, as 4 different runners gained at least 300 yards rushing.

#3 seed-Chicago Bears (8-4)
Last Playoff Appearance...1954, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...2-11
Pro Bowl-LH John Hoffman, LE Harlon Hill, LT Bill Wightkin, RG Stan Jones, MLB Bill George, FB Rick Casares, P/QB Ed Brown

Chicago features the top ranked offense and running game in the NFL. The Bears got off to an 0-3 start before winning 8 of 9 to close the season. Chicago's top 2 RB, Rick Casares and Bobby Watkins, combined for over 1,200 yards and 12 TD on the ground. Harlon Hill led the receivers with 9 TD catches.

#2 seed-Los Angeles Rams (8-3-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1953, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...6-8
Pro Bowl-FB Tank Younger, LH Ron Waller, LG Duane Putnam, LDE Paul Miller, LDT Bud McFadin, RDE Andy Robustelli, RS Will Sherman, K/RLB Les Richter, P/QB Norm Van Brocklin

The Rams enter the postseason on a 4-game unbeaten streak. The Rams, like the Bears, feature a 2 RB attack, Ron Waller and Tank Younger. QB Norm Van Brocklin has 2 cagey vets at receiver, Tom Fears and Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch.

#1 seed-Cleveland Browns (9-2-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1954, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...11-6, 3 NFL Championships (1946, 1948, 1953)
Pro Bowl-RH Fred Morrison, LE Pete Brewster, LG Abe Gibron, LDE Carlton Massey, RDT Don Colo, RLB Walt Michaels, LS Ken Konz, K/LT Lou Groza

Cleveland was the best team in the regular season, leading the NFL in scoring, fewest points allowed, defense, and rushing defense. Cleveland's offense is led by QB Otto Graham, in his final season as a pro. The Browns have only lost once in their last 11 games.

1955 Playoffs

December 18, 1955
New York Giants at Washington Redskins, 3 pm
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears, 6:30 pm

December 25, 1955
lowest seed at Cleveland Browns, 3 pm
highest seed at Los Angeles Rams, 6:30 pm

January 1, 1956
NFL Championship, 6:30 pm

1954 NFL Championship-New York Giants-9, Philadelphia Eagles-8

January 9, 1955

Weather-37 degrees, 6 mph WNW, rain

The New York defense was able to keep the Eagles out of the end zone en route to the Giants 3rd world championship in 5 seasons, 9-8. The first time the Giants touched the ball, they used 2 Charlie Conerly passes to reach the end zone, with the scoring pass traveling 19 yards to Bob Schnelker. Conerly completed 12 of 21 passes for 192 yards and a TD to lead the New York offense.

The Eagles were led by QB Adrian Burk, who completed 16 of 25 for 233 yards, including 7 for 94 to Pete Pihos. The Eagles had a chance to win with 56 seconds left when Bobby Walston had a 35-yard FG attempt to take the lead, but his kick sailed wide left.

New York Giants......(10-5)-9-0-0-0-9
Philadelphia Eagles.(9-5-1)-0-3-3-2-8

NY-Schnelker 19 pass from Conerly (Agajanian Kick)
NY-Safety, Carroccio sacks Burk in end zone
Phi-Walston 27 FG
Phi-Walston 18 FG
Phi-Safety, Richardson sacks Conerly in end zone

Rushing (season totals in end zone)
NY-Price-12-24-0 (180-751-5), Gifford-11-21-0 (96-517-3), Rote-4-5-0 (50-170-0), Conerly-3-(-4)-0 (36-128-1)
Phi-Parmer-14-14-0 (165-519-2), Giancanelli-7-4-0 (50-61-0), Williams-7-3-0 (72-237-2), Burk-1-0-0 (21-18-0)

Passing
NY-Conerly-21-12-192-1-0 (283-140-1,982-21-12)
Phi-Burk-25-16-233-0-0 (306-163-2,275-25-18)

Receiving
NY-Schnelker-3-45-1 (38-679-9), MacAfee-3-34-0 (32-527-9), Topp-2-61-0 (10-188-4), Price-2-21-0 (35-423-3), Rote-1-24-0 (36-658-2), Gifford-1-7-0 (17-203-2)
Phi-Pihos-7-94-0 (78-1,101-11), Walston-4-74-0 (41-754-12), Giancanelli-3-35-0 (21-260-4), Luft-1-22-0 (5-104-0), Willey-1-8-0 (3-58-0)

1954 NFL Semifinal-New York Giants-26, Detroit Lions-10

Giants QB Charley Conerly

January 2, 1955

Weather-37 degrees, 10 mph WNW

The Giants offense controlled the action throughout as the top-seeded Lions were eliminated, 26-10. New York QB Charley Conerly was solid, completing 13 of 23 for 191 yards and 2 TD. Matinee idol and all-around threat Frank Gifford made his presence felt by generating 110 yards from scrimmage, including a 32-yard catch and run for a touchdown that broke open the game in the third quarter.

Detroit found success running the ball, but Giants defensive coordinator and safety standout Tom Landry made the focus of the gameplan limiting Bobby Layne and the Lions' passing attack. Layne completed only 11 of 27, and Landry made his tenth interception of the year to seal the game.

In a season of playoff upsets, the Eagles will host the Giants next Sunday for the NFL Championship.

New York Giants.(9-5)-0-13-10-3-26
Detroit Lions...(9-3-1)-0-7-0-3-10

NY-Agajanian 13 FG
Det-Walker 63 run (Walker Kick)
NY-MacAfee 13 pass from Conerly (Agajanian Kick)
NY-Agajanian 35 FG
NY-Agajanian 34 FG
NY-Gifford 32 pass from Conerly (Agajanian Kick)
Det-Walker 12 FG
NY-Agajanian 32 FG

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
NY-Price-16-80-0 (168-727-5), Gifford-9-68-0 (85-496-3), Rote-9-54-0 (46-165-0), Conerly-3-20-0 (33-132-1)
Det-Walker-7-77-1 (39-317-2), Carpenter-4-64-0 (108-540-3), Bowman-11-32-0 (107-429-2), Layne-2-0-0 (32-119-2), Hoernschemeyer-1-(-2)-0 (95-240-2)

Passing
NY-Conerly-23-13-191-2-0 (262-128-1,790-20-12)
Det-Layne-27-11-108-0-1 (273-146-1,926-14-13), Dublinski-2-1-1-0-0 (140-78-1,074-8-7)

Receiving
NY-Rote-3-36-0 (35-634-2), Price-3-24-0 (33-402-2), Schnelker-2-50-0 (35-634-8), Gifford-2-42-1 (16-196-2), MacAfee-2-21-1 (29-493-9), Topp-1-18-0 (8-127-4)
Det-Dibble-4-24-0 (50-792-6), Bowman-3-34-0 (37-322-2), Walker-2-23-0 (34-587-3), Hart-2-14-0 (26-391-0), Doran-1-14-0 (11-217-4)

1954 NFL Semifinal-Philadelphia Eagles-17, Cleveland Browns-0

Pete Pihos, All-Pro End

January 2, 1955

Weather-47 degrees, 17 mph WNW

Philadelphia's defense came up big for the second consecutive week and earned the Eagles a berth in the NFL Championship Game, 17-0. Cleveland struggled to establish any offense, managing only 129 yards offense for the game. Browns QB struggled with a constant wind that gusted to over 20 mph all afternoon. Graham completed only 8 of 19 passes and was sacked 5 times. Cleveland was held to 18 net yards passing.

Eagles QB Adrian Burk led the offense by throwing for 148 yards and 2 TD in the steady wind. Philadelphia struggled to run the ball, but Pete Pihos was able to make plays against the Cleveland secondary, catching 5 balls for 82 yards and a TD.

Philadelphia Eagles.(9-4-1)-7-10-0-0-17
Cleveland Browns........(9-4)-0-0-0-0-0

Phi-Walston 8 pass from Burk (Walston Kick)
Phi-Pihos 11 pass from Burk (Walston Kick)
Phi-Walston 21 FG

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Phi-Parmer-14-26-0 (151-505-2), Williams-7-12-0 (65-234-2), Ledbetter-2-7-0 (88-256-1), Giancanelli-6-6-0 (43-57-0), Burk-4-1-0 (20-18-0)
Cle-Bassett-16-61-0 (160-649-6), Jones-7-50-0 (58-281-0), Renfro-6-8-0 (35-159-0), Graham-3-0-0 (66-114-8), Hanulak-5-(-8)-0 (64-288-4)

Passing
Phi-Burk-24-11-148-2-0 (281-147-2,042-25-18), Thomason-2-0-0-0-0 (174-85-1,260-10-13)
Cle-Graham-19-8-53-0-1 (259-150-2,145-11-18)

Receiving
Phi-Pihos-5-82-1 (71-1,007-11), Walston-2-27-1 (37-680-12), Williams-2-16-0 (48-701-3), Luft-1-23-0 (4-82-0), Giancanelli-1-0-0 (18-225-4)
Cle-Lavelli-5-36-0 (52-838-7), Brewster-1-11-0 (43-687-4), Hanulak-1-4-0 (7-84-0), Jones-1-2-0 (20-349-2)

1954 NFL Quarterfinal-Philadelphia Eagles-24, San Francisco 49ers-8

Jim Parmer ran for 71 yards and 2 TD

December 26, 1954

Weather-52 degrees, 16 mph N

The Philadelphia defense pitched a shutout in the second half on the way to a 24-8 win. Jim Parmer led the Eagles ground attack by running for 71 yards and a pair of first half touchdowns. Philadelphia QB Adrian Burk threw for 154 yards. The Niners were led by RB John Henry Johnson, who ran for 124 yards on just 12 carries. Joe Perry, the NFL's leading rusher in 1954, was held to just 30 yards on 16 carries.

Philadelphia was able to force passing situations on third down, and San Francisco QB Y.A. Tittle, who was accurate all season, failed too often to convert. Tittle would complete only 8 of 21 passes for 87 yards. The Eagles advance to the NFL Semifinals, where they will travel to Cleveland's Municipal Stadium to face the defending champion Browns.


Philadelphia Eagles.(8-4-1)-7-7-3-7-24
San Francisco 49ers..(7-5-1)-6-2-0-0-8

SF-Soltau 23 FG
Phi-Parmer 17 run (Walston Kick)
SF-Soltau 17 FG
Phi-Parmer 4 run (Walston Kick)
SF-Safety, Hantla sacks Burk in end zone
Phi-Walston 24 FG
Phi-Williams 17 run (Walston Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Phi-Parmer-18-71-2 (137-479-2), Williams-11-39-1 (58-222-2), Ledbetter-5-8-0 (86-249-1), Giancanelli-4-4-0 (37-51-0), Burk-1-(-1)-0 (16-17-0)
SF-Johnson-12-124-0 (141-805-9), Perry-16-30-0 (189-1,079-8), McElhenny-4-22-0 (68-537-6), Tittle-1-4-0 (29-72-4)

Passing
Phi-Burk-26-13-154-0-1 (257-136-1,894-23-18), Thomason-2-2-18-0-0 (172-85-1,260-10-13)
SF-Tittle-21-8-87-0-1 (316-178-2,292-9-10)

Receiving
Phi-Pihos-6-53-0 (66-925-10), Walston-4-72-0 (35-653-11), Giancanelli-3-30-0 (17-225-4), Williams-2-17-0 (46-685-3)
SF-Soltau-3-46-0 (25-362-2), Wilson-3-25-0 (63-855-5), McElhenny-1-16-0 (9-178-0), Johnson-1-0-0 (29-183-0)

1954 NFL Quarterfinal-New York Giants-41, Chicago Bears-0

Eddie Price scored 3 TD for the Giants
 

December 26, 1954

Weather-46 degrees, 14 mph SSW, rain

The Giants dominated in all phases of the game on their way to a 41-0 shutout of Chicago and a berth in the NFL Semifinals. New York rolled up 210 yards on the ground, led by 92 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns from Eddie Price. New offensive coordinator Vince Lombardi has emphasized the running attack in his first year with the club, and the strategy paid dividends today.

The Bears used big plays in the passing game to get to the postseason in 1954, but the Giants defense took the pass away, leading to a 3 for 25 performance from Chicago QB George Blanda. Blanda managed more completions to the Giants DB, who had 4 interceptions on the day, including one each from Emlen Tunnell and Tom Landry. Landry's defense held the Bears to 148 yards and sacked Blanda 4 times.

The Giants will travel to Tiger Stadium next Sunday to face the Lions in the NFL Semifinals.

New York Giants.(8-5)-7-14-3-17-41
Chicago Bears......(8-5)-0-0-0-0-0

NY-Price 9 run (Agajanian Kick)
NY-Price 1 run (Agajanian Kick)
NY-Topp 19 pass from Conerly (Agajanian Kick)
NY-Agajanian 10 FG
NY-Price 35 run (Agajanian Kick)
NY-Gifford 7 run (Agajanian Kick)
NY-Agajanian 11 FG

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
NY-Price-17-92-3 (152-647-5), Gifford-10-60-1 (76-428-3), Rote-7-52-0 (37-111-0), Conerly-6-5-0 (30-112-1), Clatterbuck-1-1-0 (20-(-20)-1)
Chi-Stone-9-51-0 (88-357-3), Jagade-17-43-0 (174-541-3), Blanda-3-13-0 (22-54-0), Hoffman-3-1-0 (42-179-1)

Passing
NY-Conerly-29-12-160-1-1 (239-115-1,599-18-12)
Chi-Blanda-25-3-67-0-4 (306-134-1,996-15-21)

Receiving
NY-Rote-3-47-0 (32-598-2), Schnelker-3-34-0 (33-584-8), MacAfee-3-34-0 (27-472-8), Price-2-26-0 (30-378-3), Topp-1-19-1 (7-109-4)
Chi-Hill-1-39-0 (46-1,163-12), Dooley-1-19-0 (35-677-7), Jagade-1-9-0 (25-181-0)

The 1954 Season

The Playoff Seeds for 1954...

#6 seed-New York Giants (7-5)
Last Playoff Appearance...1952, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...8-5, 2 NFL Championships (1950, 1951)
Pro Bowl-FB Eddie Price, LH Frank Gifford, RH Kyle Rote, LG Bill Austin, LDT Ray Krouse, LDH/P Tom Landry, LS/PR Emlen Tunnell

The Giants are back in the postseason after a one-year absence. New York's defense led the way, allowing the second fewest points in the NFL and leading the league with 33 interceptions, led by 8 each from Emlen Tunnell and Tom Landry. The Giants opened 4-1 before barely surviving the second half of the schedule to earn a playoff berth.

#5 seed-Philadelphia Eagles (7-4-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1953, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...9-6, 2 NFL Championships (1944, 1945)
Pro Bowl-RT Lum Snyder, RE Pete Pihos, MG Bucko Kilroy, RDE Norm Willey, LLB Chuck Bednarik, RLB Wayne Robinson, P/QB Adrian Burk

Philadelphia got off to a hot start, winning their first 4 games and looking like one of the best teams in the league. Eventually, the difficulties the Eagles had running the ball caught up with them, and they struggled to qualify for the postseason.

#4 seed-San Francisco 49ers (7-4-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1953, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...4-7
Pro Bowl-QB Y.A. Tittle, FB Joe Perry, LH John Henry Johnson, RG Bruno Banducci, RE Billy Wilson, MG Al Carapella, RS Jim Cason

The 49ers ground attack paced one of the best offenses in the NFL. San Francisco survived a 3-game losing streak in midseason to advance to the playoffs. Joe Perry gained over 1,000 yards on the ground and Y.A. Tittle completed 58 percent of his passes for the Niners.

#3 seed-Chicago Bears (8-4)
Last Playoff Appearance...1951, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...2-10
Pro Bowl-LE Harlon Hill, MG Bill George, RDT Bill Bishop, RDE Ed Sprinkle, FB/KR Chick Jagade

The Bears were 4-4 after 8 games and looked like they would be left out of the postseason chase, but they regrouped and won their last 4 games to qualify as the 3rd seed. Chicago's passing attack was led by receiver Harlon Hill, who averaged 25 yards a catch and scored 12 touchdowns.

#2 seed-Cleveland Browns (9-3)
Last Playoff Appearance...1953, NFL Champions
Playoff Record...11-5, 3 NFL Championships (1946, 1948, 1953)
Pro Bowl-QB Otto Graham, LG Abe Gibron, RE Dante Lavelli, RDT Don Colo, RDE Len Ford, K/LT Lou Groza

The Browns had the best defense in the NFL in 1954, leading the league in fewest yards, points, rushing yards and passing yards allowed. Cleveland had an 8-game winning streak that led them to the playoffs. The Browns are attempting to win their fourth championship in nine seasons.

#1 seed-Detroit Lions (9-2-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1953, lost NFL Championship
Playoff Record...4-3, 1952 NFL Champions
Pro Bowl-LT Lou Creekmur, LLB Joe Schmidt, RLB LaVern Torgeson, LDH Jim David, RDH Bill Stits, K Doak Walker, LS/PR Jack Christiansen

The Lions had the highest-scoring offense in the NFL in 1954. Detroit started the season at 8-1 and never looked back on their way to the postseason, as the road to the championship now leads through Tiger Stadium.

1954 Playoffs

December 26, 1954
New York Giants at Chicago Bears, 3 pm
Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers, 6:30 pm

January 2, 1955
highest seed at Cleveland Browns, 3 pm
lowest seed at Detroit Lions, 6:30 pm

January 9, 1955
NFL Championship, 6:30 pm