Thursday, January 26, 2012

The 1945 Season

Playoff seeds for 1945...

#4 seed-Detroit Lions (7-3)
Last Playoff Appearance...first appearance in franchise history
All-Pro-FB Bob Westfall, RG Bill Radovich

The Lions are in the postseason for the first time, thanks to a 5-game winning streak in midseason. Detroit was able to win a few close games which helped them edge out the Packers for the last seed. The Lions were outgained and nearly outscored by their opponents in 1945.

#3 seed-Philadelphia Eagles (7-3)
Last Playoff Appearance...1944, NFL Champions
Playoff Record-2-0, 1944 NFL Champions
All-Pro-RT Al Wistert, RB Steve Van Buren

Philadelphia had the best point differential in the league, as they attempt to go back-to-back. The Eagles had a 5-game winning streak of their own, using a stout run defense to control the clock and grind down their opponents. Steve Van Buren scored 18 touchdowns in his first full season as the feature back.

#2 seed-Washington Redskins (8-2)
Last Playoff Appearance...1943, NFL Champions
Playoff Record-4-0, 2-time NFL Champions (1942, 1943)
All-Pro-PR Steve Bagarus

The Redskins have never lost a playoff game, and they are trying for a third NFL title led by QB Sammy Baugh. Baugh set an NFL record by completing 70.3% of his passes. Washington lost the opener before ripping off 6 straight victories to secure a playoff position.

#1 seed-Cleveland Rams (9-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...first appearance in franchise history
All-Pro-QB Bob Waterfield, LE Jim Benton, LG Riley Matheson

Cleveland used a balanced offense and a solid defense on their way to securing home-field advantage throughout the postseason. The Rams were led by league MVP Bob Waterfield, who threw for 14 TD and picked off 6 passes. His primary target was Jim Benton, who went over 1,000 yards receiving for the season.

1945 Playoffs

December 16, 1945

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins, 3 pm
Detroit Lions at Cleveland Rams, 6:30 pm

December 23, 1945

NFL Championship Game

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