1944 NFL Semifinal-New York Giants-34, Chicago Bears-0

December 17, 1944

Weather-48 degrees, wind 21 mph SW

The New York Giants crushed the Chicago Bears, 34-0, behind 113 rushing yards from Bill Paschal and a stifling defense that has pitched 4 shutouts in their last 5 games. The Giants ran for 261 yards against Chicago, with Ward Cuff adding 77 yards and a TD and Howie Livingston running for 73 yards and 2 TDs.

Chicago could never get moving offensively, only managing 193 yards on offense as Sid Luckman was held to 90 yards passing. Chicago's offense was a juggernaut all season, but the Giants defense kept the Bears off of the field.

New York will host either Green Bay or Philadelphia in the NFL Championship Game.

Chicago Bears........(6-4-1)-0-0-0-0-0
New York Giants......(9-1-1)-10-14-10-0-34

NYG-Cuff 11 run (Strong Kick)
NYG-Strong 40 FG
NYG-Livingston 29 run (Strong Kick)
NYG-Livingston 2 run (Strong Kick)
NYG-Liebel 22 pass from Soar (Strong Kick)
NYG-Strong 14 FG

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Chi-Fordham-10-77-0 (83-458-4), Margarita-14-29-0 (102-492-4), McLean-6-4-0 (35-29-1), Luckman-2-0-0 (22-(-96)-1), Grygo-1-0-0 (54-322-2)
NYG-Paschal-26-113-0 (222-850-9), Cuff-12-77-1 (88-502-1), Livingston-5-73-2 (89-386-3), Soar-2-(-2)-0 (11-8-0)

Passing
Chi-Luckman-21-11-90-0-1 (164-82-1108-11-13)
NYG-Herber-16-5-80-0-0 (102-41-731-6-8), Soar-5-4-38-1-0 (15-8-151-3-1)

Receiving
Chi-Wilson-4-44-0 (28-309-4), Berry-3-24-0 (24-402-6), McLean-1-12-0 (20-426-5), Margarita-1-10-0 (16-140-0), Kelly-1-3-0 (1-3-0), Fordham-1-(-3)-0 (2-10-0)
NYG-N. Adams-3-66-0 (17-408-1), Liebel-2-33-1 (15-325-6), Cuff-2-13-0 (13-148-2), Weiss-1-3-0 (2-13-0), Paschal-1-3-0 (1-3-0)

The 1944 Season

Playoff seeds for 1944...

#4 seed-Chicago Bears (6-3-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1943, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...0-3
All-Pro-QB Sid Luckman, C Bulldog Turner

Chicago has yet to win a postseason game in THPF, but they've been a playoff team every season, and 1944 is no different. Chicago started the season 1-2-1 before winning 5 of 6 at the end of the season to get in the playoffs. Chicago won a tiebreaker with Detroit and 2-time defending champion Washington. The Bears feature the best offense in the NFL, led by Hall of Fame QB Sid Luckman.

#3 seed-Green Bay Packers (8-2)
Last Playoff Appearance...1943, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...2-2, 1941 NFL Champions
All-Pro-E Don Hutson

Like Chicago, the Packers have been a playoff team in every season of THPF, but it's been 2 years since they have won a game in the postseason. Green bay started the season 6-0 before losing twice to potential playoff opponents in the final month of the season.

#2 seed-Philadelphia Eagles (7-1-2)
Last Playoff Appearance...first appearance in franchise history
All-Pro-T Al Wistert, RB Steve Van Buren

The Eagles are a playoff team for the first time in their history. Philadelphia was unbeaten through 7 games before losing for the only time in 1944 to Chicago. The Eagles feature the top ranked defense in pro football, allowing just under 56 yards rushing per game. Rookie Steve Van Buren scored 7 TD and picked off 5 passes for Philadelphia.

#1 seed-New York Giants (8-1-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1943, lost NFL Championship
Playoff Record...1-2
All-Pro-G Len Younce, RB Bill Paschal

The Giants are steamrolling the opposition heading into the postseason. New York has won their last 4 games, pitching 3 shutouts. The Giants have held their opponents to only 7.5 points per game, allowing 3 TD passes while intercepting 34 passes. Bill Paschal led the ground game with 737 yards.

1944 Playoffs

December 17, 1944

Chicago Bears at New York Giants, 3 pm
Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles, 6:30 pm

December 24, 1944

NFL Championship Game, 6:30 pm

2011 After Week 12

Here are the 2011 playoff seeds after Week 12's action.

Week 12

Team...Record...Point Differential

1. Green Bay Packers.....(11-0)...(+155)
2. San Francisco 49ers....(9-2)...(+101)
3. Houston Texans.........(8-3)...(+114)
4. New Orleans Saints.....(8-3)...(+110)
5. New England Patriots...(8-3)...(+108)
6. Baltimore Ravens.......(8-3)...(+90)
7. Pittsburgh Steelers....(8-3)...(+45)
8. Detroit Lions..........(7-4)...(+70)
9. Chicago Bears..........(7-4)...(+56)
10. Dallas Cowboys.........(7-4)...(+45)
11. Cincinnati Bengals.....(7-4)...(+44)
12. Atlanta Falcons........(7-4)...(+32)

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

out Oakland Raiders........(7-4)...(-14)
out New York Jets..........(6-5)...(+15)

Detroit's loss to the Packers dropped them from #6 to #8, and Chicago's loss to the Raiders dropped them to #9. The Saints blowout of the Giants allowed them to leapfrog the Pats into the #4 seed, although it's hard to imagine the Texans can hold the #3 seed with the injury mess they have at QB. If the season were to finish this way, the Dallas at Pittsburgh game jumps out as the headline first round matchup. Also, there would be an AFC North showdown with Cincinnati at Baltimore and an NFC North grudge match with Chicago at Detroit.

This week, there are some games featuring both teams in the top 12, like #11 Cincinnati at #7 Pittsburgh, #12 Atlanta at #3 Houston, and #8 Detroit at #4 New Orleans. I would expect more movement heading to the final quarter of the season.

1943 NFL Championship-Washington Redskins-14, New York Giants-7

December 26, 1943

Weather-36 degrees, wind 14 mph NW

Washington got 2 TD passes from Sammy Baugh, and their defense held the Giants to 181 yards as the Redskins rolled to a second consecutive NFL Championship, 14-7. Joe Aguirre caught a 9-yard TD pass from Baugh in the first quarter to tie the game, and Baugh found Bob Masterson for what turned out to be the game winner in the opening drive of the second half.

Baugh finished with 119 yards passing for Washington. Wilbur Moore led the Redskins ground attack with 79 yards. Bill Paschal led the Giants with 98 yards on the ground, scoring an NFL-record 12th rushing TD to give the Giants a 7-0 lead on New York's opening possession.

New York Giants.......(7-4-1)-7-0-0-0-7
Washington Redskins...(8-3-1)-7-0-7-0-14

NYG-Paschal 14 run (Cuff Kick)
Was-Aguirre 9 pass from Baugh (Masterson Kick)
Was-Masterson 7 pass from Baugh (Masterson Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
NYG-Paschal-26-98-1 (196-760-12), Cuff-10-39-0 (102-658-4), Brown-6-14-0 (41-152-1), Leemans-2-3-0 (39-62-0), Nix-2-(-1)-0 (23-37-0)
Was-Moore-6-79-0 (54-328-3), Farkas-13-44-0 (139-414-5), Seymour-4-16-0 (78-291-0), Baugh-4-(-3)-0 (25-(-45)-0)

Passing
NYG-Nix-13-3-25-0-0 (78-31-444-3-4), Leemans-6-2-13-0-0 (93-39-373-5-5)
Was-Baugh-25-9-119-2-0 (282-153-2046-25-19)

Receiving
NYG-Adams-2-15-0 (12-101-1), Paschal-1-10-0 (11-88-2), Pritko-1-7-0 (2-19-0), Liebel-1-6-0 (14-216-3)
Was-Farkas-3-38-0 (23-246-4), Aguirre-2-28-1 (42-478-8), Masterson-2-22-1 (20-252-4), Lapka-1-26-0 (4-106-0), Moore-1-5-0 (34-594-7)

1943 NFL Semifinal-Washington Redskins-10, Green Bay Packers-0

December 19, 1943

Weather-20 degrees, wind 12 mph SE, light snow

Washington's defense was dominant all day, holding the Packers to only 136 yards of offense and knocking them out of the playoffs for the second consecutive year, 10-0. Tony Canadeo was sacked 3 times and pressured all day, as Green Bay was limited to only 40 yards passing for the entire game.

Sammy Baugh was efficient throwing the ball despite the wind and snow. Baugh completed 11 of 18 and was able to convert third downs through the air all evening. Wilbur Moore scored the only touchdown of the game right before halftime. Moore also led the Redskins with 51 receiving yards.

Washington will host the New York Giants for a chance at a second straight NFL title.

Washington Redskins...(7-3-1)-0-7-3-0-10
Green Bay Packers.....(7-3-1)-0-0-0-0-0

Was-Moore 3 run (Masterson Kick)
Was-Masterson 12 FG

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Was-Farkas-16-43-0 (126-370-5), Seymour-9-43-0 (74-275-0), Moore-8-18-1 (48-249-3), Seno-4-11-0 (30-163-0), Baugh-2-1-0 (21-(-42)-0)
GB-Laws-8-41-0 (51-273-0), Falkenstein-7-29-0 (65-227-1), Fritsch-7-15-0 (61-184-4), Canadeo-8-8-0 (102-447-3), Uram-3-3-0 (18-56-0)

Passing
Was-Baugh-18-11-172-0-0 (257-144-1927-23-19)
GB-Canadeo-16-7-59-0-0 (145-63-934-9-12)

Receiving
Was-Moore-3-51-0 (33-589-7), Aguirre-3-30-0 (40-450-7), Masterson-2-30-0 (18-230-3), Lapka-1-41-0 (3-80-0), Seymour-1-14-0 (18-181-2), Farkas-1-6-0 (20-208-4)
GB-Hutson-4-26-0 (51-802-11), Jacunski-2-30-0 (26-558-3), Craig-1-3-0 (1-3-0)

1943 NFL Semifinal-New York Giants-35, Chicago Bears-0

December 19, 1943

Weather-21 degrees, wind 13 mph SE

I learned a valuable lesson in this one. I decided to play the game as I have so far in THPF, which means running the game with the lineups provided. I didn't realize that, not only does Sid Luckman not start for the Bears at quarterback, he isn't even an option. As a result, Bob Snyder, who threw all of 26 passes for the Bears in 1943, threw 30 of them in this game, and completed 3. He did manage to throw 5 to the Giants, who returned 2 of them for touchdowns. Dave Brown had 3 interceptions for the Giants, including one of the touchdown returns, plus a short touchdown run that made it 35-0, Giants. He is the first player in THPF to score on offense and defense in the same game.

From now on, I will check the starting lineups and start the players who received the most touches during the season. Chicago bows out for the third straight season in the Semis. The Giants get a crack at a world title against either Washington on Green Bay. Since the Bears got screwed by the people at WIS, I included the above team photo of their championship team IRL.

New York Giants...(7-3-1)-14-0-0-21-35
Chicago Bears.....(8-2-1)-0-0-0-0-0

NYG-Cuff 44 run (Cuff Kick)
NYG-Brown 45 interception return (Cuff Kick)
NYG-Paschal 8 run (Cuff Kick)
NYG-Dubzinski 44 interception return (Cuff Kick)
NYG-Brown 2 run (Cuff Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
NYG-Cuff-12-96-1 (92-619-4), Paschal-23-90-1 (170-662-11), Nix-2-12-0 (21-38-0), Brown-3-7-1 (35-138-1), Trocolor-3-(-3)-0 (9-(-7)-0)
Chi-Clarke-15-28-0 (135-584-2), Magnani-8-27-0 (59-337-2), McLean-4-3-0 (39-130-1), Snyder-1-0-0 (7-(-20)-0)

Passing
NYG-Trocolor-6-4-34-0-0 (13-6-38-0-1), Nix-12-4-23-0-1 (65-28-419-3-4)
Chi-Snyder-30-3-37-0-5 (56-10-153-0-9)

Receiving
NYG-Adams-2-21-0 (10-86-1), Walls-2-18-0 (16-249-2), Liebel-2-11-0 (13-210-3), Paschal-1-4-0 (10-78-2), Cuff-1-3-0 (8-55-0)
Chi-Wilson-1-16-0 (22-309-5), Siegal-1-14-0 (3-43-0), Pool-1-7-0 (19-370-5)

The 1943 Season

Here are the playoff seeds for 1943, from lowest to highest...

#4 seed-New York Giants (6-3-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1941, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...0-1
All-Pro-RT Al Blozis

In Mid-November, the Giants were 2-3-1 and heading nowhere, but they managed to string 4 consecutive victories together to end the abbreviated season and earn a playoff berth. New York used running backs Bill Paschal and Ward Cuff to control the clock and keep their defense off the field.

#3 seed-Washington Redskins (6-3-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1942, Defending Champions
Playoff Record...2-0, 1942 NFL Champions
All-Pro-QB Sammy Baugh, LG Dick Farman

Washington is trying to repeat their championship performance of the year before. Sammy Baugh threw 23 touchdowns and intercepted 11 passes for the Redskins...think about that for a second, it boggles the mind. Washington started the season at 6-0-1, then lost 3 straight heading to the postseason.

#2 seed-Green Bay Packers (7-2-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1942, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...2-1, 1941 NFL Champions
All-Pro-RB Tony Canadeo, E Don Hutson

Green Bay continued to feature Don Hutson, who caught 47 passes and scored 11 touchdowns through the air. Hutson also had 8 interceptions, which was second on the team to Irv Comp's 10 picks. Green Bay won 5 of 6 to close the season and secure a home game for the postseason.

#1 seed-Chicago Bears (8-1-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1942, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...0-2
All-Pro-QB Sid Luckman, LG Danny Fortmann, C Bulldog Turner, PR Harry Clarke

I would imagine that if you're a Bears fan, I may be beginning to piss you off. That's certainly not my intention. Chicago steamrolled their way to another #1 seed. Sid Luckman threw an NFL-record 28 touchdowns for the top ranked offense in the NFL. Chicago hasn't had any success yet in the THPF, but they have a chance to turn it around in 1943.

1943 Playoffs

December 19, 1943

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

December 26, 1943

NFL Championship game

1942 NFL Championship-Washington Redskins-14, Pittsburgh Steelers-7

December 20, 1942

Weather-29 degrees, wind 9 mph NW, light snow

Washington's defense held the Steelers to 201 yards, holding them scoreless over the last 52 minutes of the game on their way to a 14-7 victory and an NFL Championship. Sammy Baugh threw an early interception that Bill Dudley converted into a 7-0 lead. In the second quarter, the Redskins got their running game together and converted consecutive drives into touchdowns and a lead they would never relinquish.

Ray Hare was named MVP after running for 106 yards and a touchdown for Washington. Bill Dudley helped the Steelers stay in the game, leading the ground attack with 66 yards and adding 74 more through the air.

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5)-7-0-0-0-7
Washington Redskins (12-1)-0-14-0-0-14

Pit-Dudley 10 run (Niccolai Kick)
Was-Hare 59 run (Masterson Kick)
Was-Farkas 3 run (Masterson Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Pit-Dudley-18-66-1 (194-802-6), Riffle-16-38-0 (143-568-5), Hoague-10-12-0 (83-193-1), Sandig-7-8-0 (63-145-3), Gonda-3-3-0 (21-203-2)
Was-Hare-5-106-1 (38-378-3), Farkas-14-46-1 (160-633-7), Todd-8-36-0 (85-310-0), Seymour-1-10-0 (60-241-1), Baugh-4-1-0 (28-57-1)

Passing
Pit-Dudley-8-5-74-0-0 (110-43-521-2-5)
Was-Baugh-17-7-70-0-2 (264-151-1728-17-13)

Receiving
Pit-Kichefski-2-22-0 (18-219-0), Cotton-1-28-0 (3-86-0), Bova-1-15-0 (4-51-0), Riffle-1-9-0 (4-59-0)
Was-Masterson-2-19-0 (26-353-2), Todd-1-16-0 (25-361-4), Moore-1-11-0 (14-149-2), Cifers-1-9-0 (19-205-1), Justice-1-9-0 (12-143-1), Farkas-1-6-0 (13-170-2)

2011 After Week 11

I was taking a look at the standings the other day and decided to make a mock up of what the 2011 postseason will look like when we get there in The History of Pro Football (THPF). Here are the 2011 playoff seeds after Week 11's action. I will make this standings list for the rest of the regular season.

Week 11

Team...Record...Point Differential

1. Green Bay Packers...(10-0)....(+143)
2. San Francisco 49ers.(9-1).....(+111)
3. Houston Texans......(7-3).....(+107)
4. New England Patriots(7-3).....(+90)
5. New Orleans Saints..(7-3).....(+85)
6. Detroit Lions.......(7-3).....(+82)
7. Baltimore Ravens....(7-3).....(+80)
8. Chicago Bears.......(7-3).....(+61)
9. Pittsburgh Steelers.(7-3).....(+41)
10.Dallas Cowboys......(6-4).....(+44)
11.Cincinnati Bengals..(6-4).....(+41)
12.Atlanta Falcons.....(6-4).....(+22)

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

out New York Giants...(6-4).....(0)
out Oakland Raiders...(6-4).....(-19)

That finish would make for some interesting first round matchups, including an NFC South matchup of Atlanta at New Orleans, Tony Romo and Dallas at Baltimore and their big play defense, and Pittsburgh at Chicago in what I would imagine would be a freezing Soldier Field.

1942 NFL Semifinal-Pittsburgh Steelers-7, Chicago Bears-0

December 13, 1942

Weather-18 degrees, wind 12 mph WSW, light snow

For the second consecutive year, the Chicago Bears came steamrolling into the postseason as the top seed, favored to win an NFL Championship. And for the second time, they were unable to stop the run and were sent home in the semifinals, this time by Pittsburgh, 7-0. The Steelers used 190 rushing yards to control the clock, especially in the second half, when Pittsburgh had the ball for 21:31.

Pittsburgh plays a caveman style that featured 41 runs in 50 plays and a grand total of 2 passing yards for the game. Dick Riffle made the big plays for the Steelers, intercepting his fifth pass of the season in the fourth quarter, then slamming in from a yard away for the only score of the game on the ensuing possession.

The Steelers will travel to Washington for the NFL Championship. The Bears lose their chance for a perfect season and finish 11-1.

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-4)-0-0-0-7-7
Chicago Bears (11-1)-0-0-0-0-0

Pit-Riffle 1 run (Niccolai Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Pit-Riffle-12-63-1 (127-530-5), Gonda-1-53-0 (18-200-2), Dudley-14-40-0 (176-736-5), Sandig-6-21-0 (56-137-3), Hoague-8-13-0 (73-181-1)
Chi-Famiglietti-16-61-0 (134-564-8), Gallarneau-9-47-0 (77-339-4), Maznicki-7-32-0 (61-375-1), Clarke-3-6-0 (61-279-4), Luckman-1-6-0 (14-0-0)

Passing
Pit-Dudley-8-3-9-0-0 (102-38-447-2-5)
Chi-Luckman-19-8-56-0-1 (124-65-1080-10-14), O'Rourke-6-1-36-0-0 (94-38-987-11-16)

Receiving
Pit-Kichefski-1-8-0 (16-197-0), Looney-1-1-0 (8-60-1), Sandig-1-0-0 (7-103-0)
Chi-Siegal-3-65-0 (16-329-2), Wilson-2-8-0 (11-97-0), Pool-1-9-0 (11-330-5), Nowaskey-1-8-0 (7-136-0), Berry-1-3-0 (5-32-0), Gallarneau-1-(-1)-0 (15-290-3)

1942 NFL Semifinal-Washington Redskins-38, Green Bay Packers-21

December 13, 1942

Weather-37 degrees, wind 9 mph WSW, light rain

Andy Farkas ran for 119 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead the Washington Redskins to a 38-21 victory over the defending champion Green Bay Packers at Griffith Stadium. Farkas was excellent in the red zone, but the whole Redskins ground game was dominant. Along with Farkas, Dick Todd finished with 79 yards on the ground and Ray Hare finished with 75. Washington ran for 305 yards as a team, as they controlled the clock, leaving the high powered Packers passing game off of the field.

Washington marched the length of the field for touchdowns the first 2 times they touched the ball against Green Bay. By halftime, Washington had a 28-7 lead and cruised to victory from there. Cecil Isbell threw for 151 yards and 2 TD for Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers (8-3-1) -7-0-14-0-21
Washington Redskins (11-1)-14-14-3-7-38

Was-Farkas 3 run (Poillon Kick)
Was-Hare 52 run (Poillon Kick)
GB-Fritsch 19 run (Hutson Kick)
Was-Farkas 1 run (Poillon Kick)
Was-Kovatch 2 pass from Baugh (Poillon Kick)
GB-Jacunski 62 pass from Isbell (Hutson Kick)
Was-Poillon 17 FG
GB-Hutson 5 pass from Isbell (Hutson Kick)
Was-Farkas 12 run (Poillon Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Was-Farkas-21-119-3 (146-587-6), Todd-12-79-0 (77-274-0), Hare-6-75-1 (33-272-2), Seymour-5-41-0 (59-231-1), Masterson-2-(-4)-0 (5-8-0), Baugh-4-(-5)-0 (24-56-1)
GB-Fritsch-5-80-1 (79-403-1), Sample-10-65-0 (67-320-4), Brock-9-12-0 (104-249-2), Isbell-2-1-0 (38-84-1)

Passing
Was-Baugh-22-12-134-1-0 (247-144-1658-17-11)
GB-Isbell-15-11-151-2-0 (283-157-2172-26-14)

Receiving
Was-Moore-3-24-0 (13-138-2), Masterson-2-26-0 (24-334-2), Justice-2-26-0 (11-134-1), McChesney-2-18-0 (10-118-2), Farkas-1-21-0 (12-164-2), Todd-1-17-0 (24-345-4), Kovatch-1-2-1 (13-92-2)
GB-Hutson-5-36-1 (79-1247-18), Jacunski-2-81-1 (10-206-2), Brock-1-13-0 (21-152-1), Uram-1-11-0 (22-431-4), Mason-1-9-0 (8-95-0), Riddick-1-1-0 (7-105-1)

The 1942 Season

Let's count down the playoff seeds for 1942, from lowest to highest...

#4 seed-Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4)
Last Playoff Appearance...first appearance in franchise history
All-Pros-QB Bill Dudley

In real life, it took the Steelers until the seventies before they qualified for an NFL postseason. In this blog, the Steelers make their first appearance in the second season. Head Coach Walt Kiesling led his team back from an 0-2 start with a stout defense that allowed only 10.8 points per game. The Steelers are led by All-Pro Bill Dudley, who led the team in both rushing and passing. Pittsburgh won 7 of 8 games in midseason to earn a playoff berth in 1942.

#3 seed-Green Bay Packers (8-2-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...Defending Champions
Best Playoff Appearance...NFL Champions (1941)
All-Pros-WR Don Hutson

The defending world champions were led back to the postseason by league MVP Don Hutson, who set new NFL records for scoring and receiving that may take decades to break. Hutson even led the team in interceptions with 7. Cecil Isbell directed Curly Lambeau's offense with aplomb, becoming the NFL's first 2000-yard passer. After losing the opener to the Bears, the Packers ripped off 6 straight victories on their way to the playoffs.

#2 seed-Washington Redskins (10-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...first appearance in franchise history
All-Pros-QB Sammy Baugh, LT Willie Wilkin, RB Andy Farkas

The Redskins were a home loss to the Giants away from a perfect regular season. Sammy Baugh threw 16 TD for Washington, and a stifling defense has only allowed a total of 13 points in their last 4 games heading into the playoffs, and only allowed 3.3 yards a play for the season.

#1 seed-Chicago Bears (11-0)
Last Playoff Appearance...1941, lost NFL Semifinal
Best Playoff Appearance...NFL Semifinal appearance (1941)
All-Pros-QB Sid Luckman, LG Danny Fortmann, C Bulldog Turner, RT Lee Artoe, RE George Wilson

Chicago ran the table during the regular season with the top ranked offense and the top ranked defense in football. The defense pitched 4 shutouts and gave up only 154 yards of offense per game. The offense was led by All-Pro QB Sid Luckman and future Hall of Fame lineman like Danny Fortmann and Bulldog Turner

The 1942 Playoffs

December 13, 1942

Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins, 3 pm
Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears, 6:30 pm

December 20, 1942

NFL Championship Game

1941 NFL Championship Game-Green Bay Packers-12, Brooklyn Dodgers-10

December 21, 1941

Weather-30 degrees, wind 18 mph NE, light snow

The Green Bay defense made a key goal line stand in the 4th quarter to save the game, then Cecil Isbell directed a two-minute drill to win it for the Packers. Brooklyn was facing a 4th and 1 at the Green Bay 34 with 1:56 to play. After a Packers timeout, Dodgers head coach Jock Sutherland decided to try the spongy weak side of the Green Bay defense with George Kracum. Kracum looked like he was going to get the first down, but his plant foot slipped turning the corner and he came up a half yard short.

Cecil Isbell would hit MVP Don Hutson for 20 yards, then Lou Brock for 7, then Hutson again for 20 yards. The drive stalled there, but Hutson would hit his 4th field goal with 36 seconds to play to win it for the Packers. Hutson would finish with 6 catches for 108 of Cecil Isbell's 175 passing yards. Hutson also made all 4 of his field goal attempts. Brooklyn's running attack kept them in the game with 195 yards on the ground, led by Merl Condit's 85 rushing yards.

Brooklyn Dodgers (8-5) -0-0-7-3-10
Green Bay Packers (12-1)-0-6-3-3-12

GB-Hutson 12 FG
GB-Hutson 13 FG
GB-Hutson 27 FG
Bro-Parker 6 run (McAdams Kick)
Bro-McAdams 13 FG
GB-Hutson 27 FG

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Bro-Condit-11-85-0 (112-490-4), Parker-12-57-1 (108-395-1), Manders-13-40-0 (140-623-5), Kracum-6-11-0 (63-197-3), Schwartz-1-2-0 (3-10-0)
GB-Hinkle-17-38-0 (163-495-5), Uram-8-34-0 (64-303-0), Paskvan-5-33-0 (51-181-0), Isbell-7-19-0 (87-402-1), Brock-3-12-0 (20-62-0)

Passing
Bro-Parker-15-6-51-0-0 (132-64-777-4-9)
GB-Isbell-22-10-175-0-0 (241-133-1721-15-11)

Receiving
Bro-Schwartz-2-18-0 (30-429-3), Manders-1-11-0 (7-78-0), Condit-1-8-0 (8-59-0), Hodges-1-8-0 (14-148-0), Wemple-1-6-0 (3-43-1)
GB-Hutson-6-108-0 (68-885-10), Mulleneaux-1-31-0 (10-247-2), Uram-1-23-0 (8-161-0), Brock-1-7-0 (23-314-2), Urban-1-6-0 (3-32-1)

1941 NFL Semifinal-Green Bay Packers-3, New York Giants-0

December 14, 1941

Weather-5 degrees, wind 8 mph W

The Packers and Giants played a defensive struggle at freezing cold City Stadium in Green Bay. The Packers defense controlled the game, holding the Giants to 150 yards on their way to the 1941 NFL Championship game. Neither team turned it over and penalties were few and far between despite the cold, a fantastically played game by both teams.

Packer QB Cecil Isbell played well in all phases, throwing for 67 yards, running for 66, and leading the defense with 5 solo tackles. Record-breaking receiver Don Hutson led the Packers with 4 catches. Hutson was responsible for the only points of the game, a 15-yard field goal in the second quarter. Green Bay ran for 179 yards against the Giants, led by Isbell and Clarke Hinkle, who finished with 64 yards on a game-high 17 carries.

Green Bay will host Brooklyn for the NFL Championship.

New York Giants (8-4) -0-0-0-0-0
Green Bay Packers (11-1)-0-3-0-0-3

GB-Hutson 15 FG

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
NYG-Leemans-10-33-0 (110-365-4), Eshmont-8-30-0 (58-194-0), Marefos-6-21-0 (66-174-2), Franck-6-13-0 (54-114-3), Yeager-1-12-0 (23-79-1), Cuff-5-8-0 (33-165-0)
GB-Isbell-8-66-0 (80-383-1), Hinkle-17-64-0 (146-457-5), Paskvan-8-32-0 (46-148-0), Uram-7-11-0 (56-269-0), Brock-3-6-0 (17-50-0), Hutson-1-0-0 (5-22-2)

Passing
NYG-Leemans-10-4-45-0-0 (76-35-520-4-5)
GB-Isbell-13-6-67-0-0 (219-123-1546-15-11)

Receiving
NYG-Yeager-1-15-0 (12-235-3), Cuff-1-14-0 (20-331-2), Poole-1-9-0 (7-83-2), Eshmont-1-7-0 (2-11-0)
GB-Hutson-4-39-0 (62-777-10), Uram-1-14-0 (7-138-0), Hinkle-1-14-0 (9-92-1)