The 1949 Season

This is the last eight team playoff for ten seasons. The 1950s will include 6 playoff teams each season. This is also the last season of the AAFC. Here are the playoff seeds for 1949.

#8 seed-Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1947, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...0-2
All-Pro-C Bill Walsh, LB Darrell Hogan

The Steelers won four of their first five games, then held out for the last playoff spot. Pittsburgh was average in nearly every regard, but they did feature a solid running game, the second best rushing attack in the NFL.

#7 seed-Chicago Cardinals (6-5-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1948, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...0-3
All-Pro-RH-Elmer Angsman, RG Buster Ramsey, FB Pat Harder, C Vince Banonis

The Cardinals went 4-1-1 over the second half of the season to earn another playoff appearance. They have yet to win a playoff game as a franchise. Chicago's running game continues to be a factor year after year. The trio of Angsman, Trippi, and Harder combined for 1,674 yards rushing during the season.

#6 seed-New York Yankees (8-4)
Last Playoff Appearance...1947, NFL Champions
Playoff Record...5-1, 1947 NFL Champions
All-Pro-LE Jack Russell, LT Martin Ruby, RT Arnie Weinmeister, LH Buddy Young, RG Joe Signaigo

The Yankees returned to the playoffs for the first time since winning the title two years earlier, determined to make the last year of the franchise memorable. New York used a solid defense to win. Their offense struggled to score for most of the season.

#5 seed-Chicago Bears (9-3)
Last Playoff Appearance...1948, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...1-7
All-Pro-LT George Connor, RG Ray Bray, RE Jim Keane, RE Ed Sprinkle, G Wash Serini, QB Johnny Lujack

The Bears came steamrolling into the playoffs off of a perfect second half, winning six straight to end the season. Chicago gained more yards than any team in the NFL, using a prolific passing attack led by QB Johnny Lujack. The Bears run defense allowed less than 100 yards per game on the ground.

#4 seed-San Francisco 49ers (9-3)
Last Playoff Appearance...1948, lost NFL Championship
Playoff Record...3-3
All-Pro-RG Visco Grgich, RE Alyn Beals, FB Joe Perry, QB Frankie Albert, PR Jim Cason

San Francisco gained more yards and scored more points than any team in the AAFC. Frankie Albert threw 27 TD and Joe Perry led a ground attack that kept the defense off the field and allowed the Niners to control the clock and the scoreboard.

#3 seed-Los Angeles Rams (8-2-2)
Last Playoff Appearance...1948, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...2-3
All-Pro-FB Dick Hoerner, LE Tom Fears, LT Dick Huffman, C Fred Naumetz, QB Bob Waterfield, G Mike Lazetich

The Rams started the season with 6 straight wins and were solid, if not spectacular, on both sides of the ball. Tom Fears went over 1,000 yards receiving on 77 catches. Los Angeles' defense has struggled in recent weeks, giving up 26 points per game over the last 4 games.

#2 seed-Cleveland Browns (9-1-2)
Last Playoff Appearance...1948, NFL Champions
Playoff Record...8-1, Two NFL Championships (1946, 1948)
All-Pro-RE Dante Lavelli, QB Otto Graham, LE Mac Speedie, C Lou Saban, RT Lou Rymkus, FB Marion Motley, G Bill Willis

Cleveland is trying to win a third championship in four years, attempting to set a standard for the rest of the league to attain. The Browns passing attack and pass defense were the best in the AAFC. Otto Graham averaged nearly 10 yards per attempt and threw for 19 TD.

#1 seed-Philadelphia Eagles (11-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1948, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...5-2, Two NFL Championships (1944, 1945)
All-Pro-QB Tommy Thompson, LE Jack Ferrante, LT Vic Sears, RG Bucko Kilroy, RE Pete Pihos, LH Steve Van Buren, RT Al Wistert, K Cliff Patton

The Eagles were the class of the NFL. They have the league's best defense and best running attack. Tommy Thompson was efficient in the passing game and Steve Van Buren went over 1,000 yards on the ground. The defense intercepted 29 passes and held their opponents to just over 11 points per game.

1949 Playoffs

December 17, 1949
Chicago Cardinals at Cleveland Browns, 4:30 pm
Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers, 8 pm

December 18, 1949
Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles, 1 pm
New York Yankees at Los Angeles Rams, 4:30 pm

December 25, 1949
NFL Semifinals, 3 pm and 6:30 pm

January 2, 1950
NFL Championship, 6:30 pm

1948 NFL Championship-Cleveland Browns-6, San Francisco 49ers-3

January 2, 1949

Weather-29 degrees, 11 mph WSW

The Cleveland Browns won their second championship in three seasons in a well-played defensive struggle over the San Francisco 49ers, 6-3. Cleveland's defense were the real stars of the game, as the Niners were unable to mount any offense after halftime. San Francisco was held to 48 yards in the second half, as the Browns' running game began to wear on the 49ers defense.

Marion Motley gained 136 yards from scrimmage, including 90 on the ground on 19 bruising carries. Cleveland's running game was not spectacular, but their offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, keeping the Niners offense off the field. Cleveland completes a perfect season, finishing 17-0.



San Francisco 49ers.(14-3)-0-3-0-0-3
Cleveland Browns....(17-0)-0-0-6-0-6

SF-Vetrano 17 FG
Cle-Kosikowski 7 pass from Graham (Kick Missed)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
SF-Perry-7-61-0 (101-726-13), Strzykalski-11-57-0 (183-1,131-4), Albert-6-27-0 (84-394-8), Eshmont-5-7-0 (67-404-2), Hall-2-3-0 (79-477-2)
Cle-Motley-19-90-0 (212-1,220-7), Jones-11-74-0 (136-612-8), Boedecker-9-16-0 (107-355-4), Graham-4-14-0 (33-159-6), Cowan-2-6-0 (41-128-1), Speedie-1-(-1)-0 (3-14-0)

Passing
SF-Albert-15-6-47-0-1 (307-172-2,170-30-11)
Cle-Graham-21-10-126-1-1 (394-209-3,227-27-18)

Receiving
SF-Beals-4-31-0 (55-667-15), Susoeff-1-9-0 (29-255-1), Strzykalski-1-7-0 (29-521-7)
Cle-Lavelli-4-38-0 (35-577-5), Motley-2-46-0 (15-238-2), Speedie-2-20-0 (70-999-5), Gillom-1-15-0 (26-378-1), Kosikowski-1-7-1 (1-7-1)

1948 NFL Semifinal-San Francisco 49ers-27, Philadelphia Eagles-6

December 26, 1948

Weather-45 degrees, 21 mph E, rain

San Francisco was struggling to move the ball during the first three quarters of their semifinal game against Philadelphia, but they used a 24-point fourth quarter to put away the Eagles and advance to the NFL Championship Game, 27-6. Niners RB Joe Perry ran for two fourth quarter touchdowns to turn a 6-3 deficit into a 17-6 lead. Len Eshmont scored from 24 yards out to put the game away.

The 49ers have a chance at their first NFL Title next Sunday in Cleveland.

Philadelphia Eagles.(10-3-1)-0-3-3-0-6
San Francisco 49ers.(14-2)-0-3-0-24-27

SF-Vetrano 27 FG
Phi-Patton 24 FG
Phi-Patton 11 FG
SF-Perry 36 run (Vetrano Kick)
SF-Perry 5 run (Vetrano Kick)
SF-Eshmont 24 run (Vetrano Kick)
SF-Vetrano 24 FG

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Phi-Van Buren-23-129-0 (245-1,184-11), Pritchard-11-69-0 (141-626-5), Doss-4-8-0 (66-201-0), Thompson-1-4-0 (13-50-1), Pihos-1-(-1)-0 (9-(-4)-0)
SF-Perry-9-65-2 (94-665-13), Eshmont-6-60-1 (62-397-2), Strzykalski-15-54-0 (172-1,074-4), Hall-6-45-0 (77-474-2), Albert-2-3-0 (78-367-8)

Passing
Phi-Thompson-27-14-179-0-0 (291-169-2,303-25-11)
SF-Albert-17-7-89-0-0 (292-166-2,123-30-10)

Receiving
Phi-Ferrante-5-68-0 (37-616-7), Pihos-4-66-0 (53-847-11), Armstrong-2-26-0 (29-379-3), Van Buren-1-15-0 (13-113-0), Pritchard-1-3-0 (30-265-2), Humbert-1-1-0 (2-3-0)
SF-Beals-2-19-0 (51-636-15), Hall-1-29-0 (5-116-0), Strzykalski-1-16-0 (28-514-7), Maloney-1-14-0 (2-43-1), Susoeff-1-9-0 (28-246-1), Eshmont-1-2-0 (15-216-0)

1948 NFL Semifinal-Cleveland Browns-27, Los Angeles Rams-9

December 26, 1948

Weather-24 degrees, 16 mph SW

Cleveland used an efficient passing game to advance to their 3rd consecutive NFL Championship Game, 27-9. Cleveland QB Otto Graham completed 17 of 25 throws from 245 yards and a TD. Mac Speedie caught 6 of those passes for 91 yards and the 7-yard second quarter TD that gave the Browns control of the game.

The Rams struggled to get anything going offensively, managing only 225 yards for the game. Cleveland will host the NFL Championship, where they will be trying for their second NFL title in 3 years.

Los Angeles Rams.(7-6-1)-0-0-3-6-9
Cleveland Browns.(16-0)-7-7-7-6-27

Cle-Motley 3 run (Groza Kick)
Cle-Speedie 7 pass from Graham (Groza Kick)
LA-Waterfield 22 FG
Cle-Motley 3 run (Groza Kick)
Cle-Groza 12 FG
Cle-Groza 15 FG
LA-Washington 10 run (Pass Failed)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
LA-Washington-8-91-1 (74-425-3), Hoerner-9-18-0 (97-490-4), Keane-1-13-0 (9-31-0), Gehrke-7-6-0 (72-280-1), Cowhig-2-0-0 (50-201-2)
Cle-Motley-19-70-2 (193-1,130-7), Jones-12-44-0 (125-538-8), Speedie-1-8-0 (2-15-0), Boedecker-10-0-0 (98-339-4), Graham-3-(-1)-0 (29-145-6), Cowan-1-(-1)-0 (39-122-1)

Passing
LA-Hardy-22-9-58-0-1 (261-133-1,569-14-10), Waterfield-9-3-39-0-0 (198-96-1,451-15-18)
Cle-Graham-25-17-245-1-0 (373-199-3,101-26-17)

Receiving
LA-Fears-5-40-0 (62-795-4), Hickey-3-40-0 (37-605-7), Washington-1-10-0 (8-129-1), Currivan-1-4-0 (12-197-4), Keane-1-3-0 (13-195-2), Hoerner-1-0-0 (21-242-2)
Cle-Speedie-6-91-1 (68-979-5), Lavelli-5-58-0 (31-539-5), Gillom-3-51-0 (25-363-1), Jones-2-30-0 (17-345-5), Cowan-1-15-0 (16-280-4)

1948 NFL Quarterfinal-San Francisco 49ers-21, Washington Redskins-0

December 19, 1948

Weather-48 degrees, 9 mph SE

The beauty of two-way football was the way a player, through his own versatility, could impact both sides of the ball to win a game. Johnny Strzykalski was that guy in this one. "Johnny Strike" ran for 105 yards and returned a Sammy Baugh interception 91 yards for a touchdown in the 49ers 21-0 victory over Washington. Alyn Beals caught his 15th TD of the season to give San Francisco an early 7-0 lead. Washington was about to tie the score when Strzyklaski picked Baugh and gave the Niners command of the game.

San Francisco will host Philadelphia in the late window next Sunday for a shot at the NFL Championship Game.

Washington Redskins....(7-6)-0-0-0-0-0
San Francisco 49ers.(13-2)-7-14-0-0-21

SF-Beals 6 pass from Albert (Vetrano Kick)
SF-Strzykalski 91 interception return (Vetrano Kick)
SF-Perry 4 run (Vetrano Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Was-Castiglia-14-97-0 (111-427-0), Quirk-9-36-0 (86-364-4), Todd-8-35-0 (65-236-1)
SF-Strzykalski-16-105-0 (157-1,020-4), Eshmont-6-41-0 (56-337-1), Perry-8-38-1 (85-600-11), Hall-5-16-0 (71-429-2), Albert-7-15-0 (76-364-8)

Passing
Was-Baugh-29-11-155-0-1 (344-196-2,754-22-24)
SF-Albert-11-5-44-1-0 (275-159-2,034-30-10)

Receiving
Was-Todd-3-56-0 (40-606-6), Crisler-3-44-0 (36-643-6), Taylor-2-25-0 (22-366-3), McKee-2-22-0 (16-193-0), Castiglia-1-8-0 (8-81-2)
SF-Beals-3-26-1 (49-617-15), Strzykalski-1-13-0 (27-498-7), Shoener-1-5-0 (16-81-3)

1948 NFL Quarterfinal-Cleveland Browns-28, Baltimore Colts-10

December 19, 1948

Weather-36 degrees, 12 mph NNE, rain

Edgar "Special Delivery" Jones ran for three TD for the Cleveland Browns, who won easily over the Colts, 28-10, on their way to the NFL Semifinals. Cleveland's offense managed 433 yards of offense, including 306 on the ground at a consistent 6.2 yards per carry. Marion Motley led the attack with 96 yards, Jones chipped in 94, and Bill Boedecker added 85.

Baltimore struggled to maintain any type of attack, as rookie QB Y. A. Tittle completed just 9 of his 24 attempts. Tittle was able to cut the lead to 21-10 with a fourth quarter TD pass, but the Browns put the game away on the ensuing possession with Jones' third TD of the game.

Baltimore Colts...(7-8)-0-3-0-7-10
Cleveland Browns.(15-0)-7-7-7-7-28

Cle-Jones 13 run (Groza Kick)
Cle-Jones 17 run (Groza Kick)
Bal-Grossman 24 FG
Cle-Boedecker 8 run (Groza Kick)
Bal-Williams 24 pass from Tittle (Grossman Kick)
Cle-Jones 5 run (Groza Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Bal-Pfohl-2-42-0 (109-497-4), Hillenbrand-9-40-0 (109-550-7), Mertes-12-16-0 (167-696-4), Tittle-3-14-0 (55-171-4), Bechtol-1-2-0 (1-2-0)
Cle-Motley-17-96-0 (174-1,060-5), Jones-13-94-3 (113-494-8), Boedecker-10-85-1 (88-339-4), Cowan-5-24-0 (38-123-1), Lavelli-1-7-0 (2-16-0), Graham-3-0-0 (26-146-6)

Passing
Bal-Tittle-24-9-100-1-0 (313-170-2,622-17-9)
Cle-Graham-15-9-143-0-2 (348-182-2,856-25-17)

Receiving
Bal-Williams-3-31-1 (35-391-3), Davis-3-30-0 (44-795-7), Hillenbrand-2-31-0 (52-1,001-6), Mertes-1-8-0 (7-64-0)
Cle-Speedie-4-72-0 (62-888-4), Gillom-2-17-0 (22-312-1), Jones-1-22-0 (15-315-5), Lavelli-1-18-0 (26-481-5), Boedecker-1-14-0 (14-251-2)

1948 NFL Quarterfinal-Philadelphia Eagles-20, Chicago Bears-0

December 18, 1948

Weather-30 degrees, 7 mph ENE, snow

The Eagles broke open a close game in the third quarter and wound up shutting out the Bears, 20-0, to advance to the NFL Semifinals. Philadelphia RB Steve Van Buren controlled the game in the steady snowfall. Van Buren ran for 110 yards, including a 2-yard TD run on the Eagles first drive of the second half that gave Philadelphia a 10-0 lead.

Sid Luckman struggles to get anything going for Chicago. Luckman completed only 9 of 24 passes and was intercepted twice by Ernie Steele, Steele's 7th and 8th interceptions of the year. Philadelphia QB Tommy Thompson had an efficient day, completing 14 of 18 passes and throwing for 159 yards, including 104 to Eagles veteran receiver Jack Ferrante.

Philadelphia Eagles.(10-2-1)-3-0-10-7-20
Chicago Bears...........(10-3)-0-0-0-0-0

Phi-Patton 28 FG
Phi-Van Buren 2 run (Patton Kick)
Phi-Patton 20 FG
Phi-Pritchard 2 run (Patton Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Phi-Van Buren-21-110-1 (222-1,055-11), Pritchard-13-40-1 (130-557-5)
Chi-McAfee-12-67-0 (104-459-5), Gulyanics-12-29-0 (131-468-4), Boone-6-22-0 (54-288-5), Osmanski-5-4-0 (79-345-1)

Passing
Phi-Thompson-18-14-159-0-0 (264-155-2,124-25-11)
Chi-Luckman-24-9-80-0-1 (187-98-1,127-13-15), Lujack-6-3-30-0-1 (72-39-641-6-4)

Receiving
Phi-Ferrante-4-104-0 (32-548-7), Armstrong-3-28-0 (27-353-3), Pihos-3-15-0 (49-781-11), Pritchard-2-10-0 (29-262-2), Van Buren-2-2-0 (12-98-0)
Chi-Keane-4-27-0 (34-441-3), Kavanaugh-2-31-0 (20-383-6), McAfee-2-22-0 (19-249-2), Sprinkle-2-12-0 (12-144-3), Gulyanics-1-11-0 (9-141-1), Boone-1-7-0 (11-150-2)

1948 NFL Quarterfinal-Los Angeles Rams-9, Chicago Cardinals-7

December 18, 1948

Weather-32 degrees, 6 mph E, snow

The Rams drove 78 yards in the final 1:34 of the game, scoring on the final play of the game from 4 yards out to advance to the NFL Semifinals, 9-7. Los Angeles had controlled the game throughout but missed several good scoring chances and trailed 7-3 with just under two minutes to play. Rams QB Bob Waterfield completed key passes to Frank Hubbell and Red Hickey before hitting Don Currivan on the final play of the game to get the victory.

Los Angeles RB Dick Hoerner ran for 118 yards in the victory. The Cardinals had the best ground game in the NFL during the regular season, but could only manage 65 yards against the Rams.

Los Angeles Rams.(7-5-1)-0-3-0-6-9
Chicago Cardinals.(11-2)-0-7-0-0-7

Chc-Trippi 1 run (Harder Kick)
LA-Waterfield 35 FG
LA-Currivan 4 pass from Waterfield

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
LA-Hoerner-12-118-0 (88-472-4), Washington-9-33-0 (66-334-2), Gehrke-9-28-0 (65-274-1), Keane-1-2-0 (8-18-0), Cowhig-2-(-5)-0 (48-201-2)
Chc-Trippi-16-27-1 (144-717-7), Angsman-15-26-0 (146-664-8), Harder-5-8-0 (131-562-6), Mallouf-1-4-0 (14-21-1), Christman-1-0-0 (9-6-1)

Passing
LA-Hardy-28-12-121-0-2 (239-124-1,511-14-9), Waterfield-9-6-58-1-0 (189-93-1,412-15-18)
Chc-Mallouf-18-7-108-0-2 (161-80-1,268-13-8), Christman-4-1-9-0-0 (118-52-749-5-4)

Receiving
LA-Fears-6-57-0 (57-755-4), Hickey-4-56-0 (34-565-7), Hoerner-2-15-0 (20-242-2), Hubbell-1-24-0 (11-158-1), Washington-1-15-0 (7-119-1), Gehrke-1-6-0 (17-179-1), Zilly-1-5-0 (14-174-4), Currivan-1-4-1 (11-193-4), Keane-1-(-3)-0 (12-192-2)
Chc-Dewell-4-61-0 (37-503-2), Kutner-3-47-0 (44-990-14), Angsman-1-9-0 (10-151-1)

The 1948 Season

Here are the playoff seeds for 1948.

#8 seed-Baltimore Colts (7-7)
Last Playoff Appearance...first appearance in franchise history
All-Pro-LG Dick Barwegan, LH Billy Hillenbrand

The Colts won their last game against Buffalo to bring them to 7-7 on the season and it was just enough to get Baltimore to the playoffs. This AAFC version of the Colts lost 5 of 6 in midseason to drop to 4-6, but recovered nicely, winning 3 of 4 to end the season.

#7 seed-Los Angeles Rams (6-5-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1946, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...1-2
All-Pro-LE Tom Fears, LT Dick Huffman, C Fred Naumetz, RG Mike Lazetich, RT Gil Bouley

The Rams enter the postseason on a roll, winning their last 3 games. Tom Fears led the offense with 51 catches, the feature player on the second best passing attack in the NFL.

#6 seed-Washington Redskins (7-5)
Last Playoff Appearance...1945, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...4-1, 2-time NFL Champions (1942, 1943)
All-Pro-QB Sammy Baugh

The Redskins started 6-2 and were hoping to get a home game in the postseason, but 3 straight losses in November brought them back to earth. Sammy Baugh is still an effective quarterback at age 34, and Dan Sandifer set new NFL records for interceptions and return yards.

#5 seed-Philadelphia Eagles (9-2-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1947, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...4-1, 2-time NFL Champions (1944, 1945)
All-Pro-QB Tommy Thompson, RG Bucko Kilroy, RT Al Wistert, RE Pete Pihos, LH Steve Van Buren, P Joe Muha

The Eagles are an outstanding team that excels on both sides of the ball. After starting with a loss and a tie, they ripped off 8 straight wins to get to the playoffs. Steve Van Buren scored 10 TD on the ground and Pete Pihos scored 11 TD through the air.

#4 seed-Chicago Bears (10-2)
Last Playoff Appearance...1947, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...1-6
All-Pro-QB Sid Luckman, LT Fred Davis, LG Chuck Drulis, C Bulldog Turner, RG Ray Bray, LE Ken Kavanaugh, RH George McAfee, RE Ed Cifers, G Wash Serini, K Johnny Lujack

The Bears were true Monsters of the Midway as they led the NFL in defense. The Bears only allowed 2 opponents to score more than 20 points in any one game. Chicago only lost 2 games by a total of 8 points all season.

#3 seed-San Francisco 49ers (12-2)
Last Playoff Appearance...1947, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...1-2
All-Pro-RH Johnny Strzykalski, RT-John Woudenberg, RE Alyn Beals, QB Frankie Albert, G Riley Matheson

The Niners started with 10 straight wins and a high-flying offense that produced more points and yards than any team in the AAFC. Frankie Albert set a new standard with 29 TD passes, with 14 of them going to Alyn Beals. Three different 49ers scored at least 10 TD.

#2 seed-Chicago Cardinals (11-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1947, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...0-2
All-Pro-C Vince Banonis, RG Buster Ramsey, RE Mal Kutner, LH Charlie Trippi, FB Pat Harder, RH Elmer Angsman, LT Chet Bulger

The Cardinals have won their last 10 games heading to the postseason, using the best offense in the NFL. The Cardinals averaged 4.8 yards per carry as a team and scored 25 TD on the ground, featuring a triumvirate of great runners in Trippi, Harder, and Angsman.

#1 seed-Cleveland Browns (14-0)
Last Playoff Appearance...1947, lost NFL Championship
Playoff Record...5-1, 1946 NFL Champions
All-Pro-QB Otto Graham, LE Mac Speedie, LG Ed Ulinski, RT Lou Rymkus, RE Dante Lavelli, FB Marion Motley, G Bill Willis, C Lou Saban, G Weldon Humble

The best of the AAFC Cleveland Browns teams looks poised to go after a second NFL title in three years. The Browns defense was the best in the AAFC. Otto Graham was still the leader of the offense, finishing with 2,713 passing yards and 25 TD. Marion Motley finished the regular season with 964 yards rushing and 6.1 yards per carry.

1948 Playoffs

December 18, 1948
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Cardinals, 4:30 pm
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears, 8 pm

December 19, 1948
Baltimore Colts at Cleveland Browns, 1 pm
Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers, 4:30 pm

December 26, 1948
NFL Semifinals, 3 pm and 6:30 pm

January 2, 1949
NFL Championship, 6:30 pm

1947 NFL Championship-New York Yankees-31, Cleveland Browns-14

January 4, 1948

Weather-34 degrees, rain

A cold rain blanketed Municipal Stadium in Cleveland as the Browns tried to repeat as NFL Champions, but the New York Yankees flexed the running game that had dominated pro football all season in winning the title, 31-14. New York gained 311 yards on the ground, gaining 5.7 yards per carry. Buddy Young gained 136 yards rushing and scored twice and Spec Sanders added 97 yards to his NFL record total of 1,647.

Marion Motley gained 109 yards on the ground for the Browns, but Otto Graham struggled, throwing 2 picks, including a pick six that gave the Yankees a 21-0 first quarter lead.

New York Yankees.(14-2-1)-21-3-0-7-31
Cleveland Browns..(14-2-1)-0-0-7-7-14

NYY-Young 5 run (Johnson Kick)
NYY-Prokop 11 run (Johnson Kick)
NYY-Rowe 18 interception return (Johnson Kick)
NYY-Johnson 28 FG
Cle-Motley 50 run (Groza Kick)
Cle-Jones 25 run (Groza Kick)
NYY-Young 3 run (Johnson Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
NYY-Young-17-136-2 (158-1,163-7), Sanders-19-97-0 (280-1,647-19), Prokop-10-38-1 (104-412-5), Kennedy-6-31-0 (62-349-2), Sweiger-2-8-0 (17-125-1), Burrus-1-1-0 (3-1-0)
Cle-Motley-15-109-1 (195-1,143-11), Jones-11-63-1 (104-657-8), Boedecker-5-3-0 (46-241-5)

Passing
NYY-Sanders-7-1-(-2)-0-0 (191-100-1,516-14-18)
Cle-Graham-25-10-122-0-2 (331-195-3,138-26-13)

Receiving
NYY-Alford-1-(-2)-0 (23-322-5)
Cle-Speedie-6-74-0 (84-1,365-7), Lavelli-3-29-0 (61-931-9), Shurnas-1-19-0 (3-49-0)

1947 NFL Semifinal-Cleveland Browns-27, San Francisco 49ers-20

December 28, 1947

Weather-37 degrees, 13 mph ESE

Cleveland advanced to their second consecutive NFL Championship Game by defeating the 49ers, 27-20. The game was tied at 20 deep in the fourth quarter when Otto Graham intercepted a wayward Frankie Albert pass at the San Francisco 30-yard line. On the first play of the next possession, Marion Motley went left on a draw play and took it 30 yards for the game winning touchdown.

Motley would finish with 103 yards rushing on the day, and Edgar "Special Delivery" Jones would add 124 more on the ground as the Browns eclipsed 300 yards rushing for the day. Cleveland will host the New York Yankees for the NFL Championship for the second straight season, with the Browns attempting to become the third team to win back-to-back NFL Championships.

San Francisco 49ers.(9-5-2)-13-0-7-0-20
Cleveland Browns....(14-1-1)-6-7-7-7-27

SF-Strzykalski 1 run (Vetrano Kick)
Cle-Jones 1 run (Kick Missed)
SF-Standlee 23 run (Kick Missed)
Cle-Motley 9 run (Groza Kick)
Cle-Jones 65 run (Groza Kick)
SF-Strzykalski 11 run (Vetrano Kick)
Cle-Motley 30 run (Groza Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
SF-Strzykalski-12-122-2 (169-1,221-8), Standlee-12-77-1 (170-692-10), Eshmont-10-41-0 (104-475-0), Mathews-2-15-0 (41-253-2), Albert-2-8-0 (52-192-5), Beals-1-(-2)-0 (7-48-0)
Cle-Jones-13-124-2 (93-594-7), Motley-18-103-2 (180-1,034-10), Mayne-6-42-0 (50-123-0), Boedecker-5-24-0 (41-238-5), Graham-2-11-0 (21-83-1)

Passing
SF-Albert-16-5-63-0-1 (276-144-1,918-18-17)
Cle-Graham-19-10-136-0-0 (306-185-3,016-26-11)

Receiving
SF-Beals-3-36-0 (54-746-10), Strzykalski-1-18-0 (18-299-3), Susoeff-1-9-0 (28-257-2)
Cle-Speedie-5-90-0 (78-1,291-7), Lavelli-4-37-0 (58-902-9), Yonaker-1-9-0 (7-104-2)

1947 NFL Semifinal-New York Yankees-16, Chicago Bears-0

December 28, 1947

Weather-32 degrees, 12 mph NNE

The New York Yankees used a stout defense to take down the Chicago Bears and advance to their second consecutive NFL Championship Game. The Bears could only manage 121 yards offense, with Bears QB Sid Luckman suffering through 5 sacks and many hard hits. The Yankees are a solid running team, and they became the first team in league history to have 2 different runners gain 1,000 yards in the same season as Buddy Young gained 104 yards on the ground against the Bears to reach 1,027 yards rushing for the season. New York finished with 223 yards on the ground, controlling the clock and making the game easier for the defense.

Chicago Bears........(9-5)-0-0-0-0-0
New York Yankees.(13-2-1)-3-6-0-7-16

NYY-Johnson 38 FG
NYY-Johnson 32 FG
NYY-Johnson 46 FG
NYY-Sweiger 46 run (Johnson Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Chi-McAfee-9-22-0 (83-280-4), Osmanski-8-16-0 (81-400-1), Fenimore-7-7-0 (69-232-1), Holovak-6-5-0 (59-287-1), Luckman-1-(-1)-0 (11-85-1)
NYY-Young-12-104-0 (141-1,027-5), Sweiger-2-47-1 (15-117-1), Sanders-18-42-0 (261-1,550-19), Kennedy-5-23-0 (56-318-2), Prokop-8-12-0 (94-374-4), Burrus-1-(-5)-0 (2-0-0)

Passing
Chi-Luckman-18-11-106-0-2 (374-207-3,061-26-34)
NYY-Sanders-7-3-40-0-1 (184-99-1,518-14-18)

Receiving
Chi-Keane-6-52-0 (76-1,015-10), Kavanaugh-3-47-0 (40-973-14), McAfee-1-10-0 (36-530-2), Osmanski-1-(-3)-0 (9-140-0)
NYY-Russell-2-24-0 (23-403-2), Alford-1-16-0 (22-324-5)

1947 NFL Quarterfinal-San Francisco 49ers-20, Chicago Cardinals-3

December 21, 1947

Weather-27 degrees, 5 mph SE

San Francisco brought their running game to Comiskey Park and pounded out a tough 20-3 victory. Running back Johnny Strzykalski ran for 193 yards on just 14 carries, including an electrifying 62-yard dash straight up the middle to give the 49ers a 10-0 third quarter lead and firm control of the game. On the afternoon, the Niners would run for 283 yards, as the Cardinals struggled to stay on the field offensively. Chicago QB Paul Christman could only complete 9 of his 24 passes, and the Cardinals could only convert 3 of 16 third down attempts.

San Francisco advances to the NFL Semifinals, where they will face the defending champion Cleveland Browns in the late game next Sunday.

San Francisco 49ers.(9-4-2)-3-0-7-10-20
Chicago Cardinals.......(9-4)-0-0-3-0-3

SF-Vetrano 19 FG
SF-Strzykalski 62 run (Vetrano Kick)
Chc-Harder 36 FG
SF-Vetrano 13 FG
SF-Standlee 3 run (Vetrano Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
SF-Strzykalski-14-193-1 (157-1,099-6), Eshmont-10-53-0 (94-434-0), Standlee-13-30-1 (158-615-9), Albert-4-5-0 (50-184-5), Beals-1-2-0 (6-50-0)
Chc-Angsman-11-34-0 (121-446-7), Trippi-13-25-0 (96-426-2), Harder-4-14-0 (117-385-7), Dimancheff-5-12-0 (35-128-0)

Passing
SF-Albert-18-11-163-0-1 (260-139-1,855-18-16)
Chc-Christman-24-9-180-0-0 (325-147-2,371-17-22)

Receiving
SF-Beals-4-55-0 (51-710-10), Susoeff-3-25-0 (27-248-2), Strzykalski-2-23-0 (17-281-3), Horne-1-54-0 (4-123-0), Fisk-1-6-0 (6-45-0)
Chc-Kutner-4-83-0 (47-1,027-7), Dewell-2-19-0 (44-595-4), Doolan-1-43-0 (2-60-0), Burkett-1-20-0 (3-64-1), Trippi-1-15-0 (24-255-0)

1947 NFL Quarterfinal-Cleveland Browns-21, Pittsburgh Steelers-3

December 21, 1947

Weather-23 degrees, 7 mph WSW, snow

Cleveland didn't play their best football, but it was good enough to beat Pittsburgh, 21-3, and advance to the 1947 NFL Semifinals. The Browns were outgained 274-213, but they were able to force several big turnovers that turned the game. Cleveland got on the board early on an 8-yard TD pass from Otto Graham to Mac Speedie. The Browns gained firm control of the game in the third quarter when Tom Colella turned his seventh interception of the season into a 58-yard touchdown and a 14-3 lead.

The Browns struggled to run the ball, but Graham would complete 12 of 18 for 127 yards and a TD, and his success on third down helped keep the Browns two scoring drives alive. Cleveland will host the late game next Sunday for a shot at an NFL Championship.

Pittsburgh Steelers..(8-5)-0-3-0-0-3
Cleveland Browns.(13-1-1)-7-0-7-7-21

Cle-Speedie 8 pass from Graham (Groza Kick)
Pit-Glamp 12 FG
Cle-Colella 58 interception return (Groza Kick)
Cle-Boedecker 11 run (Groza Kick)

Rushing (season totals in parentheses)
Pit-Clement-18-58-0 (147-728-4), Lach-15-30-0 (135-402-8), Cifers-11-25-0 (98-381-0), Compagno-2-25-0 (36-151-2)
Cle-Motley-16-42-0 (162-931-8), Jones-11-27-0 (80-470-5), Boedecker-5-20-1 (36-214-5), Mayne-3-6-0 (44-81-0)

Passing
Pit-Clement-17-9-141-0-1 (140-61-1,145-7-10)
Cle-Graham-18-12-127-1-0 (287-175-2,880-26-11)

Receiving
Pit-Jansante-3-34-0 (38-633-5), Garnaas-2-58-0 (7-202-2), Lach-2-22-0 (13-99-1), Compagno-1-24-0 (10-214-1), Nickel-1-3-0 (2-13-0)
Cle-Speedie-6-55-1 (73-1,201-7), Lavelli-5-66-0 (54-865-9), Motley-1-6-0 (8-79-1)