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.