1937 NFL Championship Game – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**1937 NFL Championship Game**

**Definition:**
The 1937 NFL Championship Game was the fifth annual title game of the National Football League, played on December 12, 1937, between the Eastern Division champion Washington Redskins and the Western Division champion Chicago Bears. The Redskins won the game 28–21, securing their first NFL championship.

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# 1937 NFL Championship Game

The 1937 NFL Championship Game was a pivotal contest in the early history of professional American football, marking the first league title for the Washington Redskins franchise. Held on December 12, 1937, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, the game featured the Chicago Bears, the Western Division champions, against the Washington Redskins, who had won the Eastern Division. The Redskins emerged victorious with a 28–21 win, overcoming the Bears on their home field and solidifying their status as one of the NFL’s premier teams.

## Background

### NFL Structure and Season Overview

In 1937, the National Football League was divided into two divisions: the Eastern and Western Divisions. The winners of each division met in the NFL Championship Game to determine the league champion. The 1937 season was the 18th season of the NFL, and it featured ten teams competing for the title.

The Chicago Bears, coached by George Halas, were a dominant force in the Western Division. They finished the regular season with a 9–1–1 record, showcasing a strong defense and a powerful running game. The Bears had previously won the NFL Championship in 1933 and 1934 and were considered one of the league’s elite teams.

The Washington Redskins, under the leadership of head coach Ray Flaherty, had relocated from Boston to Washington, D.C., in 1937. This was their first season in the nation’s capital after moving from Boston, where they had been known as the Boston Redskins. The team finished the regular season with an 8–3 record, winning the Eastern Division and earning their first trip to the NFL Championship Game.

### Team Profiles

#### Washington Redskins

The Redskins’ offense was led by quarterback Sammy Baugh, a rookie sensation who had been drafted earlier that year. Baugh was known for his passing ability, which was innovative at a time when the NFL was still heavily focused on the running game. His presence transformed the Redskins’ offense, making them more dynamic and difficult to defend.

Other key players included fullback Cliff Battles, who was a versatile runner and blocker, and halfback Andy Farkas, who contributed both as a runner and receiver. The Redskins’ defense was solid, relying on disciplined play and strategic positioning.

#### Chicago Bears

The Bears were known for their physical style of play and innovative strategies. George Halas, both coach and owner, was a pioneer in the sport, and his team reflected his emphasis on toughness and execution. The Bears’ offense was powered by running backs Bronko Nagurski and Keith Molesworth, while their defense was anchored by players like George Musso and Joe Stydahar.

The Bears had a strong home-field advantage playing at Wrigley Field, a baseball stadium adapted for football, which was known for its intimate and sometimes challenging playing conditions.

## The Game

### Venue and Conditions

The 1937 NFL Championship Game was played at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The stadium, primarily a baseball venue, was adapted for football games and could accommodate a large crowd. On game day, the weather was cold and clear, typical of a December day in Chicago, which added an element of difficulty for both teams.

### Game Summary

The game was a closely contested battle between two well-matched teams. The Redskins took an early lead, utilizing Sammy Baugh’s passing to move the ball effectively against the Bears’ defense. Baugh’s ability to throw accurately and make quick decisions was a key factor in the Redskins’ offensive success.

The Bears responded with their powerful running game, led by Bronko Nagurski, who was known for his strength and ability to break tackles. The Bears managed to keep the game close throughout, using a combination of runs and short passes.

#### First Half

The Redskins struck first with a touchdown pass from Baugh, setting the tone for the game. The Bears answered with a touchdown of their own, tying the game. Both teams exchanged scores, and the first half ended with the Redskins holding a narrow lead.

#### Second Half

In the second half, the Redskins continued to capitalize on Baugh’s passing and the versatility of their offense. Washington’s defense stepped up, making key stops and forcing turnovers that shifted momentum in their favor.

The Bears fought back valiantly, scoring two more touchdowns, but the Redskins matched each score. In the final minutes, Washington sealed the victory with a late touchdown, bringing the final score to 28–21.

### Key Players and Performances

– **Sammy Baugh (Washington Redskins):** Baugh’s passing was instrumental in the Redskins’ victory. He completed numerous passes for significant yardage and multiple touchdowns, demonstrating his skill as a rookie quarterback.

– **Cliff Battles (Washington Redskins):** Battles contributed both as a runner and receiver, providing balance to the Redskins’ offense.

– **Bronko Nagurski (Chicago Bears):** Nagurski was a dominant force on the ground, consistently gaining tough yards and keeping the Bears competitive.

– **George Halas (Chicago Bears):** As coach, Halas’s strategies kept the Bears in the game, but they were ultimately unable to overcome the Redskins’ balanced attack.

## Aftermath and Legacy

### Impact on the Redskins Franchise

The 1937 NFL Championship Game marked the first league title for the Washington Redskins franchise. The victory helped establish the team’s identity in their new home city of Washington, D.C., and laid the foundation for future success. Sammy Baugh’s performance elevated him to stardom and helped popularize the forward pass in professional football.

### Impact on the NFL

The game highlighted the evolving nature of the NFL, showcasing the increasing importance of the passing game and strategic diversity. The success of the Redskins’ offense under Baugh’s leadership influenced other teams to adopt more sophisticated passing attacks.

The 1937 championship also reinforced the NFL’s growing popularity and the significance of the championship game as a major sporting event in the United States.

### Subsequent Championships

The Redskins would go on to win additional NFL championships in later years, while the Bears remained a dominant team in the league, winning multiple titles in the 1940s and beyond. The rivalry between the two franchises continued to be a notable aspect of NFL history.

## Statistical Summary

## Conclusion

The 1937 NFL Championship Game was a landmark event in professional football history, representing the rise of the Washington Redskins as a championship-caliber team and the emergence of Sammy Baugh as a transformative player. The game’s competitive nature and strategic innovations contributed to the NFL’s development and helped shape the future of the sport.

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**Meta Description:**
The 1937 NFL Championship Game saw the Washington Redskins defeat the Chicago Bears 28–21 at Wrigley Field, securing their first NFL title. This game marked a turning point in NFL history with the rise of quarterback Sammy Baugh and the growing prominence of the passing game.