Welcome to Flashback Friday, where we take a trip down memory lane to revisit yesteryear moments in Washington football history. From jaw-dropping plays to nail-biting finishes, Washington football has provided its fans with countless memories throughout the years. Today, we turn our attention all the way back to December 1, 1957, when the Washington Redskins took on the Chicago Bears. As we dive into the archives, let’s try relive the events that unfolded on that historic day.
Each #FlashbackFriday, we’ll uncover performances and milestones that are part of the franchise’s storied history. So, grab your virtual time machine, fasten your seat belts, and get ready to embark on a captivating journey through the annals of franchise history. Let’s relish in the nostalgia, as we honor the past and pay tribute to the legends who’ve donned the burgundy and gold.
On This Day
Washington Redskins 14 Chicago Bears 3
Date: December 1, 1957
Venue: Wrigley Field
Attendance: 39,148
The Game
Washington took an early lead and coasted to victory.
Ed Sutton scored on a 4-yard run early in the first quarter to give Washington the quick start that they were looking for.
Then Eddie LeBaron capped off a Redskins drive with a 10-yard pass to Jim Podoley to put them up 14-0 while still in the first quarter. That turned out to be all they would need.
The run game and the defense took it from there for Washington.
Podoley had 13 carries for 71 yards. Ed Sutton had 18 carries for 72 yards. Don Bosseler had 17 carries for 68 yards. Together the three of them helped Washington control the clock and subsequently the game. The Redskins finished with more than twice as many rushing yards (212) as they had passing yards (110). Podoley finished with 129 yards of offense, with 4 catches for 58 yards to go with his rushing total.
LeBaron had a quiet day throwing the ball just 13 times, and completing 6 of them with the one touchdown.
Washington’s defense stifled the Bears offense, allowing just 162 yards of total offense and only 9 first downs. Chicago only managed 48 yards of passing, and because they were also sacked for 21 yards, that give them an anaemic total of just 27 net pass yards.
The Redskins also picked off Bears quarterbacks twice – once by Don Shula and the other one by Bert Zagers.
George Blanda kicked a field goal in the second quarter, but that’s as close as Chicago would get.
Neither team scored in the second half and it ended in a 14-3 Redskin victory.
What It Meant
The game meant very little to either team, as neither one of them were making the playoffs that year. The Bears dropped to 4-6 with the loss, and Washington moved to 3-6-1. the Redskins finished the season 4th in the NFL East division at 5-6-1.
Fun Fact
Yes, the Don Shula who intercepted the ball is that Don Shula. Before he became the mastermind behind the Miami Dolphins undefeated team in 1972, he had been a defensive back in the NFL for 7 seasons. He spent his 7th season in Washington, and then retired after the 1957 season. He began coaching in 1963.
Flashback Fridays
Thank you for joining us as we step back in time and celebrate the rich heritage of Washington football. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the team, this series aims to ignite your passion and deepen your appreciation for the remarkable moments that have defined our beloved franchise.
Stay tuned each week for a new Flashback Friday article, and be transported back to the unforgettable moments that have defined our beloved team.
Feel free to hit up the Twitter account at @TheHogsdotNetv2 and give your thoughts on the match-up.
