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 November 24, 1963, when the Washington Redskins took on the Philadelphia Eagles. 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 13 Philadelphia Eagles 10
Date: November 24, 1963
Venue: Franklin Field
Attendance: 39,148
The Game Went On
This game is a featured Flashback Friday for reasons other than the football. It was played just two days after the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, was assassinated.
The NFL’s decision to go on with games on this very weekend was controversial to some. Obviously the loss of President Kennedy was a tragic happening that shook the nation. The mayor and the president of the Eagles both filed protests with the NFL commissioner to have the game postponed. They were both denied and the game would go on – and played to a capacity crowd.
The purpose of this blog is not to be political, but just to commemorate and honor President Kennedy, and to offer an opportunity for people to reflect on what happened and how tragic the occurrence was.
All hail President John F. Kennedy.
The Game
The game itself was not overly significant football-wise, but of note was that it was a meeting between quarterbacks Norm Snead and Sonny Jurgensen. Two men who if you have been reading these Flashback Fridays, are intrinsically joined at the hip. After all, they are the two main components of arguably the most famous and profitable trade in Washington franchise history. Hall of Famer Jurgensen was dealt to the Redskins for Snead at the end of the 1963 season. It was a move that Eagles fans still bemoan – and that Washington fans still rejoice.
Nevertheless, on this day, Snead would have one of his few victories over Sonny, and the Redskins would rule the day. But not by much.
Snead himself had a solid game. He went 16-of-23 for 216 yards. He threw one touchdown, was intercepted twice and was sacked five times.
Jurgensen had similar results, going just 19-of-37 but for 209 yards. He also threw a touchdown, as well as an interception (Claude Crabb), and was sacked twice.
Scoring
Washington opened with a 37 yard field goal from Bob Khavat in the first quarter.
Khavat doubled that lead in the second quarter with another field goal. This one from 22 yards.
The Redskins opened up that lead even more when Snead hit Dick James with a 31 yard touchdown pass. James had an excellent game, rushing for 66 yards on 18 carries, and adding another 64 yards on 4 receptions.
Bobby Mitchell led all pass catchers on either side of the ball with 71 yards on 4 catches. Fred Dugan had 40 yards on 4 grabs, and tight end Pat Richter added another 32 yards on 2.
The James touchdown put Washington up 13-0. A lead that they would take into the half time break, and one that they would ultimately ride to victory.
2nd Half
Jurgensen and the Eagles made a game of it in the fourth. Sonny hit Timmy Brown with a 25 yard touchdown toss to draw within striking distance at 13-7. Brown led the way for the Eagles with 71 yards rushing on 13 rushes, as well as 69 yards receiving on 6 receptions.
Mike Clark then kicked a 45 yard field goal to draw the Eagles to within three at 13-10, but that was as close as they would come.
Washington held on and grabbed their third win of the season.
What It Meant
The game meant very little to either team, as neither one of them were making the playoffs that year. The Eagles dropped to 2-8-1 with the loss, and Washington moved to 3-8. Washington would actually lose the next three games and finish at 3-11 – 6th in the NFL East Division. The Eagles actually finished just below the Redskins in 7th at 2-10-2.
This was also the fourth last game for Jurgensen as an Eagle. In fact, he didn’t play at all the next game, and Philadelphia began to use King Hill sparingly for the remainder of the season. Early signs that the writing was on the wall?
Whatever reasons the Eagles had for turning their backs on Sonny, it was one of the most bone-headed decisions in football history.
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.
