QB Bobby Thompson threw for 223 yards and 4 TD's as the Eagles become NFL Champions with a 28-27 win over Detroit.

1952 NFL Season: 

CURRENTLY UNPLAYED: Week 14:  
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Week 14 NFL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

14 Detroit 27 @ Philadelphia 28
The Philadelphia Eagles won the 1952 NFL Championship by virtue of their 28-27 win over the Detroit Lions in a hotly contested game. Neither team led by more than 7 points, and the game was not decided until the final play. Detroit got an early break when John Huzvar fumbled at the Eagles 34, but they could not cash in on the opportunity because Pat Harder's field goal attempt was blocked. This was a sign of things to come. The Lions did take the lead on their next possession when Layne hit Cloyce Box with his first of 4 touchdown passes. Philadelphia responded on the first play of the 2nd quarter with a 34yd td reception from TE-WR Bud Grant. Detroit jumped back on top 14-7, when Layne hit Bill Swiacki from 11 yards out. But the Eagles had the answer on a 26 yard catch and run by Grant. The Lions seized the lead again just before halftime when Layne threw his 3rd touchdown pass of the half, this one, a 12 yarder to Leo Hart. Unfortunately, Harder's extra point attempt was blocked, so Detroit led 20-14. Philadelphia grabbed their first lead late in the 3rd quarter when Bobby Thomason tossed a short 3yd pass to RB John Brewer to cap a 75yd drive. Detroit regained the lead on their next possession when Layne hit Box for his 2nd score of the game, but once again, the Eagles answer was Thomason to Bud Grant, this time from 10 yards out to put Philadelphia ahead 28-27. Detroit's next drive took them to the Philadelphia 16 yardline where they faced a 4th and 1 with 1:33 left in the game. Coach Buddy Parker called on his veteran kicker to bring home the championship, but Harder missed the 23 yard attempt.

The hero of the game without a doubt was the Eagles Bud Grant. Grant had 6 catches for 114 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the eventual game winner. The goat horns have to go to Pat Harder, who missed all 3 of his field goal attempts and had an extra point blocked. Other notable performances included Bobby Thomason (15 of 27 for 223yds, 1int, 4tds), Bobby Layne (21 of 26 for 260yds, 1int, 4tds), and Cloyce Box (5 receptions-63yds-2tds).

Commish Chad Weyenberg:  cweyenberg@comcast.net