Andy Robustelli's 4 sack performance propelled the Giants to a 21-20 win over Chicago.

1959 NFL Season: 

CURRENTLY UNPLAYED:   1950's are finished!

Week 13 RESULTS: NFL CHAMPIONSHIP

13 NY Giants 21 at Chicago Bears 20, Wrigley Field, Chicago IL
For the third time in the decade, the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears met to decide the Championship of the NFL. Both teams entered the contest with identical 10-2 records. The Giants entered the game with the #2 rated offense and the #1 rated quarterback in Charlie Conerly. The Bears offense finished 4th best in the league. New York boasted the #1 rated defense, which was #1 against the run, #1 against the pass, and #1 in points allowed. Chicago's defense was rated third overall, 2nd in points allowed, they gave up the fewest touchdowns rushing, led the league in interceptions, and led the league in sacks. On paper New York appeared to be a slight favorite, but the Bears were playing in the friendly confines of Wrigley field.

The Giants opened the game with a 12 play 82 yards scoring drive that took over 8 minutes off the clock. Most of the yardage (54 yards) came on the ground with Frank Gifford and Mel Triplett. Triplett capped the drive with a 1yd burst. On Chicago's first possession, Ed Brown's 2nd pass attempt was intercepted by DE Jim Katcavage, setting New York up for a 2nd scoring driving which ended with a Conerly to Morrison pass covering 36 yards. The Bears finally got the offense in gear near the end of the first half as Brown drove them to the NY 6, but a sack by MVP Andy Robustelli forced them to settle for a 16yd field goal. Chicago had a near disaster moments later after stopping the Giants, when Johnny Morris fumbled Don Chandler's punt and NY recovered at the Bears 35. Luckily for Chicago, Summerall missed the 42yd field goal attempt, so New York led 14-3 at the half.

After a stern tongue lashing from George "Papa Bear" Halas at halftime, the Bears opened the 2nd half with a 65 yard scoring driving to put them right back in the game. Ed Brown accounted for all of the yardage, passing for 54 and scoring from 9yds out on a nifty scramble. But New York responded immediately, going 69 yards on their first possession of the half to go back up by 11. Alex Webster scored the touchdown on an 8yd run. In the 4th quarter, Brown's running and passing got Chicago another field goal to cut the lead to 21-13 with just under 7 minutes left, but they were unable to move the ball the next time they got it. With 2:25 left, New York appeared to be in the driver's seat with the ball at their own 40, but a Triplett fumble gave the Bears new life. Two Brown passes covered the 40 yards and Chicago had pulled to within 1 with 1:23 left on the clock. Unfortunately, the dream ended there when Joe Morrison recovered the onside kick attempt.

Sportswriters gave DE Andy Robustelli the hero's mantel based on 4 sacks, 8 tackles, and 1 hurry. The goat horns were difficult to hand out, but they finally decided on Chicago's offensive line which allowed 5 sacks and had several key penalties. Outstanding performances for New York included Frank Gifford (13-83yds, 5rec-79yds) and Charlie Conerly (12 of 17 for 204yds, 1td). For Chicago the standout performers were Ed Brown (18 of 39 for 252yds, 1int, 1td, and 7-50yds-1td rushing), and Bill George (11 tackles, 1 stuff).

Commish Chad Weyenberg:  cweyenberg12@gmail.com