Innovation in Football 1939

A 1939 experiment with ways to get their NFL product out there should be noticed. A TV broadcast of a game in the Albany, New York, area was a bold move by the NFL. It is now known as the first broadcast of an NFL game as on October 22; the Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 23-14 in a game played at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. It may not have been deemed a success then, but it helped pave the way for future considerations in TV broadcasts, which would turn the NFL into the big business it is in modern times.

Regular broadcasts of games would not occur until 1951, partly due to World War II, which put such ventures on the back burner for a few years.

The 1939 Season Had Close Divisional Races

The Western Division Title and the Eastern came down to the last two weeks of the season before being decided. The West was determined in a Green Bay and Detroit Divisional leaders matchup. The Pack was trailing the Lions in the second half. A win by Detroit would force a divisional playoff between the two clubs at a later date. Green Bay avoided this extra game by Hall of Fame Back Clark Hinkle scoring a late go-ahead touchdown to provide a 12-7 win for the Packers to propel them into the NFL Title game with one more game for each team to play.

The Eastern Division was even closer and went the final weekend of the regular season. The New York Giants and the Washington Redskins were dead, even 8-1-1 records. Their only head-to-head meeting before this last game had been a scoreless tie. Washington scored the game's only touchdown but still lost 9-7 on three New York field goals.
The NFL Championship game between the Giants and the Packers was less competitive than these regular season games mentioned. Green Bay trounced the visiting New Yorkers 27-0 to win the NFL crown.
The Philadelphia Eagles' QB, Davey O'Brien, led all NFL Passers with 1324 yards. In rushing, Bill Osmanski of the Chicago Bears rumbled 699 yards to lead all ball carriers. Green Bay's Don Hutson dominated the receiving honors with 846 yards.

The 1939 NFL season culminated in a decisive victory for the Green Bay Packers, solidifying their dominance in the league. Here's a summary:

Regular Season:

✦ The Green Bay Packers, under the legendary coach Curly Lambeau, showcased their strength, finishing the regular season with an impressive 9-2 record.

✦ This performance secured them the top spot in the NFL's Western Conference.

NFL Championship Game:

✦ The Packers faced the New York Giants, the defending champions, in the NFL Championship Game.

✦ The game at Wisconsin State Fair Park saw the Packers deliver a commanding performance, shutting out the Giants with a 27-0 victory.

✦ This win marked the Packers' fifth NFL championship and, notably, the first-ever shutout in an NFL title game.

Key Highlights:

✦ The Packers' offense, featuring notable players like Don Hutson, Arnie Herber, and Cecil Isbell, proved highly effective.

✦ The Packer's defense was also robust, and that showed in the championship game.

✦ The game was played in front of a huge crowd for that period.

✦ This victory further cemented the Green Bay Packers' legacy as a powerhouse in the early years of the NFL.

In essence, the 1939 season was a testament to the Packers' well-rounded team and coaching, culminating in a resounding championship triumph.

Today's Podcast

The podcast delves into the intricate tapestry of the 1939 NFL season, mainly focusing on the Green Bay Packers' championship triumph. With the specter of war looming over the nation, the Packers emerged as a formidable force, showcasing a blend of grit and strategy that would ultimately shape the future of the National Football League. The narrative is enriched by insights from esteemed football historian Tommy Phillips, who thoroughly analyzes the season's dynamics, including key player performances and the pivotal matchups that defined this era of football. Despite not being the dominant team of their time, Phillips highlights how the Packers managed to carve out a significant legacy through strategic gameplay and the exceptional talent of individuals such as Don Hutson, a Hall of Fame receiver who played a critical role in the team's success.

As the discussion progresses, the podcast examines the intense rivalry between the Packers and the New York Giants, exploring their historical context and the stakes involved in their championship rematch. The episode further elaborates on the unique characteristics of the 1939 season, including the nuances of the single-wing offense employed by the Packers, which featured several versatile players capable of throwing the ball, thus complicating defensive strategies. The analysis transcends mere statistics, offering a vivid portrayal of the season's significance, including the atmosphere surrounding the games and the burgeoning popularity of American football during this transformative period.

In conclusion, this episode serves as a captivating exploration of a pivotal chapter in NFL history, inviting listeners to appreciate not only the athletic prowess on display but also the broader cultural implications of the sport during a time of national uncertainty. Such narratives are essential for understanding the evolution of football and the indelible mark left by teams and players who have shaped the game's legacy.