Rich Shmelter's Drive to Conquest: The Story of the 1964 Cleveland Browns is available for purchase on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Conquest.
Interestingly, 1964 brought two significant rule changes to the NFL. It was the first year home teams were allowed to wear white jerseys, a common sight today with teams like the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys. Before this, home teams exclusively wore dark colors. Additionally, the season saw the return of Alex Karras and Paul Hornung, two stars who had been suspended in 1963 for alleged gambling. Both players, who would later be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, made their comeback, adding another layer of intrigue to the season.
The 1964 NFL Championship pitted the Cleveland Browns against the Baltimore Colts, a matchup few predicted. The Colts, led by the legendary Johnny Unitas and boasting an array of offensive weapons like Lenny Moore, Raymond Berry, and John Mackey, were heavily favored. Many, including Colts owner Carroll Rosenbloom, expected a dominant victory for Baltimore. However, the Browns, under head coach Blanton Collier, had a secret weapon: meticulous preparation. Collier, renowned for his analytical approach, along with defensive signal-caller Bernie Parrish, spent hours dissecting Colts' game film. They identified weaknesses in the Colts' timing-based offense, devising a strategy to disrupt Unitas' rhythm by "chucking" receivers at the line of scrimmage and applying constant pressure with a "charging line."
✦ Dominating 1964 Browns Defense
The Browns' defense, despite being considered one of the weakest in the league, executed their plan flawlessly, shutting out the Colts in the first half. On offense, Jim Brown was a psychological and physical force, while Gary Collins emerged as a surprising star, exploiting his height advantage over Colts' defensive back Bobby Boyd. Collins scored three touchdowns, including a 51-yard reception, playing a crucial role in the Browns' offensive explosion in the second half. Lou Groza also contributed with field goals, though Jim Brown famously felt he was denied a clear touchdown, a moment that stayed with him for years. The final score was a stunning 27-0 victory for the Browns, widely considered one of the greatest upsets in NFL Championship history before the Super Bowl era. Unitas was held to a mere 95 passing yards, a testament to the Browns' defensive brilliance. This unexpected triumph was a momentous occasion for the city of Cleveland, marking a period of glory for a team that defied all odds.
✦ The 1964 Championship
On December 27, 1964, at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, the Cleveland Browns achieved what many considered impossible. Against overwhelming odds, they decisively defeated the heavily favored Baltimore Colts, 27-0, to claim the NFL Championship. This victory marked the franchise's first NFL title since 1955 and remains a cherished moment in Cleveland sports history.
The Baltimore Colts, led by coaching legend Don Shula and future Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas, entered the championship game with a dominant 12-2 regular season record and were widely predicted to win, some even anticipating a rout. The Colts' potent offense, featuring star receivers Raymond Berry and Jimmy Orr, seemed unstoppable. However, the Browns, under head coach Blanton Collier, had a different plan. Collier, known for his teaching acumen, instilled confidence in his team and devised a defensive strategy to disrupt the Colts' precision passing game.
The Browns' strategy revolved around tight, physical coverage of Unitas's receivers, aiming to throw off their timing. Defensive back Walter Beach, assigned to cover the great Raymond Berry, meticulously studied film and discovered Berry's tell – he couldn't fake with his waist. This insight allowed Beach to play tight coverage and effectively neutralize one of Unitas's primary targets. The Browns' defensive line, including veterans Dick Modzelewski and Jim Kanicki, focused on holding their ground against the run, allowing ends Paul Wiggin and Bill Glass to pressure Unitas.
Offensively, the Browns, despite finishing last in the league in yards allowed, were fifth in points allowed, showcasing a "bend but not break" mentality. Their offense, while not as flashy as Baltimore's, boasted the unparalleled talent of running back Jim Brown. In the championship game, Brown delivered a masterful performance, rushing 27 times for 114 yards, consistently moving the chains and keeping the Colts' offense off the field.
The true heroes of the day, however, were quarterback Frank Ryan and wide receiver Gary Collins. Ryan, a former math major from Rice University, threw three touchdown passes to Collins, who, despite battling a sinus infection, had a career-defining game. Collins caught five passes for 130 yards and those three crucial touchdowns, earning him the game's Most Valuable Player award. Kicker Lou Groza, the 40-year-old veteran and "The Toe," added two field goals (from 42 and 10 yards) to seal the shutout victory.
The 1964 NFL Championship triumph was more than just a win; it was a defiant statement. It proved that even against a seemingly invincible opponent, a cohesive team with a smart game plan and a few key, transcendent performances could achieve ultimate glory. For the city of Cleveland, it was a moment of immense pride, solidifying the Browns' place in professional football lore and giving their loyal fans a championship to cherish for decades.
