The 1955 NFL Season

"Hello, my football friends! This is Darin Hayes of pigskindispatch.com..." The familiar voice introduces another chapter in pre-Super Bowl NFL history, this time focusing on the 1955 season, a year that saw a dominant force solidify its legendary status. As Darin welcomes Robert W. Cohen, author of "The 50 Greatest Players in Cleveland Browns History," we embark on a journey to understand the intricacies of this pivotal year and the enduring legacy of the Cleveland Browns' championship triumph.

The 1950s were a defining era for the NFL, a decade where certain teams began to establish dynasties and iconic players etched their names into football lore. Cohen, with his deep knowledge of the Browns, provides invaluable insight into the team's structure and the factors contributing to their consistent dominance. Founded in 1946 after Paul Brown's military service, the Browns initially terrorized the All-American Football Conference (AAFC), securing four consecutive league championships. Their absorption into the NFL in 1950 didn't diminish their prowess; they promptly claimed the NFL title in their inaugural season. The subsequent years saw them consistently competing at the highest level, reaching the NFL Championship game annually, winning again in 1954 and, as our focus dictates, in 1955. This remarkable decade saw the Browns capture an astounding ten division titles and seven league championships.

At the heart of this sustained success was the legendary quarterback Otto Graham. As Cohen aptly notes, Graham was "considered to be one of the greatest winners in the history of professional sports," leading the Browns to their numerous titles and earning six league MVP awards along the way. Hayes highlights the incredible fact that between the Cleveland Rams' 1945 season and the Browns' AAFC and NFL dominance, the city of Cleveland remarkably had a team in the professional football championship game for an astounding eleven consecutive years. This speaks volumes about the passionate football culture in Cleveland and the consistent high caliber of play.

Paul Brown, the architect of this dynasty, was a true visionary. He was a pioneer in player evaluation, utilizing scouting reports, intelligence tests, and even personality assessments. Furthermore, Brown demonstrated a progressive mindset by being one of the first NFL head coaches to actively sign Black players, a move that undoubtedly contributed to the team's talent pool and subsequent success. Hayes rightly points out the significance of players like Marion Motley and Bill Willis, who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black athletes in the sport. Cohen adds the name of Len Ford, a dominant defensive end and pass rusher, highlighting his imposing physical presence for the era and his crucial role in the Browns' defensive might. The comparison to modern-day pass rushers like Myles Garrett underscores the timeless impact of a disruptive force on the defensive line.

The NFL landscape in 1955 consisted of 12 teams divided into the Eastern and Western Divisions. The Browns found themselves in the East alongside the Redskins, Giants, Cardinals, Eagles, and Steelers. Meanwhile, the West featured the Rams, Bears, Packers, Colts, 49ers, and Lions. Interestingly, the usually formidable Detroit Lions occupied the Western Division cellar in 1955. Cohen attributes this decline to the offseason trade of their starting quarterback, Bobby Layne, a stark reminder of the quarterback's pivotal role in a team's fortunes. This point is further emphasized by Graham's impending retirement announcement at the end of the 1955 season, which would indeed lead to the Browns' first-ever losing record the following year. Hayes, a Steelers fan, wryly notes Layne's move to Pittsburgh didn't immediately elevate their standing, as they also finished at the bottom of their division that year.

The conversation naturally circles back to the greatness of Otto Graham. Hayes expresses his appreciation for the NFL's recent decision to officially recognize AAFC records, placing Graham in a tie with Tom Brady for the most professional football championships with seven. Cohen reinforces Graham's legendary status, mentioning his high ranking in various all-time player lists. The initial underappreciation of Graham, as Cohen suggests, might stem from the era's emphasis on running offenses, resulting in passing statistics that appear modest compared to later decades. However, Graham's remarkable win-loss record and his consistent league leadership in passing categories underscore his true brilliance.

Complementing Graham's exceptional quarterback play were talented receivers. Cohen highlights Dante Lavelli, nicknamed "Glue Fingers" for his sure hands and his role as Graham's primary target. Ray Renfro, a speedy player who transitioned between running back and receiver, also proved to be a significant deep threat, holding the Browns' all-time record for yards per reception. While the running backs of the 1955 team, Morrison and Modzalewski, may not be as widely recognized today, Cohen assures us that Paul Brown's teams had no weak links.

The strength of the 1955 Browns extended beyond their quarterback and receivers. Their offensive line, as Cohen emphasizes, was arguably the best in the league. Anchored by Hall of Fame center Frank Gatski, the line also featured the dominant right tackle Mike McCormack, whom Paul Brown considered the greatest he ever saw. Lou Groza, initially a tremendous offensive tackle before transitioning to a full-time placekicker, and the talented left guard Abe Gibron, who later became a head coach for the Chicago Bears, further solidified this formidable unit. Hayes rightly points out that all four of these linemen were recognized among the top 50 players in Browns history, a testament to their collective impact.

Cohen then delves into the criteria used for his "Top 50" ranking, emphasizing the overall level of domination, MVP awards, statistical leadership, Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections, and the player's overall influence on the team's success. This comprehensive approach ensures a well-rounded assessment of each player's contribution to the Browns' storied history. The book covers players from every era of the franchise, acknowledging the consistent presence of at least a couple of great players on the team, even during less successful periods. Hayes' personal anecdotes about attending games at the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium, including the memorable Terry Bradshaw-Turkey Jones incident, provide a vivid glimpse into the passionate atmosphere surrounding Browns football. He also acknowledges the unwavering loyalty of the Cleveland fanbase through both triumphs and tribulations.

Returning to the 1955 team, Cohen highlights key defensive players who were instrumental in their championship run. Bob Gain, a versatile lineman who excelled against both the run and the pass, anchored the defensive line. Don Colo provided crucial run-stopping ability. Notably, the team also featured future legendary Pittsburgh Steelers coach Chuck Noll as a linebacker, showcasing his early playing career. Walt Michaels, another future NFL coach, also contributed significantly at linebacker. The defensive secondary was equally strong, featuring Warren Lahr, a ball-hawking defensive back who ranks high in team interception records, along with solid players like Don Paul and Ken Collins. Cohen concludes that the 1955 Browns defense was "pretty much loaded," a crucial element in their championship aspirations. Hayes astutely observes that the sheer number of standout players mentioned highlights the overall strength and depth of the team.

The stage is set for the 1955 NFL Championship Game, a clash between the Eastern Division champion Cleveland Browns and the Western Division champion Los Angeles Rams. Hayes points out the intriguing historical connection between the two franchises, with the Rams having previously called Cleveland home until 1945. Cohen corrects Hayes, noting that this was actually the third time these two teams had met for the NFL crown, with the Rams winning in 1951 and the Browns retaliating in 1954. The anticipation for this holiday weekend showdown at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 26th was undoubtedly high. The Rams, despite their earlier loss to the Browns in a championship, were still a formidable opponent, boasting talent like quarterback Norm Van Brocklin and receiver Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch. Their coach, the innovative Sid Gillman, added another layer of intrigue to the matchup. While the transcript doesn't definitively confirm Weeb Ewbank's presence as an assistant coach for the Rams at this time, his later head coaching success suggests he was likely involved in some capacity. The Rams' solid 8-3-1 record, with their only losses coming against the Bears and Packers, and a tie against the strong Baltimore Colts, underscored their credentials as a worthy adversary. As Hayes aptly puts it, this championship matchup was "made in heaven once again."