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A
Rivalry for the Ages
Browns and Lions Met Four Times in Title
Game During 1950s
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Lou
Groza (#76) added this extra point following Ray Renfro's touchdown
reception that put the Browns into the lead, 7-3, in the 1954 NFL
Championship Game. The Browns never looked back as they downed Detroit,
56-10.
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December
28, 1952 (NFL Championship Game)
The Detroit Lions claimed their first NFL title in 17 years with a 17-7
win over the Browns. The Lions scored the first touchdown of the game on
a two-yard run by Bobby Layne and extended the lead to 14-0 in the third
quarter on a 67-yard scamper by Doak Walker. Detroit was outgained in total
yardage by 151 yards and had 12 fewer first downs, but the Detroit defense
stiffened at crucial times; The Lions came up with four important goal line
stands. Layne attempted only nine passes, all coming in the fourth quarter.
To pick up the slack, the Lions rushed for 199 yards with 97 yards coming
from Walker. Detroit capped the title game win with a 36-yard field goal
by Pat Harder.
December
27, 1953 (NFL Championship Game)
The Lions win their second consecutive World Championship by beating Cleveland
for the second straight year, 17-16. The game evolved into a defensive
struggle as 20 of the 33 points scored in the game were direct results
of turnovers. The mistakes began when Cleveland QB Otto Graham fumbled
on his own 13-yard line, the Lions capitalized on a one-yard touchdown
run by Doak Walker. After trading field goals, the Lions took a 10-7 lead
into the second half. Despite Graham's dismal numbers on the day (2-of-15
for 20 yards and 2 INTs), the Browns scored the first 13 points of the
second half to forge ahead 16-10. With less than five minutes remaining
in the game, Detroit QB Bobby Layne (12-of-25 for 179 yards and 1 TD)
led the Lions on the game-winning drive culminating with a 33-yard TD
strike to Jim Doran.
December
26, 1954 (NFL Championship Game)
The game began on a good note for Detroit as Cleveland quarterback Otto
Graham turned the ball over on an interception. But, the Lions could only
manage a field goal after the turnover and the rest of the afternoon was
all Cleveland. Graham bounced back from the early interception to pass
for three touchdowns and run for another three touchdowns as the Browns
captured the World's Championship with a 56-10 win. Lions' quarterback
Bobby Layne had a horrible day as he threw for six interceptions.
December
29, 1957 (NFL Championship Game)
Tobin Rote, playing for injured QB Bobby Layne, directed a relentless
offensive attack as the Lions posted a 31-7 halftime lead and coasted
to their fourth NFL title. The highlight of the day came on a 78-yard
bomb from Rote to Jim Doran that gave the Lions a 38-14 lead. Detroit
went on to win 59-14, the second biggest title win ever.
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