On December 8, 1940, the Chicago Bears faced off against the Washington Redskins in the NFL Championship Game. The Bears, led by legendary head coach George Halas, had a dominant season with a record of 8-3. They were known for their innovative T-formation offense, which revolutionized the game of football.
The championship game, played at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., was a one-sided affair from the start. The Bears' offense, led by quarterback Sid Luckman, was firing on all cylinders. Luckman threw for 286 yards and five touchdowns, setting a new NFL record for touchdown passes in a game. His favorite target was Hall of Fame receiver Ken Kavanaugh, who caught four of those touchdown passes.
The Bears' defense was equally impressive, shutting down the Redskins' offense and forcing eight turnovers. The Redskins' quarterback, Sammy Baugh, who was considered one of the best players in the league, was held to just 104 passing yards and threw three interceptions.
The final score was a staggering 73-0 in favor of the Chicago Bears, setting a record for the most lopsided victory in NFL history. This record still stands today, over 80 years later.
The 1940 Chicago Bears team is considered one of the greatest in NFL history, and their performance in the championship game solidified their legacy. The team featured four future Hall of Famers: Sid Luckman, Bill Osmanski, George McAfee, and Bulldog Turner.
This game also marked the end of an era, as it was the last NFL championship game before the United States entered World War II. Many players, including some from the Bears and Redskins, would go on to serve in the military during the war.
The 1940 NFL Championship Game remains a significant moment in sports history, showcasing the dominance of one of the greatest teams ever assembled and setting records that have endured for over eight decades.
