Watching the 1952 NFL championship between the Browns and Lions. The Browns offense had no trouble moving the ball, but couldn't put up many points on the scoreboard. Lou Groza going 0 for 3 on FGs doesn't help (Groza led the NFL with 19 FGs in 1952).
Early in the 4th quarter, the Browns trail Detroit 14-7 but find themselves with 1st and goal from the Lions 5-yard line. A 5-yard loss by Motley, a 12-yard loss on a Graham sack, and a 0 yard scramble by Graham finds the Browns with a 4th and goal from the Lions 22-yard line. Paul Brown elects to go for the TD and has Graham drop back to pass. Graham's short 5 yard delay toss to Motley is batted down, and the Lions take over.
Seems like a very odd decision to me.
1952 NFL Championship Game - Paul Brown strategy decision
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BD Sullivan
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Re: 1952 NFL Championship Game - Paul Brown strategy decisio
Motley had gotten pushed out at the 5 after breaking off a big run, so I suppose it's possible he might have been still trying to catch his breath when he got trapped for his loss. The Browns outgained the Lions 384-258, with the Browns getting two other drives stopped within the Lion 10.