Week 4 1963 Steelers, Browns, Giants, Redskins

[LeonardRachiele]

On a Saturday night at Cleveland, the Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 35 to 23. John Henry Johnson was injured and would not play tonight and for two more weeks. Twice on fourth and goal from the Cleveland one yard line, Pittsburgh had to settle for field goals.

The next day in Pittsburgh the CBS affiliate, channel 2, televised the New York Giants playing in Washington against the Redskins. The Giants were in the last frame of their eight year dynasty and heavily favored. They started early and a got a big lead. In the first quarter, Y.A. Tittle threw touchdown passes of 41 yards to Del Schofner and 17 yards to Joe Walton. When the third drive stalled at the Washington two, Don Chandler kicked a nine yard field goal. Now New York was in command leading 17 to 0 after the first quarter.

That stop seemed to energize the Redskins. Norm Snead threw an 11 yard touchdown pass to Bill Anderson and Don Bossler scored on a one yard plunge. Halftime score was 17 to 14. The third quarter was just a tug of war and neither team scored.

Finally in the fourth quarter, the Giants were on a drive and were fourth and one from the Washington 20. Expecting a running play, I saw Tittle line up under center. However, he faked a handoff, rolled to his right, and threw a 20 yard touchdown pass to Joe Walton. The Giants defeated the Redskins 24 to 14.

For New York. Y.A. Tittle completed 19 of 34 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. Del Shofner caught four passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. Joe Walton caught four passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Always a presence, Frank Gifford caught five passes for 74 yards. Phil King was the best runner with 72 yards on 18 carries.

Washington. Norm Snead completed 11 of 29 passes for 149 yards and one touchdown. Bobby Mitchell caught four passes for 59 yards. Bill Anderson caught three passes for 44 yards and one touchdown.

Total yards were 457 yards for New York and 251 for Washington.