1958 NFL playoffs

1958 NFL playoffs
DatesDecember 21-28, 1958
Season1958
Teams3
Games played2
NFL Championship Game site
Defending championsDetroit Lions
(did not qualify)
ChampionsBaltimore Colts
Runners-upNew York Giants
Conference
runners-up
NFL playoffs
← 1957 1965 →

The 1958 National Football League season resulted in a tie for the Eastern Conference championship between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants, both at 9–3, requiring a one-game playoff. The Giants swept both games during the regular season, including a 13–10 win on December 14 at Yankee Stadium. Injured kicker Pat Summerall made a 49-yard field goal late in the game in a snowstorm to break the tie and force the playoff.[1][2][3]

This conference championship game was played on December 21 at Yankee Stadium; the winner then hosted the idle Baltimore Colts (9–3), champions of the Western Conference, in the NFL Championship Game on December 28.

Tournament bracket

Eastern Conference playoff
December 21 		NFL Championship
December 28
W Baltimore 23*
E Cleveland 0 E New York 17
E New York 10
  • * Overtime period
Both games were at Yankee Stadium in New York City

Eastern Conference championship

Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 0 000
Giants 7 3 0010

at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York

  • Date: December 21, 1958
  • Game attendance: 61,274
Game information
Scoring

First Quarter

Second Quarter

  • NY – field goal Summerall 26, NY 10–0

Third Quarter

  • no scoring

Fourth Quarter

  • no scoring

Both teams turned the ball over four times, with three Browns interceptions (one from Jim Ninowski and two from Milt Plum) and a fumble matching the Giants throwing two of their own from Don Heinrich to go with two lost fumbles. The Giants outgained Cleveland 317 to 86 in total yards. [4]

NFL Championship game

Main article: 1958 NFL Championship Game

References

  1. ^ "Giants force playoff, jolt Browns, 13–10". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Associated Press. December 15, 1958. p. 26.
  2. ^ "Summerall believes kick sailed 59-yards". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Associated Press. December 15, 1958. p. 26.
  3. ^ Schell, Bill (December 15, 1958). "Summerall's kick gives Giants 13–10 win, forces playoff with Browns". Youngstown Vindicator. (Ohio). p. 14.
  4. ^ "Divisional Round - Cleveland Browns at New York Giants - December 21st, 1958". Pro-Football-Reference.com.