The 1933 season marked a significant chapter in the history of the Chicago Bears, representing their 14th year in the National Football League and the 11th under the guidance of head coach George Halas. This season culminated in a thrilling 23–21 victory over the New York Giants in the inaugural NFL Championship Game, held at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Associated Press lauded this championship contest as "probably the most spectacular game of the year"
and a "brilliant display of offensive power," underscoring the Bears' remarkable performance and their ability to secure their second consecutive championship and third under Halas's leadership.
Early Season Momentum and Divisional Triumph
The Bears kicked off their 1933 campaign with an impressive six-game winning streak, during which their defense proved formidable, allowing opponents a mere 33 points. This strong start established their dominance early in the season. However, the team faced some challenges on the road in the middle of the season, experiencing losses to Boston and New York, and managing a tie against the newly formed Philadelphia Eagles franchise. Despite these mid-season hurdles, the Bears quickly regained their winning form.
They concluded the regular season with four consecutive victories, including two against Portsmouth, a team they had faced in the indoor 1932 playoff game. This strong finish allowed the Bears to clinch the newly established Western Division title by a margin of 3½ games. Their divisional victory earned them the right to host and ultimately win the very first NFL Championship Game, a testament to their consistent performance and strategic prowess throughout the season.
Defensive Strength and Offensive Flair
The 1933 Bears were characterized by a solid defense, an advanced passing attack for its time, and an exceptional kicking game. Their defensive strength was evident as opponents scored more than 9 points against them only three times during the entire season. The team finished second in the league in scoring defense, just behind Brooklyn. A key factor in their improved line play was the addition of George "Moose" Musso, a substantial player weighing over 260 pounds, who would go on to star for the Bears for many years.
Offensively, the Bears ranked third in scoring, trailing only the explosive Giants and Packers. While living legend Red Grange and future star Bronko Nagurski continued to lead the running game, a significant portion of the Bears' touchdowns came through the air. Luke Johnsos maintained his strong play at end, but the aerial attack saw a substantial boost from the emergence of second-year end Bill Hewitt and rookie end Bill Karr. Notably, 11 of the Bears' 14 offensive touchdowns were scored via passes. Although statistics from 1933 were often incomplete, Bill Hewitt was among the league leaders in receiving, recording 16 catches for 274 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The "Automatic" Kicking Game
Perhaps the most significant improvement for the Bears, and often a decisive factor in their victories, was the addition of "Automatic" Jack Manders. Manders was one of the league's first great placekickers, demonstrating remarkable consistency. He successfully converted all 14 of his extra point attempts, a feat considered almost unheard of in that era. Furthermore, Manders led the league with 6 field goals. The introduction of a new rule, which brought the ball back to the hash marks after every play, undoubtedly aided Manders and other NFL kickers. However, Manders' consistent performance in the kicking game was a crucial element of the Bears' success, contributing to their wins all the way through the 1940 season. His reliability provided the team with a dependable source of points, often making the difference in close contests.
