The 1943 NFL season presented a unique set of challenges and triumphs for the Washington Redskins, who entered the year as the defending NFL champions. Despite finishing the regular season with a respectable 6–3–1 record, their path to the championship game was anything but straightforward, marked by a late-season slump and an unusual tiebreaker scenario. The season, which spanned from September 19 to December 26, 1943, ultimately saw the Redskins emerge
as Eastern Division champions, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch in the NFL title game.
Early Season Dominance and Key Victories
The Redskins began their 1943 campaign with strong performances, establishing themselves as a formidable force in the Eastern Division. Their early success was crucial in building momentum and positioning them at the top of the standings. A significant victory came in Week Five when they decisively defeated the Green Bay Packers with a score of 33–7, a win that propelled them into first place. This early-season form suggested a smooth path to the playoffs, as they continued to demonstrate the championship pedigree from the previous year.
By Week Eleven, the Redskins held an impressive 5–0–1 record, remaining unbeaten alongside the Chicago Bears, who were 7–0–1. The highly anticipated clash between these two undefeated powerhouses occurred on November 21 in Washington, where the Redskins emerged victorious with a 21–7 win. This victory solidified their status as a top contender and showcased their ability to perform under pressure against the league's best.
A Late-Season Slump and the Tiebreaker Drama
Despite their strong start, the Redskins experienced a significant downturn in the latter part of the regular season. Their first loss came in Week Twelve, a 14–27 defeat to Phil-Pitt on November 28. This loss marked the beginning of a three-game losing streak that complicated their divisional title aspirations. The final two losses of the regular season were particularly impactful, both coming against their fierce rivals, the New York Giants.
These consecutive losses to the Giants resulted in both teams finishing the regular season with identical 6–3–1 records. Under the rules of the time, even though the Giants had won both head-to-head matchups, a tiebreaker playoff game was required to determine the Eastern Division champion. This unexpected turn of events led to a third consecutive weekend matchup between the Redskins and the Giants, held at the Polo Grounds in New York City. In a surprising upset, the underdog Redskins dominated the playoff game, securing a decisive 28–0 victory and earning their spot in the NFL Championship Game.
The Championship Rematch and Season Conclusion
Having secured the Eastern Division title through the tiebreaker playoff, the Washington Redskins advanced to the NFL Championship Game. This contest was a rematch of the previous year's title game, pitting them against the Western Division champions, the Chicago Bears. The championship game was played on December 26 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Bears, who had clinched their division with an 8–1–1 record, were favored to win.
In a hard-fought battle, the Chicago Bears ultimately defeated the Redskins with a score of 41–21. This loss marked the end of the Redskins' 1943 season, preventing them from securing back-to-back NFL titles. Despite the championship game defeat, the 1943 season was notable for the Redskins' resilience, particularly their ability to overcome a late-season slump and win a crucial tiebreaker playoff game to reach the league's ultimate stage.
