1934 NFL season
The Portsmouth Spartans packed their gear and left Ohio for Detroit, Michigan in 1934. This move transformed the franchise into the Detroit Lions. The league counted ten teams at the start of the season. A different story unfolded with the Cincinnati Reds. They lost their first eight games by a score of 243 to 10. League officials suspended the team mid-season because they failed to pay dues. The St. Louis Gunners stepped in to play the final three games on the Reds' schedule. These independent players managed a surprising shutout victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
December 9 marked the date of the NFL Championship Game. The New York Giants defeated the Chicago Bears with a score of 30 to 13. Fans remember this match as the "Sneakers Game" due to the muddy conditions at the Polo Grounds. The game took place in New York City. The Bears entered the contest undefeated but could not secure the title. The Giants denied them an untied season record. This was the first time the Ed Thorp Memorial Trophy was awarded to the champion. The trophy would remain the league's top prize through 1967.
Beattie Feathers rushed for more than 1,000 yards during the 1934 season. He played eleven games for the Chicago Bears. His average per carry reached 9.9 yards. This performance shattered the old league mark by nearly 300 yards. Total passing totals showed a decline across the league. The average completion rate fell to 30.4 percent. Coaching attention to pass defense hampered the aerial attack. Opening up running lanes provided a counterintuitive result. The league's increased offensive output came via the ground rather than the air. Three other teams finished with more yards gained than the 1933 high water mark.
The Detroit Lions shut out their first seven opponents of the year. They marched to a 10, 0 record before losing once to the Packers and twice to the Bears. The team allowed only 59 points all season. That figure equated to 4.5 points per contest. League officials moved goal posts to the goal line in an attempt to increase field goals. More than 20 games were decided by three points or less. No games ended in a tie for the first time since the league began. A hand-to-hand forward pass that became incomplete was ruled as a fumble. Incomplete passes no longer resulted in a five-yard penalty.
Official statistics tracking started in 1932 and continued through this season. Certain statistics later regarded as staples were not maintained at the time. Interceptions, punting average, kickoff return yardage, and field goal percentage remained unrecorded. Harry "Flash" Heber led the league in passing with 799 yards. Warren Heller followed with 511 yards for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Swede Hanson rushed for 805 yards while playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Dutch Clark gained 763 yards for the Detroit Lions. Beattie Feathers also scored nine touchdowns during the campaign. Joe Skladany finished third in receiving yards with 222 total.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
What happened to the Portsmouth Spartans in 1934?
The Portsmouth Spartans moved their gear from Ohio to Detroit, Michigan in 1934 and transformed into the Detroit Lions. This franchise relocation occurred before the start of the season.
Who won the NFL Championship Game on December 9 1934?
The New York Giants defeated the Chicago Bears with a score of 30 to 13 during the match known as the Sneakers Game. The game took place at the Polo Grounds in New York City under muddy conditions.
How many yards did Beattie Feathers rush for during the 1934 season?
Beattie Feathers rushed for more than 1,000 yards while playing eleven games for the Chicago Bears. His average per carry reached 9.9 yards which shattered the old league mark by nearly 300 yards.
Why were goal posts moved to the goal line in 1934?
League officials moved goal posts to the goal line in an attempt to increase field goals. More than 20 games were decided by three points or less following this rule change.
Which team lost its first eight games in 1934 before suspension?
The Cincinnati Reds lost their first eight games by a score of 243 to 10 and failed to pay dues. League officials suspended the team mid-season and the St. Louis Gunners played the final three games on the schedule.