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On This Date in Sports December 4, 1938: Giants Win the East

For the second straight year, the NFL’s Eastern Division is decided on the last day of the regular season between the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins. In 1937, it was the Redskins winning on the way to calming their first NFL title. This time, it was all Giants at the Polo Grounds, as New York blanked Washington 36-0 and would win the 1938 Championship Game.

As the 1930s ended, professional football gained traction as the NFL emerged from its early ragtag days and grew, thanks partly to a yearly championship game, well-defined schedules, and divisional play. In 1937, the two teams met in the final game of the season at the Polo Grounds, with the Redskins slamming the Giants 49-14 to finish 8-3. The Redskins would go on to beat the Chicago Bears 28-21 in the NFL Championship Game thanks to Slingin’ Sammy Baugh in his rookie season.

In 1938 after a slow start, the Giants, coached by Steve Owen at 7-2-1, once again had a chance to win the Eastern Division as they hosted the Redskins at the Polo Grounds. The Redskins led by Ray Flaherty, seeking a second straight championship, held a record of 6-2-2. While the Redskins had their hopes pinned on the play of Baugh, the Giants were more reliant on a solid defense. Earlier in the year, the Giants had beaten the Redskins at Griffith Stadium 10-7, turning their season around.

In the season finale, the Giants got off to a great start, with Hank Soar opening the scoring with a 43-yard run. New York added a second score in the first quarter on a touchdown by Bull Karcis. After leading 14-0 at the half, the Giants extended the lead to 17-0 on a 36-yard field goal by Ward Cuff. The Redskins finally made it down the field and were near the goal line, looking to get back in the game, when Cuff picked off Sammy Baugh and returned an interception 96 yards for a back-breaking touchdown that seemed to seal the fate for the Redskins. In the fourth quarter, New York continued to pull away when Chuck Gelatka reeled in a touchdown pass from Tuffy Leemans. Gelatka later had a seven-yard interception return to wrap up the scoring at 36-0. The Giants' defense dominated the game, forcing ten turnovers, including seven fumbles.

The Giants would defeat the Green Bay Packers 23-17 at the Polo Grounds to claim their third NFL Championship. In 1939 the Giants and Redskins again would decide the Eastern Division in the final game of the regular season, with the Giants winning 9-7.