Tony Canadeo, the hard running left half who has gained 235 yards in 39 attempts for an average of six per lug. Fullbacks Walt Schlinkman and Ted Fritsch carry the dynamite at fullback although rookie full Bob Summerhays has been showing promise...WHERE WE DON' T SHINE: The Packers' passing - that's where we don't shine. The Bays were absolutely last in this department, the figure show, having completed only 13 out of 63 attempts for a percentage of 20.6. Just to show you how low that 20.6 is, it can be added that the second low is a lofty 42.3 percent by the Pittsburgh Steelers who never did specialize in passing. The New York Giants have the best percentage of completions, 52.8. The Cardinals, with Paul Christman and Jim Hardy tossing, completed 46.6 percent on 35 receptions out of 75 attempts. The Packers' passing attack is really starting from scratch this season. The quarterbacks failed to complete a single aerial (in 13 attempts) in the opener against the Bears. Business picked up in the Ram game as the Bays clicked on four out of 21 pitches. The passers went wild against the Bulldogs in New York Friday night, making nine out of 30...GIRARD COMPLETES SIX PASSES: Quarterback Jug Girard completed six of the 13 for 119 yards, Stan Heath four for 60, and Jack Jacobs three for 53. Here are the Packer pass completions for the last two games: Rams: (4) Jacobs to Ted Cook, 39 yards; Girard to Bill Kelley, 11; Heath to Kelley, 19; Heath to Kelley, 12. Bulldogs (9): Girard to Cook, 13; Girard to Cook, 51; Girard to Cook, 8, Girard to Nolan Luhn (touchdown), 14; Girard to Dan Orlich, 12; Heath to Girard, 12; Heath to Forte, 17; Jacobs to Ralph Earhart, 13; Jacobs to Forte, minus four. The Packers are banking on their passing attack, which is being worked overtime this week, against the Cardinals. It would seem safe to predict that the Packers could cause plenty of trouble with a "good" passing game to go with their powerhouse running. The backs and ends remained on the practice field an extra half hour Wednesday working air maneuvers. Girard, Heath and Jacobs did the throwing to Cook, Kelley, Luhn and Steve Pritko, the new right end...THROW BOOK AT JOHNSON: The work of Glen Johnson, the 260-pound tackle, brought smiles from Coach Curly Lambeau and Assistants Tom Stidham and Bob Snyder (Aide Charley Brock was at the hospital welcoming a new daughter). The Packer offensive team threw the book at Johnson, playing defensive left tackle, and the big bruiser busted up just about everything coming his way. Besides, he was making tackles on plays down the middle. Guard Joe Etheridge, who has been working with Red Vogds on offense, injured his knee in practice this morning but he'll be ready for the Cards. Back Bob Cifers was running hard, indicating that a groin injury was healing. He may see plenty of duty at right half Sunday.
FRIENDLY CHEERS? THE PACKERS WILL NEED 'EM IN MILWAUKEE
OCT 13 (Green Bay) - The weather will be good' the roads are in excellent shape - and the Packers play in Milwaukee Sunday. Add the three together and you'll get the point of today's mix. The Packers have some serious business at State Fair Park - a transaction that could boost them into a a second place tie in the Western division. The Packers will be meeting the Chicago Cardinals - defending Western division champions who missed their second straight world's title by only 7-0 in that snowball battle in Philly last December. Despite the heartbreaks in two of their three league games this season, the Packers are now tied with the Cardinals in third place - a situation that intensifies Sunday's game. The Packers could use a million friendly cheers Sunday and that's where you fans of Green Bay and Northeastern Wisconsin can help. The Packers figure they've got a better than even chance of upsetting the Red Shirts and thus set the stage for a revenge battle against the Rams out in Los Angeles the following Sunday. It's a good bet that approximately 1,000 fans from Green Bay and the NEW area will travel to Milwaukee Sunday. But why not 5,000 or 6,000! The importance of the game. since the loser will practically out of the running, makes for an excellent weekend of football. The weatherman tells us that excellent fall weather can be expected. The map at left shows you a quick route to Milwaukee. The route, which eliminates travel through the congested part of Beer town, can be covered in two and a half or three hours. Incidentally, the detoured section of Highway 57 below Plymouth is now open and the new blacktop stretch is in excellent shape. One of the unusual sidelights in Milwaukee will be "what goes" on the sidelines. The Cardinals are co-coaches by Buddy Parker and Phil Handler, a couple of sharp Texans, while the Packers are tri-coached by Bob Snyder, Tom Stidham and Charley Brock. Advisory Coach Curly Lambeau placed the field operations of the Packers in charge of this trio last Sept. 30. Parker and Handler took over the Cardinals after the resignation of Jimmy Conzelman, who went into the advertising business after leading the 1947 Cardinals to the championship. Handler and Parker have served 19 and 12 years, respectively, with the Cardinals as players and coaches. Assisting H and P are Dick Plasman, the former Bear end, and Marshall Goldberg, the ex-Cardinal back flash. Goldberg also serves as scout and detected the Packers in three of their last four games. The Bays will bump into an old friend - Bob Nussbaumer, the former Michigan speedster, who played for the Packers in 1946. He went to Washington in the trade that brought Jack Jacobs to Green Bay. Washington sold him to the Cardinals last winter. Nussbaumer, a Chicago boy, is used mostly on defense. The Packers, who snapped a nine-game (league) losing streak by whipping the Bulldogs in New York Friday night, have a chance to break the five-game skein of losses administered by the Cardinals. The Packers had won 15 straight over the Cards before the Bays dropped the nightcap in 1946 by a 24-6 score. The Cardinals nudged the Packers, 14-10 and 21-20, in 1947 and won by counts of 17-7 and 42-7 last fall. The Packers are convinced that next Sunday is the time to end the Cardinal spell. The Packers gained a heap of confidece in New York and, with a break or two in the right direction, they could hand the Reds their third straight lacing. Sunday's game will be the 50th meeting btween the two clubs - the Packers' second-oldest rivalry. The Packers won 29, lost 17 and tied three. This will be a most unusual weekend for our football town since there will be no games played here. East, West and St. Norbert college are out of town in addition to the Packers.
CARDINALS BEWARE! LAMBEAU STILL LEADS THE PACKERS
OCT 13 (Chicago Tribune) - The report that Curly Lambeau had stepped out as coach of the Green Bay Packers was very much exaggerated, something like the announcement of Mark Twain's death. The Cardinals will have to contend with the monsieur from the north Sunday when they meet the Packers in Milwaukee. Curly remains the head coach of the Packers, insists George Strickler, the club's publicity chief, who is in Milwaukee drumming up business for the game. George said that his news release was not followed to the letter and that the interpretation was made by sports reporters that Lambeau had resigned as head coach when he had nothing of the kind. "Curly merely has delegated the field and bench details to his three assistants," explained Strickler. "He has done this because of his confidence in Bob Snyder, Tom Stidham and Charley Brock. This leaves Curly free to do the most important job of the moment - to rebuild the Packers. He'll be on the bench Sunday to lend his steadying influence." The new setup, in which Lambeau's three assistants do the mechanical work on the field and bench, has proved to be a happy arrangement, reports Strickler. Just to be sure that everything's going along smoothly Curly occasionally takes a spin out to the club's training camp at Rockwood Lodge, 16 miles from Green Bay, and breaks bread with the athletes. Through his horn-rimmed spectacles he still pores over scout reports and watches game movies. His three aides have won the confidence of the players, Strickler says. The Packers already have made a few strides in their attempt to bring back the team's luster of other years. Their newest additions are Steve Pritko, veteran end, and Glenn Johnson, a Swedish-Indian tackle from Arizona who had been with the New York Bulldogs. The Packers' old-time fame, of course, was built on their passing attack, a weapon which has been dulled in the past few years. Curly's main chore now is to restore the Packers' air power. The addition of Pritko gives the team four good pass catchers, the others being Nolan Luhn, the stringbean from Tulsa; Ted Cook from Alabama, and Bill Kelley, a rookie from Texas Tech. Coach Snyder is working overtime trying to instill guile and finesse into the youthful quarterbacks, Earl (Jug) Girard and Stan Heath, a couple of Wisconsin products. Jack Lavelle, the New York Giants' veteran scout, after watching Girard and Heath in action against the New York Bulldogs last week, predicted that both would be high powered T formation agents within a year or two. To make room for Pritko and Johnson the Packers dropped Don Wells, an end, and Ed Smith, a halfback. The Packers, who jolted the Bulldogs, 19 to 0, after losses to the Bears and Los Angeles Rams, are confident they'll whip the Cardinals and pass them in the National league's western division standings. "We'll be tough and ready to play a game Sunday," said Co-Coach Phil Handler of the Cards yesterday when he was told the Packers are making pre-victory notes. Ends and other linemen worked yesterday to sharpen their blocking, which was on the sagging side at Philadelphia last week. The backs worked on pass offense. Charley Trippi still was favoring a pulled muscle in his leg, but the coaches said he, and Pat Harder, will play against the Packers.
A CHANGE - GREAT T FORMATION QUARTERBACKS OF ANOTHER ERA GIVE WAY TO NEW
OCT 13 (Milwaukee Journal) - The old order changeth, indeed, speaking of pro football's great quarterbacks. Sid Luckman of the Bears, at 32, has slowed down almost to a walk. It was never more obvious than Sunday in the small part he played against the Rams. Sammy Baugh of the Redskins, at 35, has begun to stumble around, although he can still whip the ball. And Paul Christman of the Cardinals, now 31, now has more bad moments than good in a growing proportion. Only Tommy Thompson of the Eagles, at 31, and Bob Waterfield at the Rams, at 29, among the great T formation quarterbacks of the last decade, still seem to have most of their skill. And the new order? Johnny Lujack of the Bears, at 24, is certainly first. He has proved his greatness beyond any doubt. Of the others who may reach it with him and hold it over a span of years, as Luckman and Baugh did, you can take you pick - Chuck Conerly of the Giants, at 25, Harry Gilmer of the Redskins at 23, Fred Enke of the Lions at 24, Norm Van Brocklin of the Rams at 23, Bobby Layne of the Bulldogs at 22, Frank Tripucka of the Eagles at 22, George Blanda of the Bears at 21 and Jug Girard and Stan Heath of the Packers at 22...JUST A MYTH: Much is made of the fact that football handicappers sometimes pick this or that game right or very close. They are held in a little awe. Not enough is made of the fact, though, that football handicappers pick a lot of more games wrong - and wrong by a mile. Consider just a few games in the National league in the last week. The Cardinals were seven point favorites to beat the Bears a week ago. Score: Bears 17, Cardinals 7. The New York Bulldogs were seven point favorites to beat the Packers Friday night. Score: Packers 19, Bulldogs 0. The Detroit Lions were seven point favorites to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday night. Score: Steelers 14, Lions 7. The Bears were seven point favorites to beat the Rams Sunday. Score: Rams 31, Bears 16. Washington was a 13 point favorite to beat the New York Giants Sunday. Score: New York 45, Washington 35. The Cleveland Browns were one point favorites to beat the Forty-niner Sunday. Score: Forty-niners 58, Browns 28. The Buffalo Bills were six point favorites to beat the Los Angeles Dons Sunday. Score: Los Angeles 42, Buffalo 28. In none of these games did they even pick the winner - and this was not exactly an unusual week. The list could be continued every week. Gottlieb Mahoney, who never saw a football game, could do almost as well...DOUBTFUL CONDITION: What condition the Chicago Cardinals will be in for their game with the Packers at State Fair park Sunday is a matter of speculation. The physical beating they took from the Bears a week ago was a bad one, and the rough game they played against the Eagles Saturday night didn't help. Pat Harder, who didn't play at all against the Eagles, is a doubtful starter here, and Charlie Trippi and Boris Dimancheff both are apt to be below their best level of efficiency. The Cardinals have said little about Harder's injuries. Oh, just a pulled muscle in his side, they have tried to explain. But knowing Harder and his love of the game and how a year ago he had "shots" in his ankle so he could play in the all-star game, this doesn't see right. Harder must have more than a pulled muscle in his side. One story is that he has torn ligaments, another that he has several cracked ribs. Trippi has a chronically bad knee and, while he played most of the time against the Eagles, he wasn't himself. Dimancheff, too, came out of the game with a bad knee. The Cardinals need these three, and without them in good shape, this could be much more of a football game here Sunday, stumbling as the Packers have been, than some folks think.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CHICAGO CARDINALS
OCT 13 (Milwaukee Sentinel-Lloyd Larson) - Looks like a couple of "what's wrong" teams will square off Sunday when the Packers meet the Cardinals at State Fair Park. You see they're asking the question about the Cardinals, too, as a result of the 1947 champions' defeats at the hands of the Bears and Eagles. Which is no source of happiness to the ex-champs, as their spokesman, Publicity Director Eddie McGuire, made very plain Wednesday. "What's wrong with the Cardinals?" Eddie repeated way of kicking off. "Nothing but the darndest string of injuries to key men ever suffered by a pro team. Imagine having a fullback like Pat Harder sitting on the bench for two games. And how about getting along with Charley Trippi, Mal Kutner, Gerrard Ramsey and Elmer Angsman operating at about 50 percent efficiency? That's what happened to us. Anybody who suggests we don't have the finest spirit in the world is crazy. But you can't beat teams like the Bears and Eagles on spirit alone. It takes ball players and their best efforts to boot." But things are looking up for the date with the Packers this weekend. "Most of the boys should be ready to go at top speed," said McGuire. "Harder is particularly anxious to put on a show for the home folks. Boris Dimancheff is the only back definitely out of it. So the Packers can look forward to a rough afternoon."...OLD HOME WEEK FOR CARDINALS: There's an old home week tough to Sunday's game for five of the Cardinals: Harder, Ray Apolskis, pre-war star center at Marquette; Clarence Self, who wound up his Wisconsin halfbacking career last year; Dick Lopefe, ex-Badger tackle and Milwaukee East graduate, and Bob Nussbaumer, who launched his pro career with the Packers. Apolskis seems to be getting better with age, for he's enjoying his greatest season since joining the Cards back in 1941. Self, now being used as a defensive specialist, is doing a surprising job for a man of his height. Speed and desire help balance the books. Nussbaumer, who went to Washington in the Packer deal for Jack Jacobs, also is devoting himself to defensive chores.
Green Bay Packers (1-2) 19, New York Bulldogs (0-3) 0
Friday October 7th 1949 (at New York)
the two games against the Bears and Rams, for a gain of 154 yards.
GAIN 231 ON GROUND
Girard, the baseball man, handled just about all of the quarterbacking with gratifying results. Stan Heath went in the second quarter and Girard moved to left half, giving Jug a chance to become both a receiver and a passer. He caught one of Stan’s throws for 12 yards and Heath found Bob Forte for 17 on another. Jack Jacobs completed two out of four. The Packers lashed out with a damaging ground attack, good for 231 yards. The old grey head, Mr. Canadeo, counted an even 100 in 16 attempts and Walter Schlinkman, the fullback, registered 71 in six attempts for nearly an average of 12 yards. Three rookies gave the Packers a big lift on defense and all showed promise for future chores. Bob Summerhays backed the line and got a number of tackles. Paul (Buddy) Burris played the “slot” in the center of the line and got a large number of tackles along with Roger Eason, the guard converted to tackle to give Dick Wildung a chance to rest his injured heel. Bill Kelley, the club’s leading pass receiver until Ted Cook took over last night, did well at defensive right end working for the knee-weakened Don Wells. The Packer defense easily was the “star” of the game in as much as the offense, while it moved consistently was stymied by numerous man-in-motion penalties. The boys blocked two field goal attempts. The Packers led off as they did against the Bears and Rams, moving the ball deep into enemy territory only to come out pointless. After Canadeo and Summerhays gained ten yards in two tries, Girard passed to Cook for 13 yards to the Packer 36. Then Girard fired to Cook on the Bulldog 35 and Ted raced to the 16 for a 51-yard gain – longest of the season and the Bays’ sixth completion in two-plus games. The drive fizzled as Canadeo gained one, an in-motion set ‘em back five yards, a Girard-to-Cook pass went incomplete and Fritsch missed a field goal from the 26
ANOTHER GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY
The Packers got another golden opportunity when Heywood got a four-yard punt to give the Packers position on the Bulldogs’ 49. Three plays netted two yards so Fritsch tried his second field goal from the Bulldogs’ 45 (a 55-yarder) but it fell short. After holding the Bulldogs to one first down, the Packers got another chance. This time, Larry Craig recovered a Bobby Layne fumble at midfield but the attack stalled when three Girard passes went incomplete. The Bulldogs slammed together three first downs to the Packer 41 but important tackles by Burris, playing his first league game, Eason and Jay Rhodemyre forced the Dogs to try a field goal. Eason blocked the attempt by Nick Scollard on the Packer 43 early in the second quarter.
PACKERS IN HOCUS POCUS
The Packers then started a little hocus pocus, switching Girard from quarterback to left halfback and installing Heath at quarter. On the second play, Girard made a nifty catch of Heath’s pass on the Bulldog 45, a gain of 12 yards. Heath then caught Forte for a 17 yard pass gain but three plays later Slosburg intercepted Stan’s pass in the end zone. The Packers regained possession after a punt on the 40. On the first play Earhart fumbled and the Dogs recovered on the Pack 36. The Packers, with Eason and Burris getting the key tackles, stopped the enemy. Scollard dropped back on the 37 to try a field goal but Burris blocked it on the Packer 43. In six plays, the Packers took their first league game lead this season as Fritsch booted a 45-yard field goal. Girard completed an 18-yard pass to Cook to set the stage. Fritsch was back at it again – the fourth time – a moment later from the 40 but the ball went a trifle wide. The preceding series of plays was enlivened by some near fights between Girard and Forte and Paul Shoults. With a minute to go in the half, Forte intercepted DeMoss’ pass on the Bulldog 28 and ran to the 14. There were only 40 seconds left when Luhn made his great touchdown pass catch in the end zone between two Dogs. On the last two plays, Kelley smeared Layne for losses of eight and 11 yards. Fritsch’s try for the point was blocked.
SCOLLARD MISSES FG
The Bulldogs rapped out three first downs, with Layne completing two passes to the Packer 31. But the Bays stiffened and Scollard tried and missed a field goal from the 36. The Packers made it an even dozen points in 10 players, with Fritsch booting a field goal from the 14. The big gains were 13 yards by Schlinkman, 28 by Canadeo and 36 on a neat quick opener off guard by Schlinkman. The Packers launched another drive, this for 53 yards, but they lost the ball on the 17 on downs. Girard reeled off 14 yards when he couldn’t pass, Forte got 12, Canadeo 10 and Earhart and Schlinkman 12 before the Dogs stiffened. The Packers forced New York to punt twice early in the fourth quarter before they launched their touchdown drive from their own 39. Canadeo initiated it with a nine-yard from around right end – his favorite spot – and Summerhays added five. Canadeo hit the right end wide again for seven and Summerhays powered for 10, but the Packer backs were in motion. Canadeo ate up the first down distance around right end again to the Bulldog 35.
PACKERS IN EXERCISE
Schlinkman moved into fullback and moved outside right tackle for eight after which Girard hit Dan Orlich with a short pass for 12 yards to the 15. In a fast-breaking play, Girard sent Canadeo around the right side and Tony cut in nicely for the touchdown. Fritsch kicked the point. That was about it. The Packers exercised kicking off three times and the game finally ended with the Bulldogs at midfield.
GREEN BAY - 0 9 3 7 - 19
NY BULLDOGS - 0 0 0 0 - 0
2nd - GB - Ted Fritsch, 45-yard field goal GREEN BAY 3-0
2nd - GB - Nolan Luhn, 14-yard pass from Girard (Fritsch kick failed) GREEN BAY 9-0
3rd - GB - Fritsch, 14-yard field goal GREEN BAY 12-0
4th - GB - Tony Canadeo, 15-yard run (Fritsch kick) GREEN BAY 19-0
Captain Bulldog Turner decided on the wind, and, of course, Wildung got the alternative - receiving. The Packers, starting on their own 31, marched 52 yards in seven plays only to lose the pigskin when Tony Canadeo fumbled on the Bear 31. Against the Rams the following Sunday, the Packers won the toss and improved on their opening drive. This time, starting on their own 14, the Packers slammed 68 yards in nine plays to reach the Ram 18 where the attack stalled. Ted Fritsch tried a field goal for that all-important lead but missed. Out in New York a week ago tonight, the Packers got the toss again and, starting from their own 13, powered 72 yards in nine plays to the Bulldog 15. Again the drive was stopped and again Fritsch missed a field goal...AVERAGED 7.7 YARDS: The three drives, incidentally, produced a total gain of 192 yards in 25 plays for a hefty average of 7.7 yards. A total of 103 yards came on passing and 89 on the ground. Canadeo gobbled up 51 yards alone in nine attempts while fullbacks Walt Schlinkman and Fritsch made 10 and 12, respectively. Two long passes sparked the opening drives against the Rams and Bulldogs. Jack Jacobs hit Ted Cook for a 39-yard gain in the Ram battle, and Jug Girard and Cook worked a 51-yard air advance against the Dogs. There was one other opening-drive completion - good for 13 yards from Girard to Cook in the Bulldog battle. Maybe it would change their luck to kick off to the Cardinals, but the Packers would like another chance to go the distance Sunday...The Packer passing game, which ranks lowest in the league, received a jolt Wednesday afternoon when left end Cook split the middle finger of his right hand knocking down a ball in a pass defense drill. Cook's finger also was dislocated. Though he'll play against the Cardinals, Cook probably will be slightly below par. Right end Bill Kelley was shifted to left end - just in case Cook's injury bothers him too much. Also at left end will be Larry Craig and rookie Dan Orlich, who toil mostly on defense. The right ends are Nolan Luhn and Steve Pritko, who joined the club this week. Tackle Dick Wildung worked out in tennis shows Thursday. The veteran has been suffering from a bruised bone in his heel and remained out of the Bulldog game. With the pain leaving gradually, Wildung expects to be ready for the Cards. Veteran defensive back Irv Comp came up with a back sprain this week and may be handicapped Sunday. Comp has been backing up Tony Canadeo and Ralph Earhart at left half on offense, too, though he has yet to carry the ball in league play this season...PACKER PACKINGS: Jack Kirby, the former Southern California back, who gained 19 yards rushing for Washington against the Packers in the recent non-league game in Milwaukee, was in Green Bay today for a conference with Packer Coach Curly Lambeau. Kirby stands 5-11 and weighs 185 pounds. In the Washington game, Kirby caught a pass from Harry Gilmer for 18 yards...Ray Apolskis, former Marquette center, is having his greatest season with the Cardinals. Three ex-Wisconsin boys will work considerably against the Packers - Pat Harder, fullback; Clarence Self, halfback, and Dick Loepfe, tackle. Self and Bob Nussbaumer, former Packer back, work opposite each other in the Cardinals' defensive setup. Halfback Babe Dimancheff, who played practically the entire game at fullback against the Eagles while Harder squirmed on the bench with an injury from the Bear game, is definitely out of the Packer game. But Harder as well as halfbacks Charley Trippi and Elmer Angsman will be ready. Ugh!
AN OLD MAN? CANADEO BRISTLES WHEN YOU MENTION HIS GRAY HAIR
OCT 14 (Milwaukee Journal) - The back judge marked the forward point of progress and waited for the pile of players to untangle. Three Bulldogs got up, then Tony Canadeo leaped to his feet. "You still in the league?" cracked the official. "Aren't you a little old to be running around out here?" Canadeo bristled. A crimson flush swept over his face from his stubbled chin to his gray hair line. "Maybe," he snapped, "but I can still run a helluva lot better than you can see!" Canadeo might have added that at 29 he also can still run better than most of the runners in the National league, where for the last eight seasons he has been one of the leading ground gainers. Actually, the fierce little Italian has just about been Green Bay's offense the past three years. And come Sunday at State Fair park, he undoubtedly will again set the pace, sweeping wide around the Chicago Cardinals' left end on a pitchout that has about as much deception as a 24 sheet. This is Canadeo's most effective maneuver, but it does not classify as his favorite play. Canadeo's favorite play is any one that gains a yard for the Packers. One of the best team men in the league, he can get himself worked into a later for a scrimmage...SAVING ME? FOR WHAT? FOR THE JUNIOR PROM?: Long experience with the Gray Ghost of Gonzaga, as his teammates call him, has taught Curly Lambeau that the easiest way to handle him is keep him in the lineup and off the bench. Lambeau's new assistants are rapidly learning the same thing. "What are you saving me for, the junior prom?" he demanded of Tom Stidham in the Bear game three weeks ago when Ted Fritsch failed to pick up a yard that would have given the Packers an important first down. "I can gain a yard against anybody in this league. Put me in there!" Canadeo at present is only a runner, but there was a time when he ranked high among National league passers. In 1943 he took over the throwing when Cecil Isbell retired unexpectedly. "It wasn't my passing," says Canadeo, rather wistfully. "It was the receiving. There was a fellow named Hutson on the roster then." Nothing bothers the Ghost, who is about as ghostlike with a football as a falling rock, except reference to his age and defeat. It is about time that he comes accustomed to such remarks as "Who is the old man?" and "What is the grandfather doing out there?" But it always needles him into an outburst. "Don't those dopes know I was as gray as this when I was 14 years old. I'm no grayer today than I was when I entered college."...LAMBEAU DRAFTED CANADEO EARLY IN '40: Canadeo fully expected to wind up in Washington on the Redskin with the two Hare brothers. Cecil and Ray, with whom he teamed to make Gonzaga a power in Pacific Coast circles in the late thirties. Ray Flaherty, then coaching the Redskins, apparently had the inside track on all the material coming from Gonzaga, his alma mater. But Canadeo had come to Lambeau's attention early, first through the offices of Savior Canadeo, who was
bringing a modicum of fame to Green Bay as a Golden Glover boxer out of St. Norbert's college, and later by two kickoff returns. The first was a 105 yard effort that gave Gonzaga victory over Washington State, the other a sprint of 103 yards against Loyola of Los Angeles. Before Flaherty could make a sweep of the Gonzaga backfield in the National league draft of 1940, Lambeau claimed Canadeo. "I was scared to death. I didn't know anybody on the squad when I reported to the Packers. But Lambeau was a big help. He said, 'Don't worry, kid. You're going to stick. I like to have somebody on the squad that makes me look young.' I was 20 then - and impressionable."...GHOST RANKS BEHIND GREAT CLARK HINKLE: Canadeo started at right halfback. Later he switched to left half, where he piled up most of the 2,811 yards which make him the second best ground gainer in Packer history, next to the redoubtable Clarke Hinkle. Canadeo has carried the ball 644 times, giving him a lifetime average of 4.4 yards per attempt. At present he is third in the league, behind Steve Van Buren and Gene Roberts of the Giants, with 235 yards in 39 attempts, an average of six yards per try. Although Green Bay frightened him when he first got off the train back in 1940, Canadeo soon got to like the little town and now the entire Canadeo family resides there. Tony and Savior moved mother Canadeo up there into a home of her own, bought places for themselves and have helped a succession of brothers through St. Norbert. A large portion of the help came from Tony's football earning, but some of it came from the exterminating business founded by Savior and in which Tony now helps out in the off-season, working under the simple, but graphic slogan of "If you got 'em, let us get 'em."
JOHNSON'S TACKLE PLAY PLEASES PACKER COACHES
OCT 14 (Green Bay) - The Green Bay Packers' tackle problems appeared solved Friday with the addition of Glenn Johnson, the 265 pound Indian brought up from the Erie club of the American association. Johnson, who underwent his first test in a scrimmage Wednesday and Thursday, came out with flying colors and was immediately placed at the top of the club's list of defensive tackles. The former Arizona State college star will be used at left tackle against the Chicago Cardinals in Milwaukee Sunday, when the Packers strive to enter a tie for second place. His showing will permit the coaches to move Roger Eason back to guard. Eason was pressed into service at tackle against the Bulldogs in New York last week when a heel injury kept Capt. Dick Wildung on the bench. Still confident that their running game, which has averaged five yards an attempt, will gain against the Cardinals despite the wholesale shakeup Coach Phil Handler has made in the Chicago line, the Packers went back to another long forward passing session Friday. "Our passing is improving steadily," said backfield coach Bob Snyder. "Girard and Heath just need some more big time experience. One of these days we're going to surprise somebody." The Packers will leave for Milwaukee Saturday afternoon. They will leave from Milwaukee immediately after the Cardinal game for Los Angeles, where they will spend a week preparing for their second encounter with the Rams on October 23.
JOHNSON WILL HELP PACKERS
OCT 14 (Milwaukee Sentinel) - The Green Bay Packers' chances of reaching second place in the Western division of the NFL brightened considerably Thursday, following the release of official statistics and a long scrimmage at Rockwood lodge. The scrimmage was the first test for Glenn Johnson, the 265 pound tackle signed this week, and Johnson came through with flying colors. Coaches Tom Stidham and Charlie Brock said the six foot, four inch Indian looms as probably the Packers' best defensive tackle and possibly the outstanding man at his position in the league. Statistically, the Packer stock rose on the announcement that in three games, against the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams and New York Bulldogs, Green Bay's backs have rushed at a rate of a little better than five yards per attempt. Especially noteworthy in their record is a mark of 138 yards on the ground in the first half against the Bears. Although the Packers were reported getting more confident of their ability to beat the Cardinals, the Chicagoans remained a 13 point favorite in their battle at State Fair Park Sunday. The game is a do-or-die engagement for both clubs. Each already has suffered two defeats.
CARDS SHIFT DEFENSE LINE, USE ROOKIES
OCT 14 (Chicago Tribune) - The Chicago Cardinals yesterday made a major switch in the line, trouble spot in their last two losses, to the Bears and Philadelphia Eagles. Against the Green Bay Packers in Milwaukee Sunday, Bill Foscher, mammoth rookie from Notre dame, will start at left tackle, and Plato Andros, in this third professional season, will open at the other tackle spot. George Petrovich, freshman from Texas, will move from left tackle to right guard on offense. Bob Zimny and Joe Coomer, who have been at right tackle, will be employed primarily at left guard on defense, but will remain at their old spots on offense. The shifts, explained Co-Coach Phil Handler, are designed to bolster the Cardinals' defense, which sagged in their last two defeats. In giving more rope to the rookies, Handler will move Tom (Whim) Wham from right end to the other side on defense to spell veteran Bob Dove. Jim Cain, a newcomer from Alabama, will continue to work at right end on defense. "I've never seen a finer performance at this position than Jim's against the Eagles," said Handler after yesterday's drill in Comiskey park, which included live individual scrimmage, unusual so close to game time. Handler's moves mean that on occasions, five of the seven linemen on defense will be rookies. The only veterans in the combination at center and Garrard (Buster) Ramsey at right guard. "I think these changes will have the desired effect," said Handler. In three league games the Cardinals have yielded 482 yards on the ground, an average of 3.8 per rush. In contract, the champion Eagles have been pushed around for only 292 yards and a 3.0 average, the Bears 399 and a 3.7 average, and the Rams 338 for a 3.4 average. Return of Hamilton Nichols for assignments at left guard on offense and right guard on defense also is expected to aid the defense. Further emphasizing the Cardinals' efforts to recapture their winning stride is overtime drills for Jim Hardy, the new quarterback. Yesterday Hardy was joined by Mal Kutner, Bob Ravensburg and Wham. Kutner still is favoring his injured knee and probably will play no defense against the Packers, but Jerry Davis, who like Nichols, has been out all season with injuries, will operate at right half or safety. Clarence Self will be moved to left halfback on defense. Dr. Frank Glassman, the Cardinals' physician, said yesterday that Pat Harder "absolutely will be ready." The veteran fullback was running hard in drills. Only Babe Dimancheff, hurt at Philadelphia, will be unavailable. The Babe probably will be in shape for the Lions a week from Sunday in Comiskey park.
HARDER BACK IN CARD LINEUP FOR BAY TILT
OCT 14 (Chicago) - The Chicago Cardinals Friday stripped all the subterfuge and masterminding from their preparations for the important National League encounter with Green Bay at Milwaukee by flatly announcing Pat Harder would be back at his regular fullback spot Sunday. Earlier in the week the Cardinals adopted a cagey attitude, calculated, no doubt, to throw the up and coming Packers off stride, by declaring the big fullback would be unable to appear before his hometown neighbors in Milwaukee. When it became obvious that the Packers were not being misled, Coaches Phil Handler and Buddy Parker turned honest and gave out the word. Harder, the best fullback and leading scorer in the National League, is fully recovered from the side injury which put him out of action for a week the first time he carried the ball against the Chicago Bears. Handler and Parker also announced that all hands except Boris Dimancheff would face the Packers, who bar the Cardinals' way to a second place tie in the western division and who have an excellent opportunity to eliminate the Chicagoans from further championship consideration.
went in motion and the ball went back to the 7. The Packers had to settle for a Ted Fritsch field goal. Incidentally, Schlinkman’s 36-yard slam was so swift that the Dog backer-up didn’t recover until Schlink was 10 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. Speaking of rushing, the old grey head, Tony Canadeo, had the left side of the Bulldogs’ line slightly dizzy. Tony picked up an even 100 yards (he lost 15 more on penalties) off or around that side…Like a pitcher who treasures his hits, Tony got more of a kick out of the block he threw to help Girard along on a 16-yard run. Jug was back to pass on third down with 15 yards to go for a firster when Girard took off in the third quarter. Incidentally, Carl Rebele, the official, asked Canadeo on the field: “Are you still running in this league; though you had retired years ago.” Tony, now in his eight season, said after the game: “Everybody thinks I’m an old man; maybe it’s because of the grey hair. But I was only 20 when I started playing in this league.” The Packers came out of the game in good physical condition. Guard Damon Tassos got a kick in the neck and Bob Forte, who had himself a big time on offense and defense, was aching around the legs. Tackle Dick Wildung, bothered with a painful heel hurt, remained on the bench and should be ready for old Christman and Company. The real old man of the Packers, Larry Craig, who is in his 11th season, couldn’t do much practicing last week because of an injured foot but you would never have guessed there was anything wrong with him Friday night. Line Coach Tom Stidham remarked after the game: “Larry looked like the Craig I’ve heard so much about for many years.” They had two men on Craig most of the game…GAME LEFTOVERS: Packer Head Coach Curly Lambeau viewed most of the game from the Packer bench, thus carrying out his recent decision to place the practice and game operations in charge of Assistants Bob Snyder, Stidham and Charley Brock. It was a tough job for Curly after 30 years on the sidelines. Occasionally, he walked up to the sidelines to pat a player on the back or confer briefly with Stidham or Brock. Snyder worked the telephone from the press box…Bulldog owner Ted Collins paced the New York sidelines. Consider the plight of Kate Smith’s manager: He lost approximately $45,000 on Friday night’s venture and besides his team was pushed all over the field. The World Series hurt like mad. The newspapers all but overlooked the football game and the attendance showed it – 5,009…Coming up from Baltimore for the game was Cecil Isbell, former Packer passing great who recently lost his job as head coach of the Baltimore Colts. Isbell said he’d hold tight until after the football season before making plans for 1950…The Packers and Dogs were quite field goal-minded, the two teams trying eight. Nick Scollard, who booted a 55-yarder in a non-leaguer against the Packers at Rock Island, had two of his three kicks blocked by Roger Eason and Paul Burris. Ted Fritsch made kicks from the 14 and 45, but missed from the 26, the Bulldogs’ 45 (a 55-yarder) and the 40. His boot from the 40 went wide by only a foot or two…Roger Eason, normally a guard, played left tackle for the first time in five years Friday night and had himself a terrific time getting tackles all over the place.
PACKERS SIGN TACKLE AND END; WELLS, SMITH PUT ON WAIVERS
OCT 11 (Green Bay) - Two familiar faces were missing and two new ones were present today as the Packers launched intensive preparations for their important NFL game with the Chicago Cardinals in Milwaukee next Sunday afternoon. Gone from the Packer scene were Don Wells, the defensive right and, and Ed Smith, sophomore right halfback, who were placed on waivers. The newcomers are Steve Pritko, veteran defensive end who formerly played with the New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams and New York Bulldogs, and Glen Johnson, a 260-pound tackle from Arizona State college who saw action with the New York Yankees in 1948 and part of this season. Wells, former Georgia star, was in his fourth season here. After the season of 1947, Wells underwent an operation for a chronic knee ailment but he was still bothered with the injury late in 1948 and all of this season. Smith, a product of Texas Mines, was in his second season here. With the addition of Pritko, the Packers have six ends – Larry Craig, Ted Cook and Dan Orlich at left end and Nolan Luhn, Bill Kelley and Pritko at right. Orlich can play both right or left. Waivering of Smith leaves the Packers with two right halfbacks – Bob Cifers and Bob Forte, although Ralph Earhart worked at that position last week. The left halfbacks, besides Earhart, are Tony Canadeo and Irv Comp. Remainder of the 11 backs are quarterbacks Jug Girard, Stan Heath and Jack Jacobs and fullbacks Ted Fritsch, Walter Schlinkman and Bob Summerhays. Addition of Johnson boosted the tackle roster to six – Dick Wildung, Paul Lipscomb, Urban Odson, Lew Ferry and Ed Bell. Available for switch-hitting is Roger Eason, the guard who played a great game at tackle against the Bulldogs last Friday night. Signing of the two linemen was the second major personnel change made by Coach Curly Lambeau since he announced two weeks ago that he were delegating field operations to Assistants Tom Stidham, Bob Snyder and Charley Brock. His first move was the release of end Clyde Goodnight and center Bob Flowers. Pritko, former Villanova star, is 27 years of age, stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. Now in his seventh season, Steve played with the Rams in 1944, 1945 and 1946, with the New York Giants in 1943 on lend lease from the Rams, and in 1947 he was traded to the Boston Yanks for fullback Jim Mello. Pritko was almost unanimously selected as the greatest defensive end in the league in 1945. Every all-league selection named either Pritko or his teammate, Jim Benton, at one end and the immortal Don Hutson at the other. Steve is at his best when the going is rough. In the Rams’ second game of the 1944 season, he received a broken nose but did not miss a contest. Against the Bears in 1946, while attempting to field one of Bob Waterfield’s passes he banged into a goal post so hard that he broke two ribs but was still in the game on the next play. Johnson, who stands 6-4, was regarded as one of the outstanding tackles in college football in 1947. He played nine games with the Yankees in 1948. Early this season, Johnson injured a shoulder and was “farmed out” by the Yankees to Erie, Pa., in an effort by the New York club to keep a sting on him. Pittsburgh, in an exhibition game against Erie, was given such a tough time by Johnson in barely winning that the Steelers made an effort to grab him. Johnson was anxious to return to the National league and finally settled with the Packers. Both Pritko and Johnson likely will be ready for the Packer-Cardinal clash although their efforts may be confined to defense until they master the Bays’ offensive maneuvers.
LUHN'S FIRST CATCH GOES FOR TD; GET THE MAN AN AIRPLANE
OCT 11 (Green Bay) - The Packers might hire a special airplane for Nolan Luhn, the stringbeany right end. Nolan’s tummy generally does a dipsy-doodle when the air riding becomes bumpy, and the trip out of New York over the past weekend was no exception. The aggravating experience came to a head as the Packers unloaded from a bus in front of the New Yorker. It can be hoped that Luhn – one of the better pass receivers in the National league in 1947 – got something out of his system. Not 30 hours later, Nolan caught his first pass of the three-game-old 1949 season and, by golly, it went for a touchdown. The reception, with Jug Girard on the aiming end, was a magnificent one in the end zone and covered 14 yards – not counting his leap with two Bulldogs on his shoulders. Asked about it later, Luhn ran his finger across his throat and gulped: “Ah just had to catch it.” Nolan caught two touchdown passes out of 17 receptions during the entire 1948 season against seven out of 42 in 1947 – his best season. One of his TD catches last season came during the 7-6 Bear game in Chicago on a similar maneuver. The ball was on the 14-yard line; he took it between two Bears; and the catch was made in about the same spot. Luhn’s only other TD reception was made in the Yank game in Boston (now the Bulldogs) – a 20-yard throw from Fred Provo. The Packer passing attack is getting progressively better. Against the Bears three weeks ago, the Pack failed to complete a pass in 13 tries. Against the Rams, Green Bay completed four out of 21. The Bays completed nine out of 30 against the Bulldogs. Girard, the “rookie” quarterback and veteran left half, completed five of the passes – three to left end Ted Cook for a total of 60 yards; the one to Luhn; and one to Dan Orlich for 12 yards. Jack Jacobs completed two – one to Ralph Earhart for 18 yards and one to Forte for a minus four. Stan Heath found Girard for 12 and Forte for 17. Girard, incidentally, had himself a busy night. He went into left half when Stan Heath took over at quarterback for a short series and again when Jack Jacobs handled the slot – both switches being made in the second quarter. As a left half, Jug made a snazzy catch of a Heath pass. As a quarterback, Girard advanced the ball a total of 34 yards in three attempts when he couldn’t find a receiver. What’s more, Jug filled in for the injured Ed Smith on returning punts, dashing three of them back for 41 yards. Being a baseball player of some renown, Girard was right at home in the New York Giants’ baseball orchard – the Polo Grounds. Part of the game was played on the dirt areas surrounding the infield. The Packers went out to the game in the subway, bringing back some memories for the former Packer passer, Cecil Isbell, who attended the game. “Back in 1942, Fritsch and Sample and a couple of other players got lost and almost missed the start of the game.” Last Friday night, Fritsch led the way and all arrived on time – with no detours. Incidentally, the Packers had good reason for taking the underground racers. It takes over an hour to travel from the Hotel New Yorker to the field by bus, and a lot of the taped-up players would become cramped, being unable to move about as freely in a bus as they would in a subway. The underground ride takes only about 30 minutes.
PACKERS EYE ONE MORE CHANCE - TO RECEIVE
OCT 14 (Green Bay) - The Packers would like to receive the opening kickoff against the Cardinals in Milwaukee Sunday. They figure they can make it this time. In their first three NFL games this season, the Packers received and charged deep into enemy territory - only to come out pointless. Captain Dick Wildung, who calls "heads" or "tails" for the Packers on the toss of the coin, has been keeping his fingers crossed all week for a smile from Lady Luck. The Bears won the toss in the league opener here Sept. 25 but
GAME RECAP (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE)
(NEW YORK) - Get out the band, Green Bay, the Packers won their first NFL game in nearly a year by defeating a spunky litter of New York Bulldogs before only 5,099 fans in the Polo Grounds Friday night. This final score, 19-0 – almost identical to the 16-0 beating they administered to the Los Angeles Rams back in Green Bay on Oct. 17, 1948. Since that contest, the Packers dropped nine consecutive league struggles, two this season. The Packers came out with a high school spirit. You could hear ‘em yelling all the way up to the press box and they never let up. The scoring came hard as march after march diluted near the Bulldog goal line. Finally, Ted Fritsch booted the first of two field goals in the second quarter and Nolan Luhn made a leaping catch of Jug Girard’s 14-yard pass a few minutes later. Midway in the third heat, Fritsch kicked another field goal – this from the 14 to climax a happy evening. Tony Canadeo zoomed around right end for 15 yards and the last touch. Battling against one of the tougher lines in the league, the Bays never let New York get any closer than the 15 as they outcharged the Dogs all night, permitting them only 71 yards rushing. The Packers came out with something virtually strange – a passing attack. They completed nine aerials (out of 30 tries) – five more than they did in
PACKERS GET CHANCE TO BREAK CARDS' VICTORY SPELL SUNDAY
OCT 10 (Green Bay) - It’s losing-streak-breaking time. Out in New York Friday night, the Green Bays ended their longest losing skein in history – nine straight – by whipping the Bulldogs, 19-0. That string was started a year ago this month. Next Sunday in Milwaukee, the Packers get a beautiful opportunity to snap another loss streak – that held by the Chicago Cardinals, who posted five consecutive victories over Green Bay. The Cards started that misery in rain-soaked City stadium in 1946 with a 24-6 triumph that featured the blossoming of an ex-Notre Damer, Elmer Angsman – now a well-known thorn. The hard luck Packers of 1947 dropped two decision – 14 to 10 in Green Bay and 21 to 20 in Chicago, but in 1948 the Cards had an easier time – 17 to 7 in Milwaukee and 42-7 in Chicago. Beaming with optimism, the Packers resumed practice with a light loosening-up program this afternoon. Saturday and Sunday were “off” days. The Packers had reason to be optimistic about the future, with two good performances in their last three league starts. The Packers gave the Bears a going-over before losing, 17-0, when the offense failed to materialize. The Rams caught the Packers tighter than that old drum and – well, the final score was 48-7…Against the Bulldogs, the Bays were downright vicious. Their blocking was crisp; the tackling deadly. A total of 130 yards in penalties proved to be the Packers’ biggest stumbling block. They lost around 50 yards rushing on those penalties and one – an in-motion miscue – cost a touchdown. Walt Schlinkman was cussing himself from here to yonder on that one penalty. Little Choo Choo (he snorts like a locomotive when he runs) had just bolted 36 yards through guard to the Bulldog two-yard stripe. Quarterback Jug Girard gave the honor of scoring to Walter, but the fullback
SUNDAY VICTORY IS 'MUST' FOR PACKERS, CHICAGO CARDINALS
OCT 12 (Green Bay) - The Packer-Cardinal game in Milwaukee Sunday is THE big game of the season – for both clubs. It wasn’t planned that way three weeks ago but a glance at the Western division standings today makes the contest the “turning point” of the 1949 campaign for both teams. The spacing of the five Western division squads shows the Packers and Cardinals tied in third place behind the Los Angeles Rams (3-0) and the Chicago Bears (2-1). The Pack and Card outfits each won one and lost two. As a matter of fact, the position of the Cardinals and Packers is rather unusual. The Cardinals, you’ll remember, won the world’s championship in 1947 and had to settle for the Western title last December after losing that 7-0 snowbound battle to the Philadelphia Eagles. On the other hand, the Packers are emerging from their disastrous 1948 season (3-9) with a lot of new personnel and a pretty sharp spirit. The Packers and Cardinals will be fighting to escape from their third victories. And the players don’t have to be told that a third loss means virtual elimination from the championship race, although it's not unusual for a Western division titlist to finish with three losses in regular competition. A comparison of the Cardinals and Packers - on the basis of their three league games - seems in order...BEARS ARE COMMON FOES: The Bears have been the Packers' and Cardinals' only common foe in league competition this season. The Bruins downed Green Bay on the strength of two long touchdown passes and a field goal, 17 to 0. The Cardinals fell before the Bears, 17 to 7, in a game that was punctuated by numerous fights. Though comparative scores mean little, the figures make the Packers seven-point underdogs. You can also say that the Cards' scoring rally makes their offense seven points better than the Packers' point-machine. The Cardinals' other loss was administered by the Eagles, 28-3, and their lone victory came over Washington. The Packers, after losing to the Bears in the opener, followed with a 48-7 setback at the hands of the powerhouse Rams, who licked the Bears by 31-16. Last Friday night the Bays overpowered the New York Bulldogs, 19-0...The Packers put in a rough workout Tuesday and followed it with another one today. Glen Johnson, the 260-pound tackling making his first showing, broke up several plays from his left tackle spot on defense. Also appearing for the first time was Steve Pritko, who worked at right end on defense. Johnson and Pritko were signed Tuesday following the release of Don Wells, right end, and Ed Smith, right halfback. Johnson likely will see some action against the Cardinals. Tackle Dick Wildung still is bothered with a bruise on his heel. Dick has been working out lightly and may play briefly Sunday. Another left tackle, rookie Lew Ferry, has an injured leg. Against the Bulldogs, Roger Eason, formerly a guard, played all of the defensive left tackle and Ed Bell handled the offense in the postion. Ralph Earhart, a right hald last year who started this season at left half, continued at RH Tuesday, sharing the
spot with Bob Forte. Bob Cifers, the former Pittsburgh ground gainer, is bothered with a groin injury and played little against the Bulldogs. If Cifer is sidelined Sunday, Earhart may carry most of the load at RH since Forte spends most of the time on defense. Irv Comp, a left halfback who has been playing defense only in the three league games, did quite a bit of ball carrying Tuesday and may share the position with Tony Canadeo Sunday. Also at left half was Jug Girard, who played both LH and QB against the Dogs. Girard, who does just about anything on the field, practiced kicking field goals after practice Tuesday with Ted Fritsch and Joe Etheridge, the guard.
HOUSE OF CARDS TUMBLES IN BIG WIND OF INJURIES
OCT 12 (Chicago Tribune) - Having matched their 1948 defeat total, no one knows better than the Chicago Cardinals that the time had come to go on a winning spree or start building for 1950. Their failures against the Bears and Philadelphia Eagles in the space of six days were attributable to several factors, some of them cleanly etched and others under the table, so to speak. Injuries were contributory and this is noted somewhat hesitantly because no team escapes hurts in big time football. It must be taken for granted that full personnel will not always be available. With a squad of 32 players, a club is expected to overcome the always recurring loss of players. But in justice to the Cards their injuries were concentrated among key players, such as Charley Trippi, Mal Kutner, Pat Harder, Chet Bulger and Buster Ramsey. It's just possible that the Cardinals were overconfident when they met the Bears. They had whipped them four of out five times and were sure they only had to show up to beat the north siders. They were just as confident they could take the Eagles, too. The Cards, in winning the National league's western division title in 1947 and 1948, were noted for their spirit. This verve was lacking in the two game which followed their smashing opening victory over Washington. Something, too, has been wrong with the red shirts' great forward wall which figured to be even better this year, bolstered at it is by five outstanding rookies - Jim Cain and Tom (Whim) Wham, defensive ends; John Goldsberry and George Petrovich, tackles, and mountain Bill Fischer, guard. These newcomers have been given major jobs in the three league games. The ends particularly have been potent. Fischer has come through handsomely, but has not shown the fire which usually distinguishes players from Notre Dame. The repair job obviously needed is to have all the Cards returned to the sound health and to persuade the linemen to play more viciously. Fortunately, the tempo of the schedule eases the next five Sundays, starting with the game coming up Sunday in Milwaukee against Green Bay. Then come home contests with the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants, followed by matches abroad against the Lions and New York Bulldogs. These four rivals, with the possible exception of the Bulldogs, are dangerous, but not in the class with the Eagles or Rams. A chain of five triumphs might restore to the Cardinals their sharp form of last year for the last four crucial games - two with the Los Angeles Rams and one each against the Packers and Bears. The Cards cheered the Rams' victory over the Bears for the simple reason they have a better chance to catch the Rams, whom they play twice, than they would have had the Bears won and the Rams lost. The Cards have only one more shot at the Bears. Following this same line of reasoning the Cards will be pulling for the Eagles to down the Bears Sunday, so that by knocking off the Packers they could move into a tie for second place. They'll also be highly in favor of the Eagles beating the Rams in Philadelphia on Nov. 6. At yesterday morning's drill, Babe Dimancheff, a staunch figure in the game against the Eagles, was scratched from competition against the Packers. The Babe suffered a knee injury late in the contest.
PRITKO WILL BE AT RIGHT END SUNDAY
OCT 12 (Green Bay) - Curly Lambeau announced Wednesday, after a conference with his three man coaching staff, that Steve Pritko, veteran receiver who was obtained from the New York Bulldogs, would be used at right end against the Cardinals in Milwaukee Sunday. At the same time Lambeau announced Glenn Johnson, 265 pound tackle signed with Pritko, would back up Captain Dick Wildung at left tackle and that henceforth little Ralph Earhart would alternate at left and right halfback. Earhart played right half last year, but has been used on the other side this year. Lambeau's announcement followed a long drill on passing on Wednesday morning, during which it was indicated that Jug Girard would start at quarterback again. Girard has been improving rapidly since making his debut under center against the Chicago Bears three weeks ago. The Packer proceeded with preparations to stop Pat Harder, Chicago fullback, who is reported to be ready to go again. Morale is high in the Packer camp and the squad feels it can move into a second place tie with the Bears, even if Harder is his old self. The Cardinals have won five straight over the Packers, a string the Bays have decided has gone just a little too far already.
PACKERS GAIN FIVE YARDS PER TRY ON GROUND TO TOP LEAGUE
OCT 13 (Green Bay) - Our boys - the Packers, that is - can really run with that old pigskin but the passing is a different story. The NFL statistical bureau came out with the big news today that the Packers have averaged an even five yards every time they carried the ball from scrimmage. That's top in a league that includes such ground crunchers as the Chicago Cardinals with their Harder, Trippi and Angsman; the Philadelphia Eagles with their Van Buren; and the Los Angeles Rams with Hirsch and Hoerner. The Packers compiled their handsome average by gaining 615 yards (an average of over 200 per game) in 122 rushes. Only the Eagles had a higher yardage total, 675, but they carried 170 times - 48 more than the Packers - for a four-yard average. The Packers' opponents in Milwaukee next Sunday, the Cardinals rank second in average rushing - 4.8 on 508 yards in 106 attempts. The Bears, by the way, had averaged only 3.2 yards rushing on 383 yards in 122 attempts. The big gun in the Packers' turf toils is
Baronis, are much bigger than the Billdog pivotmen. Guard Ed Neal has been playing mostly on offensive center. Big Paul Lipscomb, playing with a face guard consistenly for the first time this season, will handle right tackle with Wildung, Johnson, Lew Ferry and possibly Roger Eason working at left tackle. Urban Odson and Ed Ball will back up Lipscomb at RT. Larry Craig, of course, is the scourge at defensive left end by at right end Kelley and Pritko will share the defensive work. Kelly, normally an offensive end, did a good job on defense spelling Don Wells, who was placed on waivers this week. There may be some last minute switches if Cook is hampered by his injury...GAME NOTES: The Packers will leave at 5:25 this evening on the Milwaukee Road Chippewa. They'll headquarter at the Schroeder hotel. The ticket windows at State Fair Park will open at 10 o'clock Sunday morning. The Packers will leave immediately after the game for Chicago where they'll catch a train for Los Angeles. They are due to arrive in Ramville Tuesday morning to start preparation for next Sunday's game. Ed Crim, Milwaukee Road passenger agent, is handling arrangements for the trip west. The Packer Lumberjack band will provide between-halves entertainment Sunday...The Rams are favored to return home wih a 4-0 record after their visit to Detroit Sunday. A victory for Green Bay over the Cardinals could mean a 50,000 or 60,000 crowd for the Packer-Ram tilt.
PACKERS SIGN KIRBY, MEET CARDS SUNDAY
OCT 15 (Milwaukee Journal) - Jack Kirby, the Southern California halfback who led the Trojans to their surprise tie with Notre Dame last fall, Saturday was added to the Green Bay Packer roster for the National League game with the Chicago Cardinals in State Fair park Sunday. He will work with Tony Canadeo at left half. Kirby is 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 187 pounds. Essentially a running back, the former Southern California star is regarded as better than an average pass receiver and punt handler. He is the third man signed this week in Curly Lambeau's attempt to revitalize the Packers. Lambeau and the Packers got a brief look at Kirby in State Fair park last month when he was on the receiving end of several of Harry Gilmer's passes while the Washington Redskins turned back Green Bay in a nonchampionship game. Kirby at that time demonstrated fine speed, but subsequently was made a free agent by the Redskins because Admiral Welchel, Washington's new coach, decided he wanted taller men for pass defense. Lambeau said Saturday that he was pleased with the progress the Packers have made this week under the coaching triumverate of Tom Stidham, Bob Snyder and Charlie Brock. Last week's triumph over the New York Bulldogs did much to lift the club's morale and the addition of Steve Pritko and Glenn Johnson increased its confidence in its ability to become a first flight contender. Meanwhile in Chicago, the Cardinals announced that Pat Harder definitely would play, and that the Cardinals would start their regular backfield of Charlie Trippi and Elmer Angsman at the halfbacks, Paul Christman at quarterback and Harder at full. The Cardinals view Sunday's game as the key to their fight for a third straight division championship. The winner here will move up into a second place tie with the Chicago Bears, provided the Bears go the way of all prognostications in their engagement with the high flying Philadelphia Eagles. A Packer victory would just about close the door to all Cardinal pennant aspirations.
PACKERS HOPE TO SNAP CARDINAL STRING TODAY
OCT 16 (Milwaukee Journal) - The Green Bay Packers broke one losing streak the other day when they beat the New York Bulldogs. They had dropped nine National league games in a row. Sunday they will try to
break another losing streak, one just as annoying, when they meet the Chicago Cardinals at State Fair park. They have lost five games with the Cards. Not since 1946 have they won from the red shirted horde. The odds makers don't think much of Green Bay's chances. The Cardinals rule a touchdown choice. But then the oddsmakers didn't think much of their chances against the Bulldogs, either, New York was a seven point favorite a week ago. Green Bay won, 19 to 0. The Packers themselves have hopes, and high hopes, and in support of them they point to their performance against the Bulldogs. It was one of Green Bay's best games this fall - perhaps not in actual scoring, for the club still lacked punch in scoring zones, but certainly in hard blocking and tackling. New York, with one of the more rugged defensive lines in the league, was stopped or scattered. The Packers, further, have undergone no little face lifting since their early disappointments, and with pleasing results. Gone are men like Ed Smith, Clyde Goodnight, Bob Flowers, Ed Cody and Don Wells and come to take their places are boys like Steve Pritko, Jack Kirby and Glenn Johnson. Kirby, one of Southern California's best backs last year, was signed Saturday. The changes have not only improved the club but have provided a psychological lift. And more are still to come. Chicago's physical condition undoubtedly will have an important bearing on the result. Saturday, the Cardinals announced that only Boris Dimancheff, slippery little halfback, would definitely be out of the lineup because of injuries. Pat Harder and Charlie Trippi, injured either in the Bear game two weeks ago or the Eagle game last Sunday, will play but whether they will be able to operate at full efficiency remains to be seen. Harder had an injured side, Trippi a bad knee. Chicago's greatest strength is undoubtedly centered in its backfield of Harder, Trippi, Angsman and Christman if the starting lineup is intact and at ends, if Mal Kutner who has been injured since early in the season, can go at full speed. Green Bay is weakest in the backfield and at the ends, but has an advantage from tackle to tackle. Coaches Moxie Handler, Dick Plasman and Buddy Parker themselves recognize the weaknesses in the Cardinal line, and since the game with the Eagles, they have shuffled it around, putting Bill Fisher and Plato Andros, two guards, at the vital tackles, and Bill Coomer and George Petrovich at the guards. The speed and quickness of Chicago's backs, right down through the substitutes, and the passing of Christman and Hardy pose the greatest threat to the Packers. Only superlative defensive play can meet it. The Packers, on the other hand, have no constant threat except perhaps Tony Canadeo with his flying feet, and he is the only one. The passing has been pitiable. In three league games, the club has a completion average of 20%. The Cardinals have nothing to worry about from Green Bay in the air. Sunday's game will start at 2 o'clock. A crowd of 20,000 is expected. The winner will attain a .500 standing in the league. Each has won one and lost two so far.
STRUGGLING CARDINALS AND PACKERS WILL BATTLE TODAY
OCT 16 (Chicago Tribune) - The Chicago Cardinals and Green Bay Packers, desperately striving to drag themselves back into the NFL's western division race, will collide this afternoon in State Fair park in West Allis, a Milwaukee suburb. Both teams, which have lost two of their first three games of a 12-game schedule, know a defeat will be tantamount to elimination, or at best reduce their chances of a tie for western honors. Despite beating the New York Bulldogs last week, 19 to 0, while the Cardinals were losing to the Philadelphia Eagles, 28 to 3, the Packers were pegged by bettors as two touchdowns inferior to their opponents of today. While the Cardinals have made major changes to their line, the Packers have been concentrating on building a pass offense. To this end, they have added Steve Pritko, a veteran who had his best campaigns with the old Cleveland Rams. Apparently having decided to use Jack Jacons mainly for pass defense and punting, Packer coaches have been concentrating on their two new quarterbacks, Earl (Jug) Girard and Stan Heath. One of the Cards' big problems will be stopping Tony Canadeo's slashing runs to the right. Tony gained 107 yards against the Bulldogs, raising his total yardage for three games to 235. This gives the old grey ghost of Gonzaga a total of 2,811 yards in his eighth season. Now 29, Tony may run out of time before cracking Clarke Hinkle's all-time Green Bay record of 3,860 yards over 10 seasons, but he now has an average of 4.4 to Hinkle's 3.29. All during the week, bulletins from both camps were on the optimistic side, but there may be no more than 20,000 spectators on hand to see which team hits the comeback trail. The game has a strong Wisconsin flavor, with such Cardinals as Pat Harder, Ray Apolskis, Clarence Self and Dick Loepfe from the Badger state. Green Bay has only five native sons - Ted Fritsch, Bill Schroeder, Irv Comp, Girard and Evan Vogds. Heath? He was born in Toledo, O. Girard is developing fast under the sponsorship of Bob Snyder, Packers' backfield coach. When Heath comes in at quarterback, Girard sometimes moves to left halfback, where he runs effectively and fields passes. Jacobs likewise is a threat at quarterback if the two youngsters are not going smoothly in a tight game.
PACKERS BATTLE CARDS IN CRUCIAL TILT AT MILWAUKEE SUNDAY
OCT 15 (Milwaukee) - The Green Bay Packers will sail into the Chicago Cardinals at State Fair Park here at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon in a NFL struggle that will make or break the title ambitions of both clubs. The Packers and Cards are locked in a third place tie in the Western division standings with one victory and two losses each. The winner Sunday could go into second place providing the champion Philadelphia Eagles bump the Bears in Chicago, while the loser will be virtually eliminated from championship contention. More than 20,000 persons - certainly not near the record crowd of 34,000-plus who watched the same combatants here last fall - are expected to watch tomorrow's engagement. Perfect football weather is predicted and several thousand fans are expected to drive down from Green Bay. The Packers, a 13-point underdog, are loose and ready for the big fracas. The word "loose" is mentioned because the squad was "tight" for only one NFL game this season - the Los Angeles Ram battle in which the Packers were defeated, 48 to 7. The Packers were loose and ready for the Chicago Bears but the offense was missing and the Bays went down, 17-0, in a great display of spirit and fight. The third game - against the Bulldogs in New York a week ago Friday night - saw the Packer machine post a 19-0 decision. The Packers are not in the best of shape for the big classic but maybe that's a good sign. They were pretty well crippled up for the mission to New York and the result was a shutout win...KELLEY TO LEFT END?: Most disheartening injury news concerns Ted Cook and his right hand. The rangy offensive left end split a finger and dislocated it at the same time batting down a ball in defensive practice this week. Ted will play but may not be up to par. Should Cook have considerable trouble, rookie right end Bill Kelley will move over to the left end. Tackle Dick Wildung is still bothered with that painful heel bruise, although he'll see some action. He was held out of the Bulldog game. Working for the first time at left tackle will be Glen Johnson, the 260-pound newcomer, who did well in practice this week. Guards Damon Tassos, who got a crack in the neck at New York, and Joe Etheridge, who hurt his knee in practice, are ready. Defensive back Irv Comp has a back injury. Besides Johnson, the Bays will come out with two other new faces - Steve Pritko, right end, and Jack Kirby, the former University of Southern California and Washington Redskin back who was signed today. Kirby will operate at left half although his work Sunday may be confined to returning punts and playing defense. Kirby stands 5-11 and weighs 185 pounds. He gained fame last fall by setting up both of the touchdowns as Southern Cal tied Notre Dame, 14-14, catching passes for 35 and 40-yard gains and running 23. A native of North Hollywood, Kirby is 26 years of age and married. The Cardinals will be in top condition. Fullback Pat Harder and left half Charley Trippi will be running at full speed since being injured early in the Bear game two weeks ago. Also back after a rough time in the Bear game will be Elmer Angsman, the speedy right half who dashed 72 yards for a TD against the Packers here last year. Paul Christman and Jim Hardy, former Ram quarterback, probably will divide the passing duties Sunday...NEED FOR PASS ATTACK: The Packers' big need Sunday will be a successful passing attack. Earl (Jug) Girard will be getting his first big chance. The baseball star, who worked as a left half last year, handled nearly all of the Packers' last two games at quarterback. In addition, he played at left half against the Bulldogs while Stan Heath and Jack Jacobs each toiled a series at QB. The Packers completed nine passes against the Dogs - a marked improvement over the Ram game in which they completed only four. The Bay ground machine has moved at a pace good enough to lead the league - an even five yards per try. The key for the Packers likely will be the forward wall - which can hinder the Cards' vaunted passing game if it rushes Christman and Hardy. Paul Burris, the rookie guard who played well against the Bulldogs, no doubt will be given another chance to work the defensive slot. His opponents, centers Bill Blackbourn and Vince
