Opening game fireworks

The Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles opened the 1947 NFL season in record fashion. The two teams combined for 87 points as the Eagles prevailed, 45-42 on September 28 in Philadelphia. The point total remains an NFL record for most points scored in an opening game. The 12 touchdowns in the game was a league record at the time.

Baugh	Pihos	Van Buren

Three future Hall of Famers – Sammy Baugh, Pete Pihos and Steve Van Buren – played huge roles in the shootout. A fourth Hall of Famer, center Alex Wojciechowicz, also started for the Eagles that day.

The Redskins were led by quarterback Slingin’ Sammy, the lone living member of the Hall’s charter class of 1963. Baugh’s performance led the way to a then-record season for completions, attempts and passing yards. His opening day numbers against the Eagles included 364 yards and five touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the Eagles were led by halfback Van Buren who rushed for 98 yards and also returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. Van Buren finished the season with a then-record 1,008 yards. Pihos, a rookie end, started his NFL career on high note, by catching two touchdown passes (19 and 21 yards). Pihos finished his rookie campaign with 23 receptions for 382 yards and 7 TDs.

From the Hall’s Archives
Newspaper account of the Eagles-Redskins thriller (PDF)>>>[2 MB]
Pages from the game program including cover, game preview and rosters (PDF)>>>[5 MB]

More from Profootballhof.com
HOF Bios: Sammy Baugh | Pete Pihos | Steve Van Buren | Alex Wojciechowicz
Team Histories: Philadelphia Eagles | Washington Redskins
Highest scoring games in NFL history