1953 San Francisco 49ers season

1953 San Francisco 49ers season
Head coach Buck Shaw
Home field Kezar Stadium
Results
Record 9–3–0
Division place 2nd NFL Western
Playoff finish did not qualify
Uniform
Timeline
Previous season Next season
< 1952 1954 >

The 1953 San Francisco 49ers season was the team's fourth season in the NFL, and were coming off a 7–5–0 record in 1952.

The 49ers would play consistent football all season long, never losing consecutive games throughout the season en route to a franchise best 9–3–0 record. However, the 49ers would lose both games against the Detroit Lions, who finished the season 10–2–0 to win the Western Conference and earn a spot in the NFL Championship game.

Offensively, San Francisco was led by quarterback Y.A. Tittle, who threw for 2121 yards and 20 TD's while completing 57.5% of his passes. Running back Joe Perry had another great season, rushing for 1018 yards along with 10 TD's, while Hugh McElhenny rushed for 503 yards and 3 TD's, and caught 30 passes for 474 yards and 6 TD's. Wide receiver Billy Wilson would catch a team high 51 passes for 840 yards and 10 TD's.

Schedule

# Date Visitor Score Home Record Attendance
1 September 27 Philadelphia Eagles 31–21 San Francisco 49ers 1–0–0 25,000
2 October 4 Los Angeles Rams 31–30 San Francisco 49ers 2–0–0 41,446
3 October 11 San Francisco 49ers 24–21 Detroit Lions 2–1–0 56,080
4 October 18 San Francisco 49ers 35–28 Chicago Bears 3–1–0 36,909
5 October 25 Detroit Lions 14–10 San Francisco 49ers 3–2–0 52,300
6 November 1 Chicago Bears 24–14 San Francisco 49ers 4–2–0 26,308
7 November 8 San Francisco 49ers 31–27 Los Angeles Rams 5–2–0 85,856
8 November 15 San Francisco 49ers 23–21 Cleveland Browns 5–3–0 80,698
9 November 22 San Francisco 49ers 37–7 Green Bay Packers 6–3–0 16,378
10 November 29 San Francisco 49ers 38–21 Baltimore Colts 7–3–0 26,005
11 December 6 Green Bay Packers 48–14 San Francisco 49ers 8–3–0 31,337
12 December 13 Baltimore Colts 45–14 San Francisco 49ers 9–3–0 23,932

Standings

NFL Western Conference
W L T PCT CONF PF PA STK
Detroit Lions 10 2 0 .833 8–2 271 205 W6
San Francisco 49ers 9 3 0 .750 8–2 372 237 W4
Los Angeles Rams 8 3 1 .727 7–3 366 236 W2
Chicago Bears 3 8 1 .273 2–7–1 218 262 L2
Baltimore Colts 3 9 0 .250 2–8 182 350 L7
Green Bay Packers 2 9 1 .182 2–7–1 200 338 L5

Note: Tie games were not officially counted in the standings until 1972.

Pro Bowl

San Francisco's players selected for the Pro Bowl:

Player Position
Bill Johnson Offensive Line
Hugh McElhenny Running Back
Art Michalik Linebacker
Leo Nomellini Defensive Line
Joe Perry Running Back
Gordie Soltau Wide Receiver
Y.A. Tittle Quarterback

References