Evening star., 1940-12-07
Odds ION Chicago
Shrink on Eve
Of P|ayoff
Mosterson Hurt, D. c.
Pros Will Be Below
Par Physically
By BILL DISMER, JR.


Ready to become the sports cen
ter OF the Nation for the first time
since the 1888 World Series, Wash
ington picked up some Of its lost
confidence in the Redskins today
with the local weatherman the mo-
tivating factor for the slight les
sening Of the odds that favor Chi
cago's Bears.
"Cold, but fair" was the welcome
prediction for tomorrow given out
by the bureau, thereby indicating
perfect conditions for the Capitals
first professional football playoff.
Occasional rains were predicted
for tonight, but Griffith Stadium's
gridiron will be covered with a tar
paulin and the forecaster has said
that the precipitation would end
early tomorrow morning.
Despite the rain, snow furries
and generally disagreeable weather
here the early part of the week, 1t
appears the Redskins still haven't
been as handicapped as the Bears
who rolled into town this morning.
Not until yesterday was Owner
coach George Halas able to take
his Western champions outdoors for
a practice session, Chicago's severe
cold confining them to Chicago Uni
versitys fieldhouse for three days.
Grid Thriller Promised.
Although rain and heavy field
would greatly have favored the
Bears tomorrow, they're not going
to mind the expected ideal condi-
tions and all signs point to thriller
ever expected of a Redskin- Bear
game.
If the primary defense prepara-
tions of both teams give early signs
of effectiveness tomorrow, it
wouldn't surprise if each switched
its customary method of attack. All
week long the Redskins have been
preparing to stop the Bears run
ming and power Smashes, while from
Chicago comes word that pass de-
fense has been the Midwesterners'
chief stress.
But because the Bears have two
above average passers in Sid Luck
man and Bernie Masterson and be-
cause the Indians boast such runners
as Dick Todd, Andy Farkas and Bob
Seymour, possibilities of each play
ing the others game exist.
In man power, as in just plain
power, the advantage undeniably
rests with the Bears. The Chi
cagoans brought 33 able bodied
players In fine physical condition,
but the Redskins official squad OF
the same number has been reduced
to 81 possibilities with three Of
those on the questionable side.
Redskins Hit Physically.
Tackle Bill Young, Of course. is
definitely out and Don Irwin, who
was restored to the active role when
Turk Edwards was made inactive.
won't be eligible because he hasn't
played any part of a league game.
Rookie Halfback Bob Hoffman isn't
being counted on to play more than
few minutes, if at all. and you
can't tell about Andy Farkas.
Adding to the Redskins woes was
the possibility that End Bob Mas
terson also may be shelved. Mas
terson pulled a leg muscle in prac-
tice yesterday and not until after
this mornings workout was 1t to be
determined if the Indians best de-
fensive end could play.
Masterson's plight leaves Wash
ington with only its two seasoned
ends, Wayne Miller and Charley Ma
lone. in Al condition. Bob Nc
Chesney still has his broken right
hand in pliable cast and naturally
can't catch any passes, while Rookie
Sandy Sanford hasn't played enough
to warrant much reliance upon him.
At that, Sandy's the kind that's
easily inspired and might prove an
ace in the hole. He can go with
the ball if ever he gets his hands on
it, and he's not so bad defensively.
Drills Not So Secret.
Although both teams were to con-
duct their last workouts behind
locked gates. Coach Ray Flaherty is
slightly irked that his reputed secret
practices have been anything but.
We've locked the gates and called
the cops" he complained, "yet ev-
cry time I look up I see some one
know from Chicago standing on the
sidelines."
Questioned about the pre-game
odds which have made his team a
pronounced underdog, Flaherty ex-
pressed complete satisfaction.
THAT suits me fine" he said. II
(See REDSKINS, Page A-15)