Western Conference

1955 RECORD: Won 8, lost 4. Finished in second place.

1956 EXHIBITIONS: Won 5, lost 1.

COACHES: Head—Paddy Driscoll. Assistants—Phil Handler, George Connor, Luke Johnsos, Sid Luck-man, Clark Shaughnessy.

WATCH FOR: 15, Ed Brown, QB; 16, George Blanda, QB; 21, Perry Jeter, HB; 35, Rick Casares, FB; 45, Bobby Watkins, HB; 61, Bill George, G; 78, Stan Jones, G; 63, M. L. Brackett, T; 83, Bill McColl, E; 87, Harlon Hill, E.

OFFENSE: The Bears, in George Halas' final year as head coach, nearly caught the Los Angeles Rams in a finishing rush which saw them win eight of their last nine games in 1955 after dropping the first three. They also whipped the champion Rams twice. They have added a wonderful breakaway threat in Rookie Perry Jeter, who looked like another Buddy Young in exhibitions. The Bears haven't yet found a really top-notch quarterback, although Ed Brown has developed steadily in the last two years. The offensive line is rated best in the division.

DEFENSE: The Bear pass defense was about the worst in the loop a year ago, but it has looked much better in the exhibition trials. J. C. Caroline, the fast Illinois halfback who played in Canada last season, has quickly adapted to the intricacies of pro pass patterns and may plug a serious leak for Coach Paddy Driscoll, who takes over from Halas. A pair of large rookie tackles—John Mellekas of Arizona and M. L. Brackett of Auburn—lend new authority to the line.

1956 SCHEDULE (1955 score):

Sept. 30—at Baltimore (17-23)
Oct. 7—at Green Bay (3-24)
Oct. 14—San Francisco (19-20)
Oct. 21—Baltimore (38-10)
Oct. 28—at San Francisco (34-23)
Nov. 4—at Los Angeles (31-20)
Nov. 11—Green Bay (52-31)
Nov. 18—Los Angeles (24-3)
Nov. 25—at New York (no game)
Dec. 2—at Detroit (24-14)
Dec. 9—Chicago Cardinals (14-53)
Dec. 16—Detroit (21-20)

DETROIT
Lions

1955 RECORD: Won 3, lost 9. Finished sixth.