Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Waterfield and All-Pro end Jim Benton lifted the well-balanced 1945 Cleveland Rams to an NFL-best 9-1 record – and the league title. Waterfield became the first rookie MVP, throwing 14 touchdowns which tied for 1st in the NFL. The 6-foot-3, 29-year old Benton led the NFL with 1,067 receiving yards. On Thanksgiving Day, Benton's 303 receiving yards set a single-game record that lasted for 40 years. On the ground, the Rams had the NFL's top rushing offense, averaging over 171 yards per game, while on defense, the Rams allowed just 13.6 points per game. The Rams defense held its own in a 15-14 NFL Championship win over the Redskins. Waterfield passed for two touchdowns while Benton caught nine passes for 125 yards and a score. The Dan Reeves-owned Rams left for Los Angeles the following season.