 In 1955, with Bratkowski in the military, Brown beat out Blanda for the starting job and led the Bears to an 8-4 record and a very close second-place finish to the Los Angeles Rams.Brown developed a reputation as a long-ball throwing, downfield quarterback, connecting often with Harlon Hill, who led the league with 9 touchdown receptions.Brown had his finest season in 1956, playing for new Bears' head coach Paddy Driscoll (Halas was still owner and GM and would soon return as coach).