1985 Chicago Bears season

Last updated

1985 Chicago Bears season
Owner The McCaskey Family
General manager Jerry Vainisi
Head coach Mike Ditka
Home field Soldier Field
Results
Record15–1
Division place1st NFC Central
Playoff finishWon  Divisional Playoffs  
(vs. Giants) 21–0
Won NFC Championship
(vs. Rams) 24–0
Won Super Bowl XX
(vs. Patriots) 46–10
Pro Bowlers
AP All-Pros

The 1985 season was the Chicago Bears' 66th in the National Football League (NFL) and their fourth under head coach Mike Ditka.

Contents

The Bears entered 1985 looking to improve on their 10–6 record from 1984 and advance further than the NFC Championship Game, where they lost to the 15–1 San Francisco 49ers. Not only did the Bears improve on that record, but they also put together one of the greatest seasons in NFL history.

The Bears making a rushing play in the end zone against the Patriots during Super Bowl XX 1986 Jeno's Pizza - 11 - Jim McMahon.jpg
The Bears making a rushing play in the end zone against the Patriots during Super Bowl XX

The Bears won their first twelve games of the season before losing to the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football . The loss to the Dolphins would be the only loss the Bears would suffer that season, as they finished with a 15–1 record. This matched the 49ers' mark from the year before and tied the then-record for most wins in a regular season; the record would be reached twice more in 1998 (Minnesota Vikings) and 2004 (Pittsburgh Steelers) before the New England Patriots ended the 2007 NFL season with a 16–0 regular season record.

The Bears' defense was ranked first in the league and only allowed 198 total points (an average of 12.4 points per game). [3] The Bears won the NFC Central Division by seven games over the second-place Green Bay Packers and earned the NFC's top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs at Soldier Field. In their two playoff games against the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams, the Bears outscored their opponents 45–0 and became the first team to record back-to-back playoff shutouts.

Then, in Super Bowl XX at the Louisiana Superdome against the New England Patriots, the Bears set several more records. First, their 46 points broke the previous record of 38 that had been scored by the Los Angeles Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII and again by the 49ers in Super Bowl XIX. Their 36-point margin of victory also topped the 29-point margin of victory that the Raiders recorded over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVIII. Both of those records would stand until Super Bowl XXIV in New Orleans four years later, when the 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos by 45 points, 55–10.

It was the Bears' first NFL Championship title since 1963 and their most recent championship.

The 1985 Chicago Bears are one of the few teams to consistently challenge the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins for the title of the greatest NFL team of all time. [4] [5] In 2007, the 1985 Bears were ranked as the second greatest Super Bowl championship team on the NFL Network's documentary series America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions , ranking behind only the 1972 Dolphins. They also ranked #2 behind only the Dolphins on the 100 greatest teams of all time presented by the NFL on its 100th anniversary. [6] [7] Other sources rate the 1985 Chicago Bears as the greatest NFL team ever. [4] [8]

The defense led the league in points allowed (198), yards allowed (4,135) and takeaways (54), a feat that wasn't accomplished again until the 2013 Seattle Seahawks defense. [9]

Offseason

Transactions

Signings

After the draft, the Bears signed 3 undrafted free agents, quarterback Mike Tomczak from Ohio State, along with defensive back Ken Taylor and receiver Keith Ortego of Oregon State and McNeese State, respectively. [10]

Trades

In a trade with the San Diego Chargers, the Bears acquired linebacker Cliff Thrift and punter Maury Buford by trading away their 12th round draft picks from 1985 and 1986, respectively. [10]

Contractual issues

During training camp, seven players, including Mike Singletary, Steve McMichael, Keith Van Horne and rookie William Perry, were either unsigned or holding out due to their contracts. Perry, McMichael and Van Horne eventually reported to training camp. Perry held out until August 5, when he signed a four-year, $1.35 million contract. However, after an unimpressive showing at training camp, defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan tabbed Perry as a "wasted draft-pick". [11] Before the team's season opening game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, players Al Harris, Todd Bell and Richard Dent requested to be traded. Dent and the Bears had been attempting to work out a contract extension, as his contract ran through the 1985 season, and paid him $90,000. Bell played for $77,000 the year before, and made the 1985 Pro Bowl roster, but asked for $950,000 annually, which would have made him the highest-paid player on the team. Bell and Harris would eventually hold out for the season. [12]

1985 NFL Draft

1985 Chicago Bears draft
RoundPickPlayerPositionCollegeNotes
1 22 William Perry   Defensive tackle Clemson
249 Reggie Phillips   Defensive back SMU
378 James Maness   Wide receiver TCU
4105 Kevin Butler   Kicker Georgia
7190 Charles Bennett   Defensive end SW La.
8217 Steve Buxton   Offensive tackle Indiana State
9250 Thomas Sanders   Running back Texas A&M
10273 Pat Coryatt   Defensive tackle Baylor
11302 Jim Morrissey   Linebacker Michigan State
      Made roster        Pro Football Hall of Fame     *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Undrafted free agents

1985 Undrafted Free Agents of note
PlayerPositionCollege
Mike Tomczak Quarterback Ohio State

Staff

1985 Chicago Bears staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

  • Steve KazorSpecial teams coordinator/assistant head coach/defensive assistant/tight ends coach

Strength and conditioning

Roster

1985 Chicago Bears final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Rookies in italics
49 active, 4 inactive

Preseason

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1August 9at St. Louis Cardinals L 3–100–1 Busch Stadium Recap
2August 17 Indianapolis Colts L 13–240–2 Soldier Field Recap
3August 26at Dallas Cowboys L 13–150–3 Texas Stadium Recap
4August 31 Buffalo Bills W 45–141–3 Soldier Field Recap

Regular season

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1September 8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 38–281–0 Soldier Field Recap
2September 15 New England Patriots W 20–72–0 Soldier Field Recap
3September 19at Minnesota Vikings W 33–243–0 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Recap
4September 29 Washington Redskins W 45–104–0 Soldier Field Recap
5October 6at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 27–195–0 Tampa Stadium Recap
6October 13at San Francisco 49ers W 26–106–0 Candlestick Park Recap
7October 21 Green Bay Packers W 23–77–0 Soldier Field Recap
8October 27 Minnesota Vikings W 27–98–0 Soldier Field Recap
9November 3at Green Bay Packers W 16–109–0 Lambeau Field Recap
10November 10 Detroit Lions W 24–310–0 Soldier Field Recap
11November 17at Dallas Cowboys W 44–011–0 Texas Stadium Recap
12November 24 Atlanta Falcons W 36–012–0 Soldier Field Recap
13December 2at Miami Dolphins L 24–3812–1 Orange Bowl Recap
14December 8 Indianapolis Colts W 17–1013–1 Soldier Field Recap
15December 14at New York Jets W 19–614–1 The Meadowlands Recap
16December 22at Detroit Lions W 37–1715–1 Pontiac Silverdome Recap

Game summaries

Regular season

Week 1: vs. Buccaneers

Week One: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period1234Total
Buccaneers14140028
Bears71014738

at Soldier Field, Chicago

In the season opener against the Bucs, the Bears defense seemed lost for much of the first half of the game by allowing 28 points, and trailed 28–17 at halftime, but the offense was able to lead the Bears to a victory after Jim McMahon scored 3 touchdowns, with Matt Suhey scoring on another. Leslie Frazier was also able to give the Bears defense their first highlight of the season by returning a Steve DeBerg interception 29 yards for a touchdown on the second play of the third quarter. The Bears had allowed 212 yards in the first half, but eventually allowed only 95 in the second half. Walter Payton had rushed for 120 yards on 17 carries, and McMahon completed 23/34 passes for 274 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. [15]

Week 2: vs. Patriots

Week Two: New England Patriots at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period1234Total
Patriots00077
Bears7310020

at Soldier Field, Chicago

In the Super Bowl XX preview, the Bears defense was able to find their groove by forcing 4 turnovers on New England, and allowing them to only score a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Week 3: at Vikings

Week Three: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bears3324333
Vikings377724

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The following week against rival Minnesota, backup quarterback Steve Fuller was called up to take the place of Jim McMahon, who was sidelined with a pinched nerve. With the Bears trailing the Vikings, an anxious McMahon was allowed to return to the game. Without any delay, McMahon famously spearheaded a Bears comeback and victory, with the game being nicknamed The Viking Miracle. [16]

Week 4: vs. Redskins

Week Four: Washington Redskins at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period1234Total
Redskins730010
Bears0317745

at Soldier Field, Chicago

Week 4 saw Chicago trailing 10-0 early to the Joe Theismann-led Washington Redskins. They would score the next forty-five points. One play turned the game, a 99-yard kickoff return by Willie Gault. This cut the lead to 10-7 and importantly, on the play, Washington's punter injured his knee and was sidelined for the remainder of the game. On the next possession, Theismann punted for 1 yard (his only punt in the NFL), and Chicago scored on the very next play to take a 14–10 lead, and they cruised from there.

Week 5: at Buccaneers

Week Five: Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bears03101427
Buccaneers0120719

at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Week 6: at 49ers

Week Six: Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bears13301026
49ers0100010

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Nine months after their humiliating defeat at the hands of the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, the Bears claimed their revenge by sacking Joe Montana a then-career high seven times. [17] In return for 49ers coach Bill Walsh’s idea of sending lineman Guy McIntyre in as fullback the season before, Mike Ditka sent in rookie William Perry, but as a runner rather than a blocker. [17] Shortly after the game and the flight back to Chicago, Ditka was arrested for DWI. [18]

This was the Bears’ last victory at Candlestick Park. and their last win at San Francisco until 2014 at Levi's Stadium. [19]

Week 7: vs. Packers

Week Seven: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period1234Total
Packers70007
Bears0210223

at Soldier Field, Chicago

The Bears defeated the Packers on Monday Night Football in a decisive 23–7 victory, with Perry becoming a folk hero after scoring his first career touchdown on a 1-yard run. [20]

Week 8: vs. Vikings

Week Eight: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period1234Total
Vikings07029
Bears1037727

at Soldier Field, Chicago

Week 9: at Packers

Week Nine: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bears070916
Packers307010

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

The Packers increased tensions in the Bears-Packers rivalry after putting horse manure in the Bears locker room. However, the Bears had the last laugh against their hated rival, winning 16–10, and Perry scored his first career receiving touchdown along the way. Green Bay's Mark Lee and Ken Stills intensified the game after Lee sent Payton over a bench and Stills leveled Matt Suhey. [21] With the Bears in trouble and trailing 10–7 in the 4th quarter, a Steve McMichael safety proved to be the key play that turned the game. This cut the lead to 10-9 and the Bears got the ball at midfield following the safety free kick. On the ensuing drive, Walter Payton sealed the victory with a 27-yard touchdown run, putting Chicago up for keeps 16–10.

Week 10: vs. Lions

Week Ten: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period1234Total
Lions00303
Bears777324

at Soldier Field, Chicago

The Bears defeated the Lions 24–3, while Walter Payton and Matt Suhey ran for 105 and 102 yards, respectively. As of February 1, 2021, this was the last time the Bears had two 100-yard rushers in a game. [22]

Week 11: at Cowboys

Week Eleven: Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bears71731744
Cowboys00000

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

In a student vs teacher matchup, the Bears shut out the Cowboys, handing them the worst loss in franchise history, as well as the first time they were shut out in 15 years. The win also gave the Bears the NFC Central division title. [17] Coach Ditka acknowledged feeling crushed when Coach Landry complimented his team after the game.

Week 12: vs. Falcons

Week Twelve: Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period1234Total
Falcons00000
Bears0207936

at Soldier Field, Chicago

In the coldest game of the season, the Bears recorded their second straight shutout, and third straight game without giving up a touchdown, against Atlanta, with defensive lineman Henry Waechter sacking Bob Holly in the endzone for a safety.

Week 13: at Dolphins

Week Thirteen: Chicago Bears at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bears7314024
Dolphins10217038

at Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida

The Bears’ hopes for a perfect season were thwarted when Dan Marino and the Dolphins defeated the McMahon-less Bears on Monday Night Football, 38–24, and kept the '72 Dolphins the only undefeated regular season in league history (it wouldn't be until 2007 when the 2007 New England Patriots were able to tie this record). [23] [24] Miami struck first when Marino hit Nat Moore for a 33-yard touchdown. Bears backup Steve Fuller then threw a 69-yard pass to Willie Gault, and eventually snuck in for a 1-yard touchdown. After a Fuad Reveiz field goal to put Miami up 10–7, Marino hit Moore again that set up a Ron Davenport touchdown to increase the gap by 10 points. After the Bears scored on a Kevin Butler field goal, Marino hit Mark Duper on a crossing pattern for 52 yards. On 3rd and 7, he connected with Mark Clayton for 26 yards down to the Bears 1-yard line. Davenport then ran in, and the Dolphins led 24–10. Later, the Dolphins would increase their lead to 31–10. The Bears had not allowed 31 points in one half since the 1972 season opener. The Bears then scored in the third quarter, but any momentum they gained was lost when Butler muffed the ensuing kickoff, which Dolphins rookie Alex Moyer recovered at the Bears 46. Dan Hampton then tipped a Marino pass into the air, but it sailed downfield for 30 yards before landing in the hands of Clayton, who went into the end zone to make it 38–17. Fuller hit Ken Margerum for a 19-yard touchdown, but that would be the last score of the night for the Bears. [25] Mike Singletary said in America's Game: 1985 Chicago Bears:

Well needless to say, there was something different about that game, and there were some things happen that night, that were really strange. I mean balls ricocheting off guys heads and flying into receivers hands. You couldn't buy a break, it was like a nightmare, when something is happening and you’re in the middle of it, and you’re thinking this can't be happening, please let this be a dream.

The day after this loss, the Bears recorded "The Super Bowl Shuffle", a Grammy Award-nominated and Billboard charts #41 charting rap single that delivered over $300,000 to the Chicago Community Trust. [26]

Week 14: vs. Colts

Week Fourteen: Indianapolis Colts at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period1234Total
Colts030710
Bears037717

at Soldier Field, Chicago

The 12-1 Bears hosted the 3-10 Colts and were 20-point favorites in week 14. The Colts marched the ball 72 yards to the Chicago one-yard line on the first drive of the game. But on third and goal, Gary Fencik stuffed a pitch play for a five-yard loss and the Colts' kicker missed a 22-yard-field goal attempt wide left. Both teams struggled to a 3-3 halftime score as Indianapolis actually outgained Chicago in the half. Chicago finally pulled ahead on a 16-yard Walter Payton TD run near the end of the third quarter, and held on for a 17–10 victory.

Week 15: at Jets

Week Fifteen: Chicago Bears at New York Jets – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bears373619
Jets30306

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Week 16: at Lions

Week Sixteen: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bears33102137
Lions307717

at Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan

Game information
First quarter

Second quarter

  • CHI – Kevin Butler 24-yard field goal. Bears 6-3.

Third quarter

  • CHI – Dennis Gentry 94-yard kickoff return (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 13-3.
  • CHI – Kevin Butler 21-yard field goal. Bears 16-3.
  • DET – David Lewis 2-yard pass from Eric Hipple (Eddie Murray kick). Bears 16-10.

Fourth quarter

  • CHI – Jim McMahon 14-yard run (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 23-10.
  • CHI – Ron Rivera 5-yard fumble return (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 30-10.
  • DET – James Jones 2-yard run (Eddie Murray kick). Bears 30-17.
  • CHI – Ken Margerum 11-yard pass from Jim McMahon (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 37-17.

The game featured a hit on Lions quarterback Joe Ferguson where he was knocked unconscious by Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall. [27] [28]

Standings

NFC Central
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
Chicago Bears (1)1510.9388–012–0456198W3
Green Bay Packers 880.5006–28–4337355W2
Minnesota Vikings 790.4383–55–9346359L2
Detroit Lions 790.4382–65–7307366L3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2140.1251–72–10294448L4

Playoffs

RoundDateOpponentResultRecordGame siteTV
Divisional RoundJanuary 5, 1986 New York Giants W 21–016–1 Soldier Field CBS
NFC ChampionshipJanuary 12, 1986 Los Angeles Rams W 24–017–1 Soldier Field CBS
Super Bowl XX January 26, 1986 New England Patriots W 46–1018–1 Louisiana Superdome NBC
Divisional Round: New York Giants at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period1234Total
Giants00000
Bears7014021

at Soldier Field, Chicago

Game information
First quarter

Second quarter

    Third quarter

    • CHI – Dennis McKinnon 23-yard pass from Jim McMahon (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 14-0.
    • CHI – Dennis McKinnon 20-yard pass from Jim McMahon (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 21-0.

    Fourth quarter

The Bears' defense dominated the game by allowing only 32 rushing yards and sacked Giants quarterback Phil Simms for 60 yards. Simms was 14/35 for 209 yards while running back Joe Morris, the NFL's regular-season touchdown leader, finished with 32 yards on 12 carries. Chicago's first touchdown resulted on a New York punt attempt from their own 12-yard line. The wind, blowing at 13 mph, caught the ball just enough for punter Sean Landeta to completely miss it, and Shaun Gayle picked it up and ran 5 yards for a touchdown. Bears quarterback Jim McMahon later threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter, both to Dennis McKinnon. McMahon finished the game with 216 passing yards, while running back Walter Payton rushed for 94 yards. [29]

NFC Championship: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period1234Total
Rams00000
Bears1007724

at Soldier Field, Chicago

Game information
First quarter
  • CHI – Jim McMahon 16-yard run (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 7-0.
  • CHI – Kevin Butler 34-yard field goal. Bears 10-0.

Second quarter

    Third quarter

    • CHI – Willie Gault 22-yard pass from Jim McMahon (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 17-0.

    Fourth quarter

    • CHI – Wilber Marshall 52-yard fumble return (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 24-0.

At the start of the week leading up to the NFC Championship Game, Ditka commented on what he perceived as the NFL's unfavorable treatment of his team by famously stating, "I don't think we come in great favor with certain people. I think it's the same reason people look with disfavor on the Raiders. There are some teams that are fair-haired; there are some teams that are not fair-haired. There are teams named Smith; there are teams named Grabowski. The Rams are a Smith. We're a Grabowski." [30]

The Bears' defense once again dominated the game by limiting Rams running back Eric Dickerson to 46 yards, and holding quarterback Dieter Brock to 10 out of 31 completions for 66 passing yards. Los Angeles only gained 130 yards of total offense. Chicago quarterback Jim McMahon scored on a 16-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and later threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Willie Gault in the third quarter. Kicker Kevin Butler kicked a 34-yard field goal in the first period. In the fourth quarter, defensive lineman Richard Dent forced Brock to fumble, and linebacker Wilber Marshall picked up the loose ball and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown. [31]

Super Bowl

Super Bowl XX: Chicago Bears vs. New England Patriots – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bears131021246
Patriots300710

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information
First quarter
  • NE – Tony Franklin 36-yard field goal. Patriots 3-0.
  • CHI – Kevin Butler 28-yard field goal. Tie 3-3.
  • CHI – Kevin Butler 24-yard field goal. Bears 6-3.
  • CHI – Matt Suhey 11-yard run (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 13-3.

Second quarter

  • CHI – Jim McMahon 2-yard run (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 20-3.
  • CHI – Kevin Butler 24-yard field goal. Bears 23-3.

Third quarter

  • CHI – Jim McMahon 1 yard run (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 30-3.
  • CHI – Reggie Phillips 28-yard interception return (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 37-3.
  • CHI – William Perry 1 yard run (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 44-3.

Fourth quarter

The Patriots took a quick lead after linebacker Larry McGrew recovered a fumble from Walter Payton at the Chicago 19-yard line on the second play of the game, setting up Tony Franklin's 36-yard field goal 1:19 into the first quarter. The Bears struck back with a 7-play, 59-yard drive, featuring a 43-yard pass completion from Jim McMahon to wide receiver Willie Gault, to set up a field goal from Kevin Butler, tying the score 3–3.

After both teams traded punts, Richard Dent and linebacker Wilber Marshall shared a sack on Eason, forcing a fumble that lineman Dan Hampton recovered on the Patriots 13-yard line. Chicago then drove to the 3-yard line, but had to settle for another field goal from Butler after rookie defensive lineman William "Refrigerator" Perry was tackled for a 1-yard loss while trying to throw his first NFL pass on a halfback option play. On the Patriots' ensuing drive, Dent forced running back Craig James to fumble, which was recovered by linebacker Mike Singletary at the 13-yard line. Two plays later, Bears fullback Matt Suhey scored on an 11-yard touchdown run to increase the lead to 13–3.

New England took the ensuing kickoff and ran one play before the first quarter ended, which resulted in positive yardage for the first time in the game (a 3-yard run by James). But after an incomplete pass and a 4-yard loss, they had to send in punter Rich Camarillo again, and receiver Keith Ortego returned the ball 12 yards to the 41-yard line. The Bears subsequently drove 59 yards in 10 plays, featuring a 24-yard reception by Suhey, to score on McMahon's 2-yard touchdown run to increase their lead, 20–3. After the ensuing kickoff, New England lost 13 yards in 3 plays and had to punt again, but got the ball back with great field position when defensive back Raymond Clayborn recovered a fumble from Suhey at their own 46-yard line. Patriots coach Raymond Berry then replaced Eason with Steve Grogan to see if he could spark the Patriots offense. But Grogan could only lead them to the 37-yard line and they decided to punt rather than risk a 55-yard field goal attempt. The Bears then marched 72 yards in 11 plays, moving the ball inside the Patriots 10-yard line. New England kept them out of the end zone, but Butler kicked his third field goal on the last play of the half to give Chicago a 23–3 halftime lead.

The Bears had absolutely dominated New England in the first half, holding them to 21 offensive plays (only 4 of which resulted in positive yardage), −19 total offensive yards, 2 pass completions, 1 first down, and 3 points. Meanwhile, Chicago gained 236 yards and scored 23 points themselves.

After the Patriots received the second half opening kickoff, they managed to get one first down, but then had to punt after Grogan was sacked twice. Camarillo, who punted 4 times in the first half, managed to pin the Bears back at their own 4-yard line with a Super Bowl record 62-yard punt. But the Patriots defense still had no ability to stop Chicago's offense. On their very first play, McMahon faked a handoff to Payton, then threw a 60-yard completion to Gault. Eight plays later, McMahon finished the Super Bowl record 96-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to make the Bears lead 30–3. On New England's second drive of the period, Chicago cornerback Reggie Phillips intercepted a pass from Grogan and returned it 28 yards for a touchdown to increase the lead to 37–3.

On the second play of their ensuing possession, the Patriots turned the ball over again, when receiver Cedric Jones lost a fumble after catching a 19-yard pass from Grogan. A few plays later, McMahon's 27-yard completion to receiver Dennis Gentry moved the ball to the 1-yard line, setting up perhaps the most memorable moment of the game. William "the Refrigerator" Perry was brought on to score on offense, as he had done twice in the regular season. His touchdown made the score 44–3.

The Patriots finally scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, advancing the ball 76 yards in 12 plays and scoring on an 8-yard pass from Grogan to receiver Irving Fryar. But the Bears defense dominated New England for the rest of the game, forcing another fumble, another interception, and defensive lineman Henry Waechter's sack on Grogan in the end zone for a safety to make the final score 46–10.

One oddity in the Bears victory was that Payton had a relatively poor performance statistically running the ball and never scored a touchdown in Super Bowl XX, his first and only Super Bowl appearance in a Hall of Fame career. [32] However, if one views the game and watches the Patriots' defense, it is clear that their primary goal was stopping Payton and he frequently had three and four defenders keyed on him on nearly every play. This allowed the rest of the Bears' offense far more opportunities to score than had the Patriots employed a more balanced defense. Ultimately Payton was the Bears' leading rusher during the game, but the Patriots defense held him to only 61 yards on 22 carries, with his longest run being only 7 yards. He was given several opportunities to score near the goal line, but New England stopped him every time before he reached the end zone (such as his 2-yard loss from the New England 3-yard line a few plays before Butler's second field goal, and his 2-yard run from the 4-yard line right before McMahon's first rushing touchdown). Thus, Chicago head coach Mike Ditka opted to go for other plays to counter the Patriots defense. Perry's touchdown and McMahon's rushing touchdowns are widely considered as scoring opportunities that were denied to Payton. Ditka has since gone on record stating that his biggest regret of his career was not creating a scoring opportunity for Payton during the game.

McMahon, who completed 12 out of 20 passes for 256 yards, became the first quarterback in a Super Bowl to score 2 rushing touchdowns. Bears receiver Willie Gault finished the game with 129 receiving yards on just 4 receptions, an average of over 32.2 yards per catch. He also returned 4 kickoffs for 49 yards. Suhey had 11 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown, and caught a pass for 24 yards. Singletary tied a Super Bowl record with 2 fumble recoveries.

Eason became the first Super Bowl starting quarterback to fail to complete a pass, going 0 for 6 attempts. The Bears also dominated Patriots starting running back James, holding him to 1 yard on 5 carries, with 1 fumble. Grogan completed 17 out of 30 passes for 177 yards and 1 touchdown, with 2 interceptions. Although Fullback Tony Collins was the Patriots leading rusher, he was limited to just 4 yards on 3 carries, and caught 2 passes for 19 yards. New England receiver Stephen Starring returned 7 kickoffs for 153 yards and caught 2 passes for 39 yards.

Notable moments

Statistics

The Bears were first in scoring defense, allowing only 198 points in the regular season with an average of allowing only 12.4 points/game, as well as scoring more points than given up. [17] The 198 points allowed were 65 less than the second-most allowed that year, while the point differential of plus-258 is 110 more than the second-ranked differential and the third-highest in NFL history. [33] They were also second in scoring with 456 points (28.5 points/game), trailing only the Chargers that season. They also led the league in turnover differential at plus-23. The team also had 4 shutouts, two in the regular season over the Dallas Cowboys, and Atlanta Falcons, followed by the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams in the postseason. [34]

The defense

The Bears' iconic 46 defense (named after the jersey number of former Bears' safety, Doug Plank), led by mercurial defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, was an "attack from all angles" scheme that resulted in, arguably, one of the greatest overall team defenses in league history. With future Hall of Famer Mike Singletary (#50) flanked by the supremely athletic Wilber Marshall (#58) and Otis Wilson (#55), the linebacking unit ranked in at #5 of the greatest linebacking corps in NFL history in NFL Top 10. [35] Coupled with a solid backfield anchored by safeties Gary Fencik (FS) and Dave Duerson (22), and a defensive line that included future Hall of Famers Richard Dent (#95) and Dan "Danimal" Hampton (#99), along with the gritty Steve McMichael (#76) and breakout media superstar rookie, William "The Refrigerator" Perry (#72), the Bears were famous (or infamous) for getting to the quarterback early and often and completely disrupting their opponent's offensive game plans.

As a testament to their toughness, a hit by Marshall where he knocked Detroit Lions quarterback Joe Ferguson unconscious is still replayed as just one example of the ferocity with which this team played. [36]

The irony of the defense's success was that two of the Bears' top defensive players, linebacker Al Harris and strong safety Todd Bell, missed the entire season due to contract disputes. [12] [37] Additionally, the team possessed several talented offensive players to back up their defense.

Chicago Honey Bears

The 1985 season was the team's cheerleading squad Chicago Honey Bears' final season with the team, as team owner Virginia Halas McCaskey eventually severed all ties with them. [38]

The Super Bowl Shuffle

After the loss to the Miami Dolphins, most of the team recorded the song The Super Bowl Shuffle (defensive lineman Dan Hampton refused to participate due to the song's arrogance), becoming the first sports team to record a rap song (The 49ers recorded a post-disco song the year before [39] ). The song's popularity led to it being #41 on the US Billboard Hot 100, [40] and the song funded $300,000 in profit for the Chicago Community Trust to help needy families in Chicago with clothing, shelter, and food, hence Walter Payton's rap lyric: "now we're not doing this because we're greedy, the Bears are doing it to feed the needy". [41]

2011 White House visit

'1985 Chicago Bears Visit the White House' - video from White House

In 2011, the Bears made their visit to the White House, 25 years after their originally intended visit was cancelled due to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, as former President Barack Obama is a Bears fan. [42] At that time, Obama called them the greatest team ever; however, he called his own words into question when hosting the 1972 Dolphins, the only NFL team with a perfect season. Obama noted that the only loss the 1985 Bears had was to the Dolphins. [43]

Honors and achievements

The Super Bowl XX championship ring ChicagoBearsSuperbowlXXring.jpg
The Super Bowl XX championship ring

Awards

Hall of Famers

Players that became coaches

Notes

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Bowl XLI</span> 2007 National Football League championship game

Super Bowl XLI was an American football game played between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Chicago Bears to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2006 season. The Colts defeated the Bears by the score of 29–17. The game was played on February 4, 2007, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This was the first and to date, only Super Bowl win for an AFC South team.

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In American football, the Fog Bowl was the December 31, 1988 National Football League (NFL) playoff game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears. A dense fog rolled over Chicago's Soldier Field during the 2nd quarter, cutting visibility to about 15–20 yards for the rest of the game. The Eagles moved the ball effectively all game and their quarterback Randall Cunningham recorded 407 passing yards despite the low visibility; but they could not advance the ball into the end zone. Many players complained that they could not see the sidelines or first-down markers. The Bears ended up winning the game by a score of 20–12. The game eventually was named #3 on NFL Top 10's Weather Games.

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Daniel Oliver Hampton is an American former football defensive tackle who played for twelve seasons with the Chicago Bears from 1979 to 1990 in the National Football League (NFL). He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002. He currently hosts the Bears postgame show on WGN Radio in Chicago.

The 1977 Chicago Bears season was their 58th regular season completed in the National Football League. The team finished with a 9–5 record, which was their first winning season since 1967 and earned them a wild card spot against the Dallas Cowboys, who eventually beat the Bears 37-7 en route to a Super Bowl victory. This was their first postseason appearance since winning the 1963 championship. They secured this by winning their last six games, including among others the last of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ record run of twenty-six losses.

The 1984 season was the Chicago Bears' 65th in the National Football League the 15th post-season completed in the NFL, and their third under head coach Mike Ditka. The team improved from their 8–8 record from 1983, to a 10–6 record, earning them a spot in the NFL playoffs. The Bears went on to lose in the NFC Championship Game 23–0 to the eventual Super Bowl Champion San Francisco 49ers.

The 1986 Chicago Bears season was their 67th regular season and 17th post-season completed in the National Football League. The Bears entered the season looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions, as they had won in 1985. Chicago managed to finish 14–2, one game off of their 1985 record of 15–1. Although the Bears had an equal 14–2 record as the New York Giants for the league’s best record, the Giants were seeded number one in the NFC for the playoffs due to the Giants having a better conference record (11–1) than that of the Bears (10–2). In going 14–2, the Chicago Bears were the first team in NFL history to have consecutive seasons with 14 or more victories.

The 1987 season was the Chicago Bears' 68th in the National Football League the 18th post-season completed in the NFL, and their sixth under head coach Mike Ditka. The team was looking to return to the playoffs, win the NFC Central Division for the fourth consecutive year and avenge their loss in the Divisional Playoffs to the Washington Redskins the year before when the team finished 14–2.

The 1989 Chicago Bears season was their 70th regular season completed in the National Football League. The Bears were looking to win the NFC Central for a sixth consecutive season, but instead finished with a 6–10 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1983. The Bears’ offseason moves prior to this season had consequences for years afterward as the pieces from Super Bowl XX’s team slowly began to leave or retire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1985 New England Patriots season</span> Season of National Football League team the New England Patriots; first Super Bowl appearance

The 1985 New England Patriots season was the franchise's 16th season in the National Football League (NFL) and 26th overall. The Patriots had a record of eleven wins and five losses and finished third in the AFC East Division. They then became the first team in NFL history ever to advance to the Super Bowl by winning three playoff games on the road, defeating the New York Jets 26–14 in the AFC Wild Card Game, the Los Angeles Raiders 27–20 in the AFC Divisional Game and the Miami Dolphins 31–14 in the AFC Championship Game. The Patriots' win in Miami was their first victory at the Miami Orange Bowl since 1966 and while they did defeat Miami on the road in 1969 that game was played in Tampa Bay. The win over the Dolphins in the game has gone down as one of the greatest upsets in NFL history, as the Dolphins were heavily favored.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1972 Miami Dolphins season</span> 7th season in franchise history; first Super Bowl win and only perfect season in NFL history

The 1972 Miami Dolphins season was the franchise's seventh season and third in the National Football League (NFL). The team was led by third-year head coach Don Shula and achieved the only perfect season in NFL history. They also led the league in both points scored and fewest points allowed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1984 Miami Dolphins season</span> 19th season in franchise history; third Super Bowl loss

The 1984 Miami Dolphins season was the team's 19th season, and 15th in the National Football League (NFL). It was also the 15th season with the team for head coach Don Shula. The Dolphins sought to build on a spectacular 1983 season where they went 12–4 with rookie quarterback Dan Marino.

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Further reading