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1985 Chicago Bears season

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1985Chicago Bearsseason
OwnerThe McCaskey Family
General managerJerry Vainisi
Head coachMike Ditka
Home fieldSoldier Field
Results
Record15–1
Division place1stNFC Central
Playoff finishWonDivisional Playoffs
(vs.Giants) 21–0
WonNFC Championship
(vs.Rams) 24–0
WonSuper Bowl XX
(vs.Patriots) 46–10
Pro Bowlers
AP All-Pros

The1985 seasonwas theChicago Bears' 66th in theNational Football League(NFL) and their fourth underhead coachMike Ditka.

The Bears entered 1985 looking to improve on their 10–6 record from 1984 and advance further than theNFC Championship Game,where they lost to the 15–1San Francisco 49ers.The Bears did improve on that record, and 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

The Bears won their first twelve games of the season before losing to theMiami DolphinsonMonday 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 theNew England Patriotsended the2007 NFL seasonwith 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-placeGreen Bay Packersand earned the NFC's top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs atSoldier Field.In their two playoff games against theNew York GiantsandLos Angeles Rams,the Bears outscored their opponents 45–0 and became the first team to record back-to-back playoff shutouts.

Then, inSuper Bowl XXat theLouisiana Superdomeagainst theNew England Patriots,the Bears set several more records. First, their 46 points broke the previous record of 38 that had been scored by theLos Angeles RaidersinSuper Bowl XVIIIand again by the 49ers inSuper Bowl XIX.Their 36-point margin of victory also topped the 29-point margin of victory that the Raiders recorded over theWashington Redskinsin Super Bowl XVIII. Both of those records would stand untilSuper Bowl XXIVin New Orleans four years later, when the49ersdefeated theDenver Broncosby 45 points, 55–10.

It was the Bears' first NFL Championship title since1963and their most recent championship.

The 1985 Chicago Bears are one of the few teams to consistently challenge theundefeated 1972 Miami Dolphinsfor 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 theNFL Network's documentary seriesAmerica'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 the2013 Seattle Seahawksdefense.[9]

Offseason

[edit]

Transactions

[edit]

Signings

[edit]

After the draft, the Bears signed 3 undrafted free agents, quarterbackMike TomczakfromOhio State,along with defensive backKen Taylorand receiverKeith OrtegoofOregon StateandMcNeese State,respectively.[10]

Trades

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In a trade with theSan Diego Chargers,the Bears acquired linebackerCliff Thriftand punterMaury Bufordby trading away their 12th round draft picks from 1985 and 1986, respectively.[10]

Contractual issues

[edit]

During training camp, seven players, includingMike Singletary,Steve McMichael,Keith Van Horneand rookieWilliam 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 coordinatorBuddy Ryantabbed Perry as a "wasted draft-pick".[11]Before the team's season opening game against theTampa Bay Buccaneers,playersAl Harris,Todd BellandRichard Dentrequested 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 the1985 Pro Bowlroster, 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

[edit]
1985 Chicago Bears draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 22 William Perry Defensive tackle Clemson
2 49 Reggie Phillips Defensive back SMU
3 78 James Maness Wide receiver TCU
4 105 Kevin Butler Kicker Georgia
7 190 Charles Bennett Defensive end SW La.
8 217 Steve Buxton Offensive tackle Indiana State
9 250 Thomas Sanders Running back Texas A&M
10 273 Pat Coryatt Defensive tackle Baylor
11 302 Jim Morrissey Linebacker Michigan State
Made rosterPro Football Hall of Fame*Made at least onePro Bowlduring career

Undrafted free agents

[edit]
1985 Undrafted Free Agents of note
Player Position College
Ken Cruz Quarterback Illinois
Curtis Garrett Defensive tackle Illinois State
Kevin Gray Defensive back Eastern Illinois
John Hill Defensive back Duke
Stan Johnson Wide receiver Wisconsin–La Crosse
Bruce Kallmeyer Kicker Kansas
Don Kindt Jr. Tight end Wisconsin–La Crosse
Mike Tomczak Quarterback Ohio State
Mike Viracola Punter Notre Dame

Staff

[edit]
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

[edit]
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

[edit]

Schedule

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Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 9 atSt. Louis Cardinals L3–10 0–1 Busch Stadium Recap
2 August 17 Indianapolis Colts L13–24 0–2 Soldier Field Recap
3 August 26 atDallas Cowboys L13–15 0–3 Texas Stadium Recap
4 August 31 Buffalo Bills W45–14 1–3 Soldier Field Recap

Regular season

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Schedule

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Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W38–28 1–0 Soldier Field Recap
2 September 15 New England Patriots W20–7 2–0 Soldier Field Recap
3 September 19 atMinnesota Vikings W33–24 3–0 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Recap
4 September 29 Washington Redskins W45–10 4–0 Soldier Field Recap
5 October 6 atTampa Bay Buccaneers W27–19 5–0 Tampa Stadium Recap
6 October 13 atSan Francisco 49ers W26–10 6–0 Candlestick Park Recap
7 October 21 Green Bay Packers W23–7 7–0 Soldier Field Recap
8 October 27 Minnesota Vikings W27–9 8–0 Soldier Field Recap
9 November 3 atGreen Bay Packers W16–10 9–0 Lambeau Field Recap
10 November 10 Detroit Lions W24–3 10–0 Soldier Field Recap
11 November 17 atDallas Cowboys W44–0 11–0 Texas Stadium Recap
12 November 24 Atlanta Falcons W36–0 12–0 Soldier Field Recap
13 December 2 atMiami Dolphins L24–38 12–1 Orange Bowl Recap
14 December 8 Indianapolis Colts W17–10 13–1 Soldier Field Recap
15 December 14 atNew York Jets W19–6 14–1 The Meadowlands Recap
16 December 22 atDetroit Lions W37–17 15–1 Pontiac Silverdome Recap

Game summaries

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Regular season

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Week 1: vs. Buccaneers

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Week One: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 14 14 0028
Bears 7 10 14738

atSoldier 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 afterJim McMahonscored 3 touchdowns, withMatt Suheyscoring on another.Leslie Frazierwas also able to give the Bears defense their first highlight of the season by returning aSteve DeBerginterception 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 Paytonhad 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

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Week Two: New England Patriots at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 0 077
Bears 7 3 10020

atSoldier 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

[edit]
Week Three: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bears 3 3 24333
Vikings 3 7 7724

atHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome,Minneapolis, Minnesota

The following week againstrivalMinnesota, backup quarterbackSteve Fullerwas called up to take the place ofJim 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 nicknamedThe Viking Miracle.[16]

Week 4: vs. Redskins

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Week Four: Washington Redskins at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 7 3 0010
Bears 0 31 7745

atSoldier Field,Chicago

Week 4 saw Chicago trailing 10-0 early to theJoe 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

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Week Five: Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bears 0 3 101427
Buccaneers 0 12 0719

atTampa Stadium,Tampa, Florida

Week 6: at 49ers

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Week Six: Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bears 13 3 01026
49ers 0 10 0010

atCandlestick 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 sackingJoe Montanaa then-career high seven times.[17]In return for 49ers coachBill Walsh’s idea of sending linemanGuy McIntyrein as fullback the season before,Mike Ditkasent in rookieWilliam Perry,but as a runner rather than a blocker.[17]Shortly after the game and the flight back to Chicago, Ditka was arrested forDWI.[18]

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

Week 7: vs. Packers

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Week Seven: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Packers 7 0 007
Bears 0 21 0223

atSoldier Field,Chicago

The Bears defeated the Packers onMonday Night Footballin 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

[edit]
Week Eight: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 7 029
Bears 10 3 7727

atSoldier Field,Chicago

Week 9: at Packers

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Week Nine: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bears 0 7 0916
Packers 3 0 7010

atLambeau Field,Green Bay, Wisconsin

The Packers increased tensions in theBears-Packers rivalryafter 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'sMark LeeandKen Stillsintensified the game after Lee sent Payton over a bench and Stills leveledMatt Suhey.[21]With the Bears in trouble and trailing 10–7 in the 4th quarter, aSteve McMichaelsafety 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 safetyfree kick.On the ensuing drive,Walter Paytonsealed the victory with a 27-yard touchdown run, putting Chicago up for keeps 16–10.

Week 10: vs. Lions

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Week Ten: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Lions 0 0 303
Bears 7 7 7324

atSoldier Field,Chicago

The Bears defeated the Lions 24–3, whileWalter PaytonandMatt Suheyran 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

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Week Eleven: Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bears 7 17 31744
Cowboys 0 0 000

atTexas Stadium,Irving, Texas

In astudentvsteachermatchup, the Bears shut out the Cowboys, handing them the worst loss in franchise history, as well as the first time they were shut out in15 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

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Week Twelve: Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 0 000
Bears 0 20 7936

atSoldier 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 linemanHenry WaechtersackingBob Hollyin the endzone for a safety.

Week 13: at Dolphins

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Week Thirteen: Chicago Bears at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bears 7 3 14024
Dolphins 10 21 7038

atOrange Bowl,Miami, Florida

The Bears’ hopes for a perfect season were thwarted whenDan Marinoand the Dolphins defeated the McMahon-less Bears onMonday Night Football,38–24, and kept the'72 Dolphinsthe only undefeated regular season in league history (it wouldn't be until 2007 when the2007 New England Patriotswere able to tie this record).[23][24]Miami struck first when Marino hitNat Moorefor a 33-yard touchdown. Bears backupSteve Fullerthen threw a 69-yard pass toWillie Gault,and eventually snuck in for a 1-yard touchdown. After aFuad Reveizfield goal to put Miami up 10–7, Marino hit Moore again that set up aRon Davenporttouchdown to increase the gap by 10 points. After the Bears scored on aKevin Butlerfield goal, Marino hitMark Duperon a crossing pattern for 52 yards. On 3rd and 7, he connected withMark Claytonfor 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 the1972 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 rookieAlex Moyerrecovered at the Bears 46.Dan Hamptonthen 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 hitKen Margerumfor a 19-yard touchdown, but that would be the last score of the night for the Bears.[25]Mike Singletary said inAmerica'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",aGrammy Award-nominated andBillboard charts#41 charting rap single that delivered over $300,000 to the Chicago Community Trust.[26]

Week 14: vs. Colts

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Week Fourteen: Indianapolis Colts at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 3 0710
Bears 0 3 7717

atSoldier 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

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Week Fifteen: Chicago Bears at New York Jets – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bears 3 7 3619
Jets 3 0 306

atGiants Stadium,East Rutherford, New Jersey

Week 16: at Lions

[edit]
Week Sixteen: Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bears 3 3 102137
Lions 3 0 7717

atPontiac Silverdome,Pontiac, Michigan

Game information
First quarter

Second quarter

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

Third quarter

  • CHI –Dennis Gentry94-yard kickoff return (Kevin Butler kick).Bears 13-3.
  • CHI – Kevin Butler 21-yard field goal.Bears 16-3.
  • DET –David Lewis2-yard pass fromEric Hipple(Eddie Murray kick).Bears 16-10.

Fourth quarter

  • CHI –Jim McMahon14-yard run (Kevin Butler kick).Bears 23-10.
  • CHI –Ron Rivera5-yard fumble return (Kevin Butler kick).Bears 30-10.
  • DET –James Jones2-yard run (Eddie Murray kick).Bears 30-17.
  • CHI –Ken Margerum11-yard pass from Jim McMahon (Kevin Butler kick).Bears 37-17.

The game featured a hit on Lions quarterbackJoe Fergusonwhere he was knocked unconscious by Bears linebackerWilber Marshall.[27][28]

Standings

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NFC Central
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Chicago Bears(1) 15 1 0 .938 8–0 12–0 456 198 W3
Green Bay Packers 8 8 0 .500 6–2 8–4 337 355 W2
Minnesota Vikings 7 9 0 .438 3–5 5–9 346 359 L2
Detroit Lions 7 9 0 .438 2–6 5–7 307 366 L3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2 14 0 .125 1–7 2–10 294 448 L4

Playoffs

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Round Date Opponent Result Record Game site TV
Divisional Round January 5, 1986 New York Giants W21–0 16–1 Soldier Field CBS
NFC Championship January 12, 1986 Los Angeles Rams W24–0 17–1 Soldier Field CBS
Super Bowl XX January 26, 1986 New England Patriots W46–10 18–1 Louisiana Superdome NBC
Divisional Round: New York Giants at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 0 0 000
Bears 7 0 14021

atSoldier Field,Chicago

Game information
First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • CHI –Dennis McKinnon23-yard pass fromJim 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 quarterbackPhil Simmsfor 60 yards. Simms was 14/35 for 209 yards while running backJoe 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 punterSean Landetato completely miss it, andShaun Gaylepicked it up and ran 5 yards for a touchdown. Bears quarterbackJim McMahonlater threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter, both toDennis McKinnon.McMahon finished the game with 216 passing yards, while running backWalter Paytonrushed for 94 yards.[29]

NFC Championship: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 0 0 000
Bears 10 0 7724

atSoldier Field,Chicago

Game information
First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • CHI –Willie Gault22-yard pass from Jim McMahon (Kevin Butler kick).Bears 17-0.

Fourth quarter

  • CHI –Wilber Marshall52-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 theRaiders.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 backEric Dickersonto 46 yards, and holding quarterbackDieter Brockto 10 out of 31 completions for 66 passing yards. Los Angeles only gained 130 yards of total offense. Chicago quarterbackJim McMahonscored on a 16-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and later threw a 22-yard touchdown pass toWillie Gaultin the third quarter. KickerKevin Butlerkicked a 34-yard field goal in the first period. In the fourth quarter, defensive linemanRichard Dentforced Brock to fumble, and linebackerWilber Marshallpicked up the loose ball and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown.[31]

Super Bowl

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Super Bowl XX: Chicago Bears vs. New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bears 13 10 21246
Patriots 3 0 0710

atLouisiana Superdome,New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information
First quarter
  • NE –Tony Franklin36-yard field goal.Patriots 3-0.
  • CHI –Kevin Butler28-yard field goal.Tie 3-3.
  • CHI – Kevin Butler 24-yard field goal.Bears 6-3.
  • CHI –Matt Suhey11-yard run (Kevin Butler kick).Bears 13-3.

Second quarter

  • CHI –Jim McMahon2-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 Phillips28-yard interception return (Kevin Butler kick).Bears 37-3.
  • CHI –William Perry1 yard run (Kevin Butler kick).Bears 44-3.

Fourth quarter

The Patriots took a quick lead after linebackerLarry McGrewrecovered a fumble fromWalter Paytonat the Chicago 19-yard line on the second play of the game, setting upTony 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 fromJim McMahonto wide receiverWillie Gault,to set up a field goal fromKevin Butler,tying the score 3–3.

After both teams traded punts,Richard Dentand linebackerWilber Marshallshared a sack on Eason, forcing a fumble that linemanDan Hamptonrecovered 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 linemanWilliam "Refrigerator" Perrywas tackled for a 1-yard loss while trying to throw his first NFL pass on ahalfback option play.On the Patriots' ensuing drive, Dent forced running backCraig Jamesto fumble, which was recovered by linebackerMike Singletaryat the 13-yard line. Two plays later, Bears fullbackMatt Suheyscored 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 punterRich Camarilloagain, and receiverKeith Ortegoreturned 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 backRaymond Claybornrecovered a fumble from Suhey at their own 46-yard line. Patriots coachRaymond Berrythen replaced Eason withSteve Groganto 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 receiverCedric Joneslost a fumble after catching a 19-yard pass from Grogan. A few plays later, McMahon's 27-yard completion to receiverDennis Gentrymoved 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 receiverIrving Fryar.But the Bears defense dominated New England for the rest of the game, forcing another fumble, another interception, and defensive linemanHenry Waechter's sack on Grogan in the end zone for asafetyto 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 coachMike Ditkaopted 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 receiverWillie Gaultfinished 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 FullbackTony Collinswas the Patriots leading rusher, he was limited to just 4 yards on 3 carries, and caught 2 passes for 19 yards. New England receiverStephen Starringreturned 7 kickoffs for 153 yards and caught 2 passes for 39 yards.

Notable moments

[edit]

Statistics

[edit]

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 theChargersthat season. They also led the league in turnover differential at plus-23. The team also had 4 shutouts, two in the regular season over theDallas Cowboys,andAtlanta Falcons,followed by theNew York GiantsandLos Angeles Ramsin the postseason.[34]

The defense

[edit]

The Bears' iconic46 defense(named after the jersey number of former Bears' safety,Doug Plank), led by mercurial defensive coordinatorBuddy 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 FamerMike Singletary(#50) flanked by the supremely athleticWilber Marshall(#58) andOtis Wilson(#55), the linebacking unit ranked in at #5 of the greatest linebacking corps in NFL history inNFL 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), Dan "Danimal" Hampton (#99), and Steve McMichael (#76) along with 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 knockedDetroit LionsquarterbackJoe Fergusonunconscious 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, linebackerAl Harrisand strong safetyTodd Bell,missed the entire season due to contract disputes.[12][37]

Chicago Honey Bears

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The 1985 season was theteam's cheerleadingsquadChicago Honey Bears' final season with the team, as team ownerVirginia Halas McCaskeyeventually severed all ties with them.[38]

The Super Bowl Shuffle

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After the loss to theMiami Dolphins,most of the team recorded the songThe Super Bowl Shuffle(defensive linemanDan Hamptonrefused 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 theUS 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, henceWalter 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

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

In 2011, the Bears made their visit to theWhite House,25 years after their originally intended visit was cancelled due to theSpace ShuttleChallengerdisaster,as former PresidentBarack Obamais a Bears fan.[42]At that time, Obama called them the greatest team ever; however, he called his own words into question when hosting the1972 Dolphins,the only NFL team with aperfect season.Obama noted that the only loss the 1985 Bears had was to the Dolphins.[43]

Honors and achievements

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The Super Bowl XX championship ring

Awards

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Hall of Famers

[edit]
  • 1988 Enshrinement Mike Ditka: 1961–1966 (player)[45]
  • 1993 Enshrinement Walter Payton: 1975–1987[46]
  • 1998 Enshrinement Mike Singletary: 1981–1992[47]
  • 2002 Enshrinement Dan Hampton: 1979–1990[48]
  • 2011 Enshrinement Richard Dent: 1983–1993, 1995[49]
  • 2020 Enshrinement Jim Covert: 1983-1991
  • 2024 Enshrinement Steve McMichael: 1980-1994[50]

Players that became coaches

[edit]

Notes

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  • a1Kazor also served as the team's special teams coach, defensive assistant, and tight ends coach

References

[edit]
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  2. ^"1985 NFL All-Pros".Pro-Football-Reference.com.Archivedfrom the original on August 18, 2012.RetrievedAugust 3,2012.
  3. ^Lewis, Brian (January 20, 2014)."10 best teams in Super Bowl history".New York Post.Archivedfrom the original on January 22, 2014.RetrievedJanuary 23,2014.
  4. ^ab"ESPN.com – Page2 – Greatest NFL teams of all time".Espn.go.com. August 14, 2002.Archivedfrom the original on August 19, 2012.RetrievedAugust 3,2012.
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  6. ^"NFL Top 100 Teams".Pro Football Reference.
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  9. ^Mayer, Larry (February 4, 2014)."Comparing Seahawks to '85 Bears".Chicago Bears.Archived fromthe originalon February 22, 2014.RetrievedFebruary 5,2014.
  10. ^abTaylor, Roy."1985 Chicago Bears".Bearshistory.com.Archivedfrom the original on January 4, 2007.RetrievedJune 9,2012.
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  12. ^abIsaacson, Melissa (October 12, 2010)."Holding out on history".ESPN.com.Archivedfrom the original on June 20, 2013.RetrievedApril 10,2022.
  13. ^Defensive assistant
  14. ^Assisted the coaches from the coaching booth
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  16. ^Ditka, Mike (January 28, 2010)."Hey-Let's check out the Viking Miracle (McMahon owns the Vikings)".Windy City Gridiron.Archivedfrom the original on June 23, 2013.RetrievedAugust 3,2012.
  17. ^abcdAmerica's Game: The Super Bowl Champions,"#2. 1985 Chicago Bears." Premiered onCBS,Feb. 3, 2007
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  26. ^"Archived copy".Archivedfrom the original on January 6, 2014.RetrievedJanuary 6,2014.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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  28. ^"Marshall's torments not likely to fade".USA Today.January 31, 2007.Archivedfrom the original on November 10, 2010.RetrievedAugust 23,2017.
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  30. ^Brennan, Christine. "Baring Their Teeth,"The Washington Post,Tuesday, January 7, 1986.Retrieved March 12, 2022.
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  42. ^Miller, Laura (October 7, 2011)."1985 Chicago Bears Visit the White House | The White House".Whitehouse.gov.Archivedfrom the original on January 21, 2017.RetrievedSeptember 3,2012.
  43. ^"President Obama Honors the 1973 Super Bowl Champion Miami Dolphins".YouTube.com/user/whitehouse. August 20, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on October 22, 2013.RetrievedAugust 21,2013.
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  46. ^"Hall of Famers" WALTER PAYTON ".Profootballhof.com.Archivedfrom the original on May 15, 2012.RetrievedJune 9,2012.
  47. ^"Hall of Famers" MIKE SINGLETARY ".Profootballhof.com.Archivedfrom the original on August 5, 2012.RetrievedJune 9,2012.
  48. ^"Hall of Famers" DAN HAMPTON ".Profootballhof.com.Archivedfrom the original on September 25, 2012.RetrievedJune 9,2012.
  49. ^"Hall of Famers" RICHARD DENT ".Profootballhof.com.Archivedfrom the original on October 10, 2012.RetrievedJune 9,2012.
  50. ^"STEVE MCMICHAEL".Pro Football Hall of Fame.February 9, 2024.RetrievedFebruary 9,2024.
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Further reading

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