The 1985 Chicago Bears are the class of professional football.
Led by Defensive Player of the Year Mike Singletary, Chicago’s defense allowed the fewest points in football during the regular season. And to think, the unit has been BETTER in the postseason. The Bears haven’t allowed a single point to an opponent this postseason. Nary a touchdown or field goal to be seen by the opposition. Pure domination from the Bears’ dominant “D” this winter.
On the offensive side of the ball first-team All-Pro Walter Payton leads the attack, while Pro Bowl quarterback Jim McMahon’s chips in as only a man known as the Punky QB could. Only the San Diego Chargers scored more points on offense, while just six teams gained more total yards than Chicago did in 1985.
It’s been a dominant year for the Bears. And tonight should be a coronation of one of the greatest NFL teams to ever lace ’em up. Only the New England Patriots stand in their way.
This is it. There’s no turning back now. It’s almost showtime!
Game Info
Chicago Bears (15-1) vs. New England Patriot (11-5) — Sunday, January 26, 1986
Channel and time: NBC, 2:00 p.m. CT; YouTube (link)
Game Site: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans (Ah, yes! The days before every stadium had corporate sponsorship!)
Odds: The Bears were 10-point favorites against the AFC champs, via Pro Football Reference’s historical data. Chicago’s football team entered the game as double-digit favorites five times in their Super Bowl season, including twice in the playoffs.
Game Thread
Your game thread is down in the comments. Chime in with your memories!
Coaches
Bears Mike Ditka vs. Patriots Raymond Berry
Starting Quarterbacks
Bears: Jim McMahon: 2,392 yards, 15 TD, 11 INT, 82.6 rating (13 regular season games)
versus
Patriots: Tony Eason: 2,156 yards, 11 TD, 17 INT, 67.5 rating (16 regular season games, 10 starts)
Bears Offensive Starters
QB Jim McMahon
RB Walter Payton
FB Matt Suhey
WR Willie Gault
WR Dennis McKinnon
TE Emery Moorehead
LT Jimbo Covert
LG Mark Bortz
C Jay Hilgenberg
RG Tom Thayer
RT Keith Van Horne
Bears Defensive Starters
DE Dan Hampton
DT Steve McMichael
DT William Perry
DE Richard Dent
OLB Otis Wilson
MLB Mike Singletary
OLB Wilber Marshall
CB Mike Richardson
CB Leslie Frazier
S Dave Duerson
S Gary Fencik
Bears Specialists
Kevin Butler (kicker), Marty Buford (punter), Willie Gault (kick returns), Keith Oretgo (punt returns)
Patriots Offensive Starters
QB Tony Eason
RB Tony Collins
FB Craig James
WR Stanley Morgan
WR Stephen Starring
TE Lin Dawson
LT Brian Holloway
LG John Hannah
C Pete Brock
RG Ron Wooten
RT Steve Moore
Patriots Defensive Starters
DE Garin Veris
NT Lester Williams
DE Julius Adams
OLB Andre Tippett
ILB Steve Nelson
ILB Larry McGrew
OLB Don Blackmon
CB Ronnie Lippett
CB Rayond Clayborn
S Roland James
S Fred Marion
Patriots Specialists
Tony Franklin (kicker), Rich Camarillo (punter), Irving Fryar (punt returns), Stephen Starring (kick returns)
NEWSLETTER
