The 1985 Chicago Bears: A Season of Dominance and Defeat
The 1985 Chicago Bears: A Season of Dominance and Defeat
The 1985 Chicago Bears, under the guidance of legendary coach Mike Ditka, crowned themselves as champions through a mix of resilience and breathtaking dominance. However, their season was bittersweet, marked by one significant loss that ultimately set the stage for their eventual victory in the playoffs.
Regular Season Loss: The Miami Defeat
There was only one regular season loss for the Bears in 1985, and it came in a memorable match-up against Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins. This game, played on Monday Night Football, ended in a 38-24 loss down in Miami. Although the Bears were a formidable defensive force against most teams, they struggled against Marino, who orchestrated a spirited defense. The quarterback threw for an impressive 270 yards and 3 touchdowns, scoring as the Bears’ cornerbacks were consistently outmaneuvered and outmatched. Nat Moore, often referred to as the “Marks Brothers” or Duper Clayton, severely exposed the Bears' corners, adding to the defensive predicament.
Adding to the turmoil, Jim McMahon, the Bears' quarterback and captain, was sidelined due to injury. This absence and the poor performance from the usually strong 46 Defense proved to be a critical factor. By halftime, the Bears were down by a significant margin, 31-10. Despite a late rally, scoring a touchdown in the third quarter, the Bears could not completely recover. The Dolphins scored a 42-yard touchdown late in the game, ensuring their victory. The key to this score was a deflected pass that landed in Clayton’s hands, securing the win for Miami.
Post-Loss Recovery and Title Run
Amidst this setback, the Bears bounced back with a vengeance. They went on to win their last three regular season games, securing the NFC Central title and the top playoff seed. Their victories came against the Colts (17-10), the Jets (19-6), and the Lions (37-17). This streak was pivotal in solidifying their position as champions. Furthermore, they demonstrated their strength by overpowering the New York Giants (21-0), the St. Louis Rams (24-0), and the upstart Patriots (46-10), sealing their championship crown.
A particularly ironic aspect of this championship run was the fact that the Patriots, a team that went on to reach the Super Bowl, achieved this feat by beating the Dolphins in the AFC Championship, 31-14. This upset over Marino and the Dolphins may have altered the course of history, potentially making the Bears’ eventual championship victory more difficult.
The entire 1985 season serves as a testament to the Chicago Bears' remarkable resilience and talent, culminating in a championship title that remains a cherished memory for fans of the team. Despite the setback in Miami, the team’s subsequent performance exemplifies their determination to triumph against all odds.