'85 Bears vs. '07 Patriots

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'85 Bears vs. '07 Patriots

Posted by Aaron Fentress December 23, 2007 02:48AM

Categories: NFL View

New England is five wins away from becoming the NFL's first undefeated team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins and the Patriots are doing it with an offense that is 34 points away from the all-time scoring record (556). Quarterback Tom Brady needs four touchdowns to tie Peyton Manning's single-season record of 49. Wide receiver Randy Moss needs three scores to tie Jerry Rice's single-season record of 22 (done in 12 games during the 1987 strike season that included three weeks of games played by "scabs.")

AP Photo/Phil Sandlin - ditkaMike Ditka came one loss away from a perfect season with the 1985 Chicago Bears

The previous team to come the closest to going undefeated was the 1985 Chicago Bears, who began the season 12-0 before losing to the Dan Marino-led Dolphins. They recovered to win Super Bowl XX. 46-10 over New England. Chicago did it with what is regarded by many as the most dominant defense in NFL history. The Bears held 14 of 19 opponents to 10 points or less, eight opponents to a touchdown or less, and recorded four shutouts, including two in the playoffs.

(The 1976 Oakland Raiders and the 1984 San Francisco 49ers each lost one game but they did so much earlier in their respective seasons than the Bears. The 2005 Indianapolis Colts began the season 13-0 but lost three games, including one in the second round of the playoffs).

So, it seems that the clash for all time would be the Patriots offense versus the Bears defense. Which unit would win? More importantly, which team?

Of course, the answers will remain a mystery. But let's for a minute speculate, shall we?

First, some ground rules and disclosures. I was born in Chicago and am a huge Bears fan. I have 17 of the Bears 19 games from 1985 on DVD and adore Walter Payton. But I call them as I see them. I think the 1978 Steelers are the greatest team ever. And I believe LaDanian Tomlinson is a more complete back than Payton was because he has that extra gear in open field that Payton lacked. So, while bias might be a little unavoidable, I typically can't avoid recognizing what I believe are undeniable facts.

As for the ground rules: Eliminate the era debate. We all know that players today are bigger, stronger, blah, blah, blah. That carries no weight here. Think of it this way: if the 2007 Patriots must be considered better because of 22 years of evolution, then we would automatically be saying here and now that the Super Bowl champion in 2029 is going to be better than these Patriots. And although that might be true, when comparing teams from different eras one must do so without clouding the issue with little details like that William Perry at 310 was considered a, well, refrigerator in 1985, but today would be considered a "smallish" defensive tackle.

AP Photo/Phil Sandlin Peter Brock, out of Jesuit High School in Portland, played on New England's offensive line when it lost 46-10 to Chicago in Super Bowl XX.

Now, on with the show with some help from former Oregon State defensive back Ken Taylor, a rookie for the Bears in 1985 who had three interceptions and returned punts and kickoffs; and former Patriots lineman Peter Brock, out of Portland's Jesuit High School, who played against these Bears in Super Bowl XX. I spoke to both for a story that ran Sunday on the Patriots run at perfection.

'85 Bears vs. '07 Patriots.

Patriots offense versus Bears defense

A game against the 1985 Bears is not even a contest unless the opposing quarterback is Hall of Fame material. The Bears "46" defense (named after the jersey number for former Bears safety Doug Plank) relied on heavy pressure by bringing eight players in the box and often placing six on the line of scrimmage and covering both offensive guards. Then, other defenders would shoot gaps.

"Now bring a couple of extra rushers and you're all tied up," Brock said.

The problem was that the offense never knew who was coming. That led to confusion and mayhem would ensue.

In 19 games that season, the Bears intercepted 36 passes and allowed 17 touchdown passes for a passer rating of 47.9. Bears sacked opposing quarterbacks 80 times.

Joe Montana, Phil Simms and Danny White were shutout (San Francisco's only score was on defense). Joe Theisman managed 10 points. Running the ball against Chicago was impossible. They allowed 82 rushing yards per game. Tony Dorsett managed 44 yards on 12 carries. Eric Dickerson was held to 46 on 17 carries.

That's where Brady comes in. His accuracy and decision making would make this game worth watching. The Patriots aren't a horrible running team, but Laurence Maroney wouldn't scare the Bears.

In many ways, the Patriots offense is tailor made to defeat Chicago. Back then, many teams made the mistake of staying in traditional sets and relying on protecting the quarterback on five and seven step drops. Against the Bears, there just wasn't time.

"Back in that area teams tried to remain balanced," Brock said. "But there was so much pressure with the 46. They had eight in the box and were bringing seven of them."

Taylor remembers times when he would be in bump and run coverage and after trailing his man for five or 10 yards, he would hear the whistle, blowing the play dead.

"The quarterback would be down," he said. "He would always be down."

The Bears defense sacked opposing quarterbacks 80 times in 19 games during the 1985 season.

Because there were so many defenders in the box, it was almost impossible to run. In many respects, the 46 defense (and the West Coast offense) led to more teams using quick timing passes, many on three-step drops. And, such schemes like the 46 caused more teams to spread the field just like the Patriots do now.

In fact, the template for a Chicago-New England game would be the Bears lone loss of 1985, a 38-24 defeat at Miami, which was led by Marino, arguably the greatest pure passer ever. And he had the perfect wide receivers, Mark Clayton, Mark Duper and Nat Moore, all shifty and quick.

Using shotgun, and quick passes from Marino's ultra quick release, Miami was able to neutralize Chicago's pressure. Miami's first score came on a quick pass into the left flat to Nat Moore, who had been aligned in the slot near the left tackle. The Bears rushed seven on the play. Miami had two other receivers in the pattern and four defensive backs to beat. Moore juked out safety Gary Fencik, got a block from Clayton and another from Duper and scored.

Marino threw several passes off his back foot in the face of pressure that night. But he had the arm to do so and it rarely affected his accuracy. With the Bears off balance trying to defend the pass, Miami mixed in just enough running plays to keep Chicago guessing. Tony Nathan rushed for 74 yards on 15 carries.

AP PhotoRandy Moss would have been a challenge for the 1985 Chicago Bears. But they did have success against a similar receiver from that era, hall of famer James Lofton of the Packers. But he didn't have Tom Brady throwing to him.

This sounds exactly like the Patriots attack in 2007. They operate out of shotgun the majority of the time and have the wide receivers to attack with Moss, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth. Tight end Ben Watson is as fast a receiver and Maroney is enough of a threat to hurt defenses that focus too much on the pass.

Furthermore, Brady, who doesn't have the pure passing skills of Marino, is a better decision-maker; evidenced by his five interceptions this season to go along with 45 touchdown passes.

"I would assume Brady would respond very well," Taylor said.

The Patriots would have been able to spread Chicago out, maybe even force it into a nickle, taking star linebacker Otis Wilson out of the game. That nickle back would have been matched up inside on Welker, a short, shifty receiver who cuts on a dime, finds open spots and has glue on his hands.

"Spreading the football would give any defense fits," Brock said.

However...that night in Miami should not be viewed as an absolute indicator of a Chicago-New England matchup.

The Bears, for sure, had a bad night. Chicago was without quarterback Jim McMahon and although Steve Fuller was capable backup, he was no McMahon, who was the No. 2 rated quarterback in the NFC that season. Fuller threw three interceptions killing Bears drives and handing Miami great field position. Also, in the third quarter with the Bears rallying, Miami scored on a pass from Marino that ricochet off the helmet of Chicago defensive end Dan Hampton, traveled 25 yards downfield (when have you ever seen that? and landed in the arms of Clayton, who turned and jogged into the end zone.

"It was kind of a fluky game," Taylor said.

Chicago would have approached a New England-type team in much the same way Baltimore, Indianapolis and Philadelphia did this season - by being physical. The Bears probably would not have used a nickle back because linebacker Wilbur Marshall was as athletic a linebacker as there is today and he would have been out on the slot and mugged Welker. Cornerback Leslie Frazier (current Colts defensive coordinator) would be on Stallworth. Former All-pro cornerback Mike Richardson would draw moss and be instructed to re-route him.

"Coach (defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan) would have been on our butts to jam him very, very hard at the line," Taylor said. "If we could slow him up for a half a step then the play would be over because the quarterback would go down."

Former Bears middle linebacker Mike Singletary would have had to make plays against the wide receiveres of the 2007 Patriots like this one against Stanley Morgon of the 1985 Patriots in Super Bowl XX.

Wilson would jam Watson and Fencik, a six-time all-pro, would help over the top of Moss - a must - while strong safety Dave Duerson, a three-time all-pro, would be free to roam, blitz or help Frazier. Middle linebacker Mike Singletary, a hall of famer, would patrol the middle, smacking anyone who dared go there.

"The linebackers were instructed that if anybody crosses your face, they go down, period," Taylor said.

Plus, the Bears were capable of applying pressure without blitzing. Hampton is in the hall of fame. Defensive end Richard Dent, a five-time all-pro with 137.5 career sacks, likely will join him.

"It would be up to Brady putting the ball on the money because he would have to get rid of the ball," Taylor said. "If he could do that consistently, they could score."

For those who don't remember the 1985 Bears, or have forgotten, check out this bit on YouTube, showing highlights of the Bears 44-0 destruction of Dallas. Parental discretion is advised.

Bears offense versus Patriots defense

This brings us to the other side of the ball for both teams.

The Ravens and Eagles had the Patriots on the ropes. But both teams were unable to close the deal primarily because of quarterback error. McMahon likely would not throw a deep interception with the game on the line, especially with a lead and a chance to ice it like Kyle Boller did up seven in the fourth quarter.

Furthermore, the Bears would have been able to control the clock with Payton and an offensive line that had two all-pros, center Jay Hilgenberg and guard Mark Bortz, and was considered the best in the league for several years.

Former Chicago running back Walter Payton had 2,023 total yards in 1985, leading the team in rushing and receptions. He would have given the Bears a chance to control the ball and keep Brady on the sideline.

The Bears offense was vastly underrated that season. They were second in the league in scoring (28.5) using primarily a ball control offense. They rushed the ball 610 times and passed 432 times. New England, through 14 games, has rushed 400 times and passed 511 times.

The key to defeating the Patriots is to control the ball. Most of their blowouts this season came in part because the opposing team's offense could not avoid turnovers and going three-down and out, putting Brady and company right back on the field. The Ravens, thanks to 138 yards from Willis McGahee, were able to control the clock (32:54 to 27:06). The Colts got 112 yards from Joseph Addai. Chicago would employ this tactic with Payton. But the Bears could also make big plays

To compliment the dominant running game, the Bears had the ultimate playaction deep threat in wide receiver Willie Gault, a world class sprinter faster than even Moss.

"He unofficially once ran a 3.9 in the 40," Taylor said.

Sneak a safety up to help stop Payton and he'll never recover to help cover Gault deep. He had just 33 receptions and one touchdown that season, his third, but averaged a ridiculous 21.3 yards per catch and had caught 14 TDs the previous two seasons. On the other side, Dennis McKinnon had 31 receptions and averaged 17.9 per reception with seven touchdowns.

The Patriots defense is good. Very good. But the linebackers are up there in age, as is safety Rodney Harrison. Asante Samuel could certainly cover Gault, not a great route runner, on short and intermediate routes but Gault could beat anyone deep.

Conclusion:
There's no doubt that the Bears would be able to move the ball with Payton and score points. The defense would disrupt the Patriots' rhythm on offense and get after Brady.

However, styles make fights in boxing, and they can also make football games. The fact is that the Patriots offense is the perfect counter to what the Bears did on defense. If the same New England personnel attempted to go under center in a traditional way, the Patriots would get rolled. But spread the Bears out and you have a chance. Brady's most impressive statistic is his five interceptions in 503 attempts. He's cool under pressure and delivers accurate passes his receivers can do something with after the catch. And he has been sacked just 17 times.

AP PhotoIf Tom Brady could survive the Bears pass rush, he likely would have the goods to deliver a close win over the 1985 Bears more times than not and head to Disney World rather than the hospital.

If this game is played late in the season at the home stadium of either team, the edge goes to the Bears. The cold and/or snow would neutralize the Patriots passing game, which we saw in last week's 20-10 win over the lowly Jets.

But any fantasy game would surely be played in a Super Bowl-type setting where the elements are never a factor (save last year's Super Bowl mess).

So, I'm going to take sort of a copout, but I think it's the only logical way to analyze this matchup.

Either team could win any single game. It's just that close. But in a seven-game series in good weather, New England wins four games. But only if Brady can survive the pounding he would take over seven weeks. And that would be a big if. Should he go out, the Bears would win big, even if McMahon went down. Brady is the difference here. If he and McMahon switched teams, Bears win by 30. Chicago had the better all-around team, but New England has the difference maker at the most important position operating the one style of offense capable of getting to the '85 Bears defense, as long as he remained upright.

Finally, New England has more games to play this season. Maybe another team will demonstrate weaknesses that we could perceive Chicago would take advantage of. Maybe New England won't go undefeated, or win the Super Bowl, thus rendering this debate moot.

There's still plenty left to be determined. But for now, I'd have to give the slight edge to New England. What Marino did to the Bears on that crazy Monday Night in 1985 is the clue that cracks this mystery.

Postscript: Chicago almost got another shot at Miami in Super Bowl XX but the Dolphins were upset by New England in the AFC Championship game.

Taylor, who was celebrating the Bears 24-0 win over the Rams earlier that day, heard about the AFC game from his mother, who called to tell him that Miami had lost and that he and the Bears would face New England, a team they had defeated 20-7 earlier that season

"I was like, 'oh, we just won the super bowl then,'" he said.

The Bears defense got seven sacks on Patriots quarterbacks in the Super Bowl and forced six turnovers.

"I just know that that was a tremendous, tremendous defense," Brock said.

But the Bears wished they had played Miami a second time.

"I think we would have crushed them," Taylor said.

Maybe, but would they have defeated this year's Patriots?

"Hard to say what would have happened," Taylor said.

Said Brock: "I'd buy ticket."

Wouldn't we all?

AJF