The 1985 Bears are not respected for their noteworthy wins.

The 1985 Chicago Bears are widely regarded as one of the most dominant teams in NFL history, but there is an argument to be made that their legacy is not always respected as it should be. While their defense is legendary, and their victory in Super Bowl XX is often hailed as a definitive moment in football history, the broader context of their season—including their noteworthy wins—is sometimes overlooked. Instead, the focus tends to be on their overwhelming defense, their larger-than-life personalities, and their place in NFL lore.

But what about the actual on-field accomplishments of that team? The 1985 Bears didn’t just waltz to a Super Bowl victory with little resistance—they earned it, defeating some of the most formidable teams of their era, and facing off against diverse challenges that showcased their resilience and capability across all phases of the game. Despite this, the wins themselves, and the quality of their opposition, are frequently underappreciated in the grand narrative of their success.

In this article, we’ll explore the 1985 Chicago Bears’ path to their Super Bowl win by diving into some of their most noteworthy victories, how those victories demonstrated their football prowess, and why those wins should be respected as an essential part of the team’s remarkable legacy. It’s time to take a closer look at how the 1985 Bears didn’t just rely on their defense but also took on and conquered some of the best teams in the league.

The Journey to Dominance

The 1985 Chicago Bears, led by head coach Mike Ditka, finished the regular season with a staggering 15-1 record, one of the best regular-season records in NFL history. What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is how they got there: a combination of sheer dominance, tactical brilliance, and individual excellence. The Bears’ defense, famously known as the “46 Defense” under defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, was a monster that overwhelmed nearly every team they faced. But the offense, while not as iconic, was capable of making plays when necessary, particularly through running back Walter Payton and quarterback Jim McMahon.

What’s often forgotten, however, is that the Bears didn’t just rely on their defense to dominate. Their victories were not just products of their ability to stifle opponents, but also a reflection of their ability to execute and perform in a variety of game situations. These were not just simple wins—they were performances that exhibited a complete team effort, making their victories all the more meaningful.

The Opening Statement: Week 1 vs. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The 1985 Bears’ season kicked off with an emphatic win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team that, while not a powerhouse, provided a litmus test for the Bears right out of the gate. The Bears dominated the game 38-28, signaling that this season was going to be something special.

What stands out about this game, however, is not just the score, but how the Bears showcased their multifaceted attack. The defense, of course, was relentless. They sacked Buccaneers quarterback Steve DeBerg several times and forced key turnovers. But what really turned heads was the balance the Bears displayed offensively. While Jim McMahon didn’t light up the scoreboard with big passing stats, the offense controlled the clock and kept Tampa Bay off-balance. This game set the tone for the season, demonstrating that the Bears were not one-dimensional. They could win with a mix of defense, ball control, and opportunistic plays.

Even in a relatively straightforward win, the Bears showed that they were going to be a force to be reckoned with all season long.

The First Big Test: Week 6 vs. The Dallas Cowboys

Week 6 brought the Bears a much more formidable challenge when they faced off against the Dallas Cowboys, a team with a storied history and a playoff pedigree. The Cowboys, coached by Tom Landry, were no slouches, with standout players like quarterback Danny White, running back Tony Dorsett, and wide receiver Drew Pearson.

The game was a litmus test of the Bears’ ability to beat a playoff-caliber team, and they passed with flying colors, defeating Dallas 44-0. Yes, 44-0—a shutout on the road against a team that had been in the playoffs the year before.

What made this win even more impressive was the way the Bears were able to disrupt the Cowboys’ offense. The Bears’ defense, led by linemen like Dan Hampton and Steve McMichael, put constant pressure on White, who was sacked six times. Refrigerator Perry, a giant defensive tackle who became a cultural icon, also contributed to the defensive effort. On offense, Walter Payton ran for 131 yards and a touchdown, further showcasing the Bears’ offensive capability beyond the defense.

This win was a major statement to the rest of the league that the 1985 Bears were not just good; they were historically dominant. It wasn’t a fluke—this was a team that was prepared to take down heavyweights.

The Win that Solidified Their Place: Week 13 vs. The Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins entered the 1985 season undefeated. Under head coach Don Shula, the Dolphins had built a reputation for being one of the most consistent and formidable teams in the league. With Dan Marino at quarterback, Miami’s high-powered passing attack was one of the most feared offenses in the NFL. The Dolphins’ 11-0 start was one of the most impressive runs in NFL history.

The Bears, however, were determined to show that their defense could handle the best of the best.

On December 2, 1985, the Bears defeated the Dolphins 38-24, handing them their first loss of the season and doing so in front of a national audience. This was more than just another victory—it was a battle of two teams that were vying for supremacy, and the Bears made a definitive statement that they were the top team in the league.

The game’s significance lies in how the Bears’ defense matched up against Marino. The Dolphins’ passing attack was explosive, but the Bears’ 46 Defense was the ultimate weapon. The Bears intercepted Marino twice, sacked him five times, and prevented Miami from truly ever getting into rhythm. On offense, Jim McMahon played efficiently, with Walter Payton rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown.

This win was important for multiple reasons. Not only did it end Miami’s undefeated run, but it also gave the Bears confidence that they could beat anyone—no matter how high-flying their offense might be. The game solidified their status as the team to beat in the NFL, and it was a critical point in their journey to the Super Bowl.

The Dominance of the NFC Championship: Bears vs. The Los Angeles Rams

By the time the NFC Championship Game arrived, the Bears had made it clear that they were the team to beat. The Los Angeles Rams, led by head coach John Robinson and quarterback Jim Everett, were no pushovers. They had one of the league’s best defenses and were capable of stifling high-powered offenses. The Bears, however, had already proven that they could rise to the occasion.

The Rams, playing at home in the Coliseum, were favored in many circles, but the Bears proved why they were the team everyone feared. The Bears won the game 24-0, further highlighting their complete dominance.

Again, it was the defense that stole the show. The Bears sacked Everett seven times, forcing multiple turnovers and generally making life miserable for one of the league’s better quarterbacks. Dan Hampton, Richard Dent, and Wilber Marshall were among the defensive standouts in what was truly an all-time performance. The Rams never had a chance to get going offensively, and the Bears were able to control the game from start to finish.

Super Bowl XX: The Pinnacle of Dominance

While the previous wins were key to the Bears’ journey, it was, of course, the victory in Super Bowl XX that secured their place in NFL history. The Bears dismantled the New England Patriots 46-10 in one of the most one-sided Super Bowls ever played. The defense was overwhelming, with Richard Dent earning Super Bowl MVP honors.

However, it’s important to remember that the Bears didn’t just win the Super Bowl by a fluke. The victories leading up to that moment, especially against top-tier teams like the Dolphins and Cowboys, demonstrated a level of excellence that had been consistently displayed all season. Super Bowl XX wasn’t a cherry on top—it was the culmination of a season full of incredibly significant wins.

 Respecting the Wins, Not Just the Defense

The 1985 Chicago Bears were an extraordinary team, but their legacy shouldn’t only be defined by their iconic defense. Their noteworthy wins—against top competition, in tough situations, and through various game plans—should be just as respected and celebrated as their statistical dominance. While the defense remains the hallmark of their identity, the Bears’ ability to rise to the occasion in key games was the true foundation of their success.

The 1985 Bears weren’t just a defensive juggernaut—they were a complete, balanced team that was capable of overwhelming opponents in every phase of the game. Their victories over playoff-caliber teams proved that they weren’t just riding their defense to glory; they were taking on all comers and dominating them in a variety of ways. It’s time for those wins to be given their due respect in the broader narrative of the Bears’ legendary season.