1985: Three Plays That Changed The Course Of The Super Season

In their Super Bowl season of 1985, the Bears finished the regular season 15-1 and defeated The Giants, Rams, and Patriots by a combined score of 91-10, going down in history as one of the most dominant teams in the Super Bowl era. In 1978, two games were added to the schedule. The 14-game season, established in 1961, was increased to 16 games. Since then, no team has had an undefeated season, including the playoffs. Only the 1972 Miami Dolphins are the only team to take an undefeated regular season record to the postseason and win the championship the same year.

As years go by, the legendary Super Bowl team of 1985, led by the likes of Payton, McMahon, Covert, Hampton, McMichael, and Singletary grows larger. However, this team’s story could have been much different.

We often hear coaches and players alike discuss how most close contests are decided by the outcome of one or two key plays during a game. The fortunes of the 1985 season changed dramatically early on. We take a look back and see how three plays altered an entire season.

Les Frazier’s Pick Six On Opening Day

Chicago hosted their division rival Tampa on opening day. It was a sweltering day on the lake shore with a game-time temperature of 92 degrees. The sun-baked Astro Turf was 122 degrees. Tampa’s offense was just as hot, scorching the Bears’ defense with Four Touchdowns in the first half. Tampa’s RB, James Wilder scored from three yards out with just under two minutes left in the second quarter. The halftime score of 28-17 had many longing for the return of Todd Bell and Al Harris, two defensive standouts who were sitting out due to contract demands. Wilder had over 100 yards rushing in the first half, and Tampa QB Steve DeBerg added Three TD passes, and the Bears defense wasn’t stopping Tampa. To make matters worse, Tampa would get the ball to start the second half.

The Play

After a short run, Tampa ran a pass play on second down. DE Richard Dent deflected the short pass to the left flat and CB Les Frazier grabbed the ball and ran untouched to the end zone. The Bears defense finally gelled, and Jim McMahon threw one TD pass and ran for another. Final score: Bears 38 Tampa 28

The Minnesota Miracle

After a week two victory over the Patriots, Bears QB Jim McMahon suffered from a pinched nerve in his neck that required a stay in a local hospital for a couple of days. With this game scheduled for a Thursday night, McMahon could not practice. Coach Ditka decided to start backup QB Steve Fuller. Fuller could not get the ball into the end zone and after being held to three Kevin Butler field goals, the Bears were trailing 17-9 midway through the third quarter after a Minnesota TD pass by Tommy Kramer.

The Magic of McMahon

After a kickoff return gave the ball to Chicago at their 30-yard line, McMahon finally entered the game. The first play was supposed to be a screen pass, but Minnesota blitzed. Walter Payton read the blitz perfectly, and McMahon found Willie Gault for a 70-yard TD. This play lit a fire under the entire team.

After a Wilbur Marshall interception that gave the ball back to the offense on the Viking 25-yard line, McMahon rolled left and found Dennis McKinnon for his second TD in as many throws. After a Viking punt, McMahon finds McKinnon for another TD, this time from 43 yards out and the quarter ends with the score Bears 30, Vikings 17. The final score of 33-24 gave Minnesota their first loss on the season, while Chicago moved to 3-0 to start 1985.

Willie Gault’s Kickoff Return Started The Comeback In Week Four

Chicago played host to the Washington Redskins in week four. It was their third home game in four weeks to start the season. The Redskins used a pounding running attack and just enough passing on offense to start the game. Meanwhile, the Bears’ offense was stuck in neutral, ending the first quarter with just 2 yards on offense.

After an incomplete pass to open the second quarter, a Mark Mosely 32-yard field goal extended the Washington lead to 10-0. After three possessions for each team, Washington had amassed 126 yards of offense while dominating time of possession.

The Play That Changed Momentum

On the ensuing kickoff, Bears WR Willie Gault roamed right, received the ball near the sideline at the one-yard line, and streaked down the right sideline for a 99-yard touchdown. At that time it was the longest kick return at Soldier Field. The score electrified the crowd and provided a boost the Bears desperately needed. Also, the Redskins kicker, who also handled punting, was injured on the play, which benefited the Bears immediately on the next possession.

After an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the ensuing kick, the Redskins started their next drive at their own 19-yard line. Chicago’s defense, led by a Tyrone Keys sack, forced their first three and out of the game. With the punter nursing a bruised knee, QB Joe Theismann lined up in punt formation. The kick went off the side of Theismann’s foot, resulting in just a ONE-YARD PUNT.

Jim McMahon wasted no time, hitting Dennis McKinnon for a 14-yard TD on the very next play. A 10-0 deficit turned into a 14-10 lead in a flash. Before Washington knew it, the Bears added two more TD and a Kevin Butler field goal. Chicago led 31-10 at halftime and ended the game with two more TDs in the second half to win 45-10.

3 Plays: 3 Wins

Ultimately, the Bears would roll through the 1985 season, finishing 15-1. As mentioned earlier, coaches and players often say a close game comes down to a few key plays, and these three plays quite possibly changed the narrative for the entire 1985 season! What are some of your favorite big plays that changed a game’s outcome? Please be sure to list them in the comments below.