The '85 Bears at 40: Reliving Chicago's greatest sports season

State of play: The team's dominant performances and brash personalities helped anoint them as one of the best teams in NFL history.

• Seven of the players are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
• Players became local legends starring in national commercials, television shows, and, of course, music videos.

In honor of the 40th anniversary, we will use archival videos, photos and box scores to write mini-recaps of each of the exciting games from that storied season.

Game 1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sept. 8, 1985)

The Bears began the season at Soldier Field with high expectations following their playoff run the previous year.

Recap: The team started slow, falling behind 28-17 to Steve DeBerg and the lowly Bucs.

Yes, but: They rattled off 20 unanswered points to win 38-28.

Standout: Jim McMahon. The punky QB was throwing darts all over the field and throwing his body over the field, too.

• He scored four touchdowns, two passing and two running.

Play of the game: Cornerback Leslie Frazier's third-quarter pick-six changed the momentum.

• Shawn Gayle blocked a fourth-quarter punt that set up the decisive touchdown.

Non-football moments: Coach Ditka was sporting a short-sleeve dress shirt with a tie. This was before his hair was slicked back, and he instead opted for more of a curly perm.

• It was 91 degrees on the Soldier Field astroturf.

The bottom line: The Bears' defense turned the tide, but the punky QB surfed it to a win.

• The Bears are 1-0.

Game 2: New England Patriots (Sept. 15, 1985)

The Bears' defense gave up an uncharacteristic 28 points against the lowly Bucs in week one, so the pressure was on to see if this defense was for real.

The answer: It was.

Recap: The team beat up the Patriots 20-7 in a preview of what was to come in Super Bowl XX.

Standout: Mike Singletary. Samurai Mike had two sacks and an interception while just shutting down Tony Eason and the Patriots' offense.

Play of the game: Matt Suhey's 1-yard touchdown sealed the game early.

Non-football moments: This game marked the end of Ditka's makeover. The short-sleeved, curly-haired coach was gone, replaced by a guy with a slicked-back hairstyle in a full dress shirt and tie. From here on out, it's business Ditka.

The bottom line: Vintage Monsters of the Midway dominance.

• The Bears are 2-0.

Game 3: at Minnesota Vikings (Sept. 19, 1985)

The undefeated Bears headed to a divisional showdown with the undefeated Vikings at the H.H.H. Metrodome in Minneapolis on Sept. 19, 1985.

• Jim McMahon didn't start the game because of a pinched nerve, but entered in the third quarter with the Bears trailing 17-9. The QB famously threw his first two passes for long touchdowns, and the Bears defeated the Vikings 33-24.

Standout: This was McMahon's big moment, but WRs Dennis McKinnon and Willie Gault had huge games with multiple touchdowns.

Play of the game: McMahon's first pass was a 70-yard bomb to Gault for a TD, made possible by a great block by Walter Payton.

Non-football moments: It was surreal to listen to color commentary from O.J. Simpson, who was part of the broadcast booth.

• Also, the Vikings had a rookie wide receiver named Buster Rhymes. Does this mean Busta Rhymes is a Vikings fan?

The bottom line: The Bears shone bright on national television. Something was brewing.

Game 4: Washington Redskins (Sept. 29, 1985)

The sun was shining, the stands were packed and the Bears sent a resounding statement to the Redskins and the entire league with a 45-10 victory.

Standout: I wish I could name just one player, but the entire defense gave fans goalline stops, crushing hits, big turnovers and electric energy all game long.

• Willie Gault returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Washington's kicker was injured on the play, forcing Joe Theisman to punt on the next possession. He punted for 1 yard.

Play of the game: McMahon handed off to Payton, Payton stumbled, threw back across his body back to McMahon for a touchdown.

• The razzle-dazzle play is one of the most notorious from the '85 season.

Non-football moments: Rewatching these games is like watching Ditka's superhero origin story. Ditka added his patented blue blocker sunglasses to his ensemble.

• The Honeybears! The now-defunct cheerleading quad was on the sidelines.

The bottom line: It was a feeding frenzy for this historic defense.

The Bears are 4-0.

Game 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Oct. 6, 1985)

The undefeated Bears strolled into Tampa Stadium to play the winless Buccaneers. It should have been a cakewalk, but just like the first week of the season, the division rivals pushed the Bears to the brink.

Yes, but: Even with a 12-3 halftime lead, the Bucs couldn't stop the Bears, who won 27-19.

The star: Walter Payton. He scored two touchdowns in the 4th quarter and passed 100 career touchdowns in this game.

• Also, tight end Emery Moorehead had huge catches as the Bucs double-covered the Bears' wideouts for most of the game.

Play of the game: Dave Duerson's interception halfway through the 3rd quarter energized the Bears.

Non-football moments: The announcers mentioned that two college soccer teams, who had partied at the hotel the night before, kept the broadcasters and players up all night.

The bottom line: The Bears won ugly. But they won.

• The team is now 5-0.

Game 6: San Francisco 49ers (Oct. 13, 1985)

The 49ers were the defending champs, and this was a rematch of the 1984 NFC Championship. The Bears' defense was ferocious, sacking Joe Montana seven times en route to a 26-10 win.

The star: Sweetness, once again. He had over 130 yards and rushed for two touchdowns.

Play of the game: Late in the fourth quarter, Payton ran for his famous 17-yard touchdown, stretching out across the goal line with All-Pro safety Ronnie Lott on his back.

The intrigue: To run out the clock, Coach Ditka inserted rookie William "The Refrigerator" Perry to carry the ball on offense. It would not be his last carry this season.

Non-football moments: This game was played on a baseball diamond. Football fans miss that.

The bottom line: The Bears are 6-0.

Game 7: Green Bay Packers (Oct. 21, 1985)

This game may have been touted as a rivalry on Monday Night Football, but it ended up being owned by one man: The Fridge.

• On this cold night at Soldier Field, the Bears stomped the Packers 23-7 behind a rushing touchdown from William "The Refrigerator" Perry.

What they said: "We are seeing a folk hero being made," broadcaster Frank Gifford announced as the crowd erupted when The Fridge hit the field.

The star: The Fridge, no doubt. But Walter Payton had another huge game and the Bears' defense forced five turnovers.

Yes, but: It was a sloppy game. The Bears' offense fumbled the ball four times before the half. Quarterback Jim McMahon was injured late in the game, giving way to Steve Fuller and, for at least one play, Mike Tomczak.

Play of the game: Again, all Fridge. He didn't just rush for a touchdown, but he blocked for both of Payton's scores.

Non-football moments: Gifford marveled at Soldier Field, talking about its history, saying it was a "great old stadium." The Bears still play there 40 years later.

• Also, Ditka went with a sweater vest. It was October, after all.

The bottom line: The Bears are 7-0 and are off to the franchise's best start in 43 years.

Game 8: Minnesota Vikings (Oct 27, 1985)

The Bears are undefeated going into this matchup with the Vikings at Soldier Field.

• McMahon has a "bruised butt" but still plays.

The star: William Perry is firmly entrenched in the zeitgeist. When he got his first sack of the season, the crowd went berserk.

• Also, Walter Payton again. Over 100 yards rushing and a big catch to score a TD to seal the game.

The play of the game: With the Bears only up 13-7 in the third quarter, Richard Dent tipped a pass and Otis Wilson intercepted it and ran it back for an electric touchdown. Bears never looked back.

Non-football moments: The halftime package included the feature "Dieter Brock. L.A.'s Canadian Rocky."

• Right before the half, fans waved a sign that said "Ditka for mayor."

The bottom line: The Monsters of the Midway made it look easy, winning 27-9.

• The Bears are now 8-0.

Game 9: Green Bay Packers (Nov. 3, 1985)

The Packers were still smarting after the Bears embarrassed them on Monday Night Football. The Lambeau Field crowd was angry and the team was emotional, taking several cheap shots.

• It may have been because Jim McMahon told reporters earlier in the week that the Packers were a "bunch of crybabies."

Reality check: The Bears won a slugfest, 16-10.

The star: Walter Payton ran for 100 yards before halftime and scored a huge 27-yard touchdown to take the lead for good in the 4th quarter.

Play of the game: The Fridge caught a touchdown pass. Really?

• Also, Packers safety Mark Lee ran Payton out of bounds and over a bench. Lee was ejected.

Non-football moments: Some funny 1985 Packers names — Lynn Dickey, Al Del Grego and Harlan Huckleby — made me chuckle like a 10-year-old.

The bottom line: This game's cheap shots drove Bears-Packer animosity for years.

• The Bears are 9-0.

Game 10: Detroit Lions (Nov. 10, 1985)

The Bears played in snowy conditions at Soldier Field without Jim McMahon. It didn't matter; the Bears stifled the Lions with a 24-3 win.

• Coach Ditka didn't trust backup Steve Fuller as the first 23 plays on offense were runs. I've never seen that before.

Star of the game: Matt Suhey. Walter Payton got his usual 100 yards, but Suhey also ran for over 100 yards. A fullback!

Play of the game: Wilber Marshall absolutely destroyed Lions' QB Eric Hipple on a sack, leading to a Mike Singletary fumble recovery that put the game out of reach.The Lions were so afraid of the Bears' defense, they punted on a third down!

Non-football moments: The goal posts at Soldier Field fell before the game due to wind.Also, after the game? CBS was really pushing its Sunday night lineup anchored by "Trapper John, M.D."

The bottom line: Bears dominate in Bear weather.

• The team is now 10-0.

Game 11: Dallas Cowboys (Nov. 17, 1985)

The league had taken notice of the undefeated Bears, but it wasn't until this game that the Super Bowl felt inevitable. They hadn't beaten Dallas since 1971 and this game was on the road without Jim McMahon.

• No matter, though. This was one of the biggest blowout victories in Bears history — 44-0.

The star: The defense. They blew out the playoff-bound Cowboys without help from the offense. They scored two touchdowns in the first half.

• Hat tip to Otis Wilson for knocking Danny White out of the game.

Play of the game: Can I give it to a punter? Maury Buford pinned the Cowboys on their own 2-yard line. The very next play, Dan Hampton tipped a pass and Richard Dent intercepted it for a touchdown.

Non-football moment: This was the first game of the season called by legendary broadcasters Pat Summerall and John Madden. It wouldn't be the last.

The bottom line: This game launched the Bears' defense into stardom.

• Oh yeah, the Bears are 11-0.

Game 12: Atlanta Falcons (Nov. 24, 1985)

The Falcons had no chance in the 20-degree cold at Soldier Field. The Bears devoured them 36-0.

Star: Who else? Walter Payton. Once again, no Jim McMahon, so Ditka's game plan was Payton.

Play of the game: Payton's toss sweep, 40-yard touchdown to give the Bears a 13-0 lead. We forget how easy he made it look.

• Also, Daaa Fridge scored and the defense got a safety.

By the numbers: Over the last three games, the Bears outgained opponents in total yards 1,117-373 and outscored them 104-3. Wow.

Non-football moment: It was fun to hear Brent Musberger say, "You are looking live..." to start the pre-game broadcast. Old school. Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder was part of the broadcast, too.

• "NFL Today" did a pre-package about how the Bears were bringing Chicago alive, even featuring Mayor Harold Washington.

The bottom line: Bears fever was finally here in a big way.

• They are 12-0.

Game 13: Miami Dolphins (Dec. 2, 1985)

The Monday night game in Miami was heralded as a possible Super Bowl preview and the Dolphins didn't disappoint. They defeated the Bears 38-24 and stopped them from tying their 1972 squad's undefeated record (which still stands today).

• The Bears started Steve Fuller at quarterback again and it finally caught up to them. He was awful. Jim McMahon came in late, but no heroics this time.

Star of the game: Everybody sucked — even punter Maury Buford. But Walter Payton ran 100 yards to extend his streak to eight straight games, a new NFL record.

Play of the game: The Bears tipped a pass at the line and instead of it being intercepted, it fell into the hands of a Dolphins receiver who ran for a touchdown and essentially sealed the game.

Non-football moments: A fan ran on the field towards the end of the game. That was fun.

The bottom line: The Bears finally lost. But that didn't stop them from coming back to Chicago to immediately record the Super Bowl Shuffle. Their championship plans would not be denied.

• The Bears are 12-1.

Game 14: Indianapolis Colts (Dec. 8, 1985)

The Bears showed rust after losing to Miami, but ultimately prevailed over a pretty lousy Colts team.

• It was only 3-3 at halftime, but the Bears dominated the second half to win 17-10.

Star of the game: Walter Payton, who had the flu all week, racked up over 100 yards rushing for the 9th straight game.

Fun stat: This was Payton's 150th straight start. Unreal.

Runner-up: Steve McMichael. While most of the other players seemed to sleepwalk through this one, Mongo batted a couple of passes and led the defensive charge.

Play of the game: On the first Colts' drive, the Bears had a goal-line stand, forcing a field goal attempt, which the Colts missed.

Non-football moments: This was the last home game for the season. It was the first time the Bears went undefeated at home since 1956 at Wrigley Field.

• The announcer said the last time the Bears played the Colts, Coach Ditka broke his hand. Classic.

The bottom line: The Bears played poorly, but it hardly mattered.

• They are 13-1.

Game 15: New York Jets (Dec. 14, 1985)

This was a classic Saturday matchup between two huge markets and two winning teams. The Bears' defense starred against the playoff-bound Jets, winning 19-6.

• The defense once again kept an opponent from scoring a touchdown, hammering Jets QB Ken O'Brien all game.

The downside: Walter Payton faced a ferocious Jets defense, which ended his record-setting streak of 100-yard games.

Star of the game: On a day when Walter and the offense couldn't get anything going, the sackman cometh. Richard Dent destroyed O'Brien, forcing a fumble that the Fridge recovered. Next drive, he did it again. This time Otis Wilson recovered. Vintage '85 Bears.

Play of the game: Take your pick of bone-crushing hits. Dent had a few, Wilson got one late. Gary Fencik was all over the field.

Non-football moments: I watched the actual broadcast of this game, complete with the vintage commercials.

• Best beer jingle ever: "Now you're talking football, now you're talking beer, now you're talking good times and Stroh's is spoken here!!!" The rest were commercials for car parts.
• The network premiere of "Stroker Ace" with Burt Reynolds was on after the game.

The bottom line: The national audience wanted more of the Bears and they delivered.

• The Bears are 14-1.

Game 16: Detroit Lions (Dec. 22, 1985)

The Bears became only the second 15-win team in NFL history by blowing out the Lions in Detroit, 37-17.

Play of the game: On the first drive, Wilber Marshall knocked quarterback Joe Ferguson unconscious. He eventually got up and walked off the field. On the next Lions drive, Marshall wrecked backup Eric Hipple, too.

• Then Marshall had an interception (which was fumbled back to the Lions), leveled Hipple again and forced a fumble that the Fridge picked up and rumbled 59 yards to seal the win.
• How Marshall wasn't voted to the Pro-Bowl is beyond me.

Star of the game: Marshall, but honorable mention for kick returner Dennis Gentry, who returned the second-half kickoff for a 94-yard touchdown to take a 13-3 lead.

Non-football moments: Mike Singletary got hurt in the second half, lying on the ground for minutes as trainers tended to his knee. The diagnosis was a sprain, but the announcers were worried about the playoffs. It could have changed history if Iron Mike's season had been over.

The bottom line: The Bears finished 15-1 and got a first-round bye in the playoffs.

NFC Divisional Playoffs: New York Giants (Jan. 5, 1986)

The frigid temperatures let the Bears' defense take control and blank the Giants, 21-0.

Star of the game: Richard Dent showed why he was a future Hall of Famer, sacking the QB several times and forcing fumbles.

Play of the game: A huge Dent sack forced the Giants to punt out of their own endzone. The wind was swirling and Giants punter Sean Landeta whiffed on kicking the ball and Shawn Gayle picked it up for a Bears touchdown. It was one of the biggest plays of the 1985 season.

• The wind was so bad that Bears kicker Kevin Butler missed three field goals.

Non-football moments: It was cold! The wind chill was around -13 and the pregame show did an entire feature on the first aid station at Soldier Field.

• Coach Ditka went with the old school satin Bears jacket and winter hat: No suit for the divisional playoff.
• There was a broadcast tribute to Bill Veeck at halftime. The longtime Chicago sports owner died on Jan 2, 1986.

The bottom line: While we enjoy playoff football in Chicago again, it's doubtful today's team will shut out a playoff opponent. The march to destiny continues.

NFC Championship: Los Angeles Rams (Jan. 12, 1986)

This NFC Championship game is likely the best Chicago Bears football game of all time.

• The Bears pulled off the unthinkable, blanking the high-octane Rams 24-0 to advance to Super Bowl XX.

Star of the game: Mike Singletary was all over the field, including a glorious stop on third down where he manhandled Rams running back Eric Dickerson.

Play of the game (or ever): Late in the fourth quarter, the fans were getting louder, sensing a Super Bowl bid. The snow started falling. Richard Dent easily beat the Rams' left tackle and blindsided quarterback Dieter Brock, forcing a fumble that Wilber Marshall scooped up and rumbled 60+ yards for the final score.

• The camera scanned a raucous, somewhat shirtless Soldier Field crowd as it erupted into pandemonium. I literally wiped tears away from my eyes while rewatching this.
• When kicker Kevin Butler made the extra point, broadcaster Pat Summerall said, "Like everything else today, the extra point is perfect."

Non-football moments: Broadcaster John Madden was in rare form, using "boom and pow and thwack and whop" throughout the game. His "That'll clear out the sinuses" after a Bears hit made me laugh.

• QB Jim McMahon, mad that the league fined him over his unsanctioned headbands, wore a homemade one that said "ROZELLE" in honor of the league commissioner, Pete Rozelle. Top-notch trolling.

Super Bowl XX vs. New England (Jan. 26, 1986)

The Bears' victory over the New England Patriots was nothing short of a complete ass-whooping, 46-10.

Play of the game: In the first quarter, Richard Dent not only stopped Patriots running back Craig James, but he also manhandled the New England star and stripped the ball.

• Two plays later, Matt Suhey rumbled into the end zone. The Bears went up 13-3 and it was over.

Star of the game: While Dent was named the Super Bowl MVP, you could also make an argument for Jim McMahon, Dan Hampton, Otis Wilson or even Willie Gault, who played his best game of the season.

Call of the game: Announcer Dick Enberg said early in the third quarter: "If it were a fight, they'd have to stop it."

Non-football moments: Coach Ditka wore the famous Bears sweater vest, but the coaching staff wore the full-sleeved version, which you don't see that often.

• New England kicker Tony Franklin kicked with a bare right foot. Very 1980s.
• McMahon displayed handmade headbands, including one that read POW-MIA.

The bottom line: The announcers made a big deal about the Bears ending a 22-year championship drought. What will they say when the Bears finally get their next Super Bowl victory?

• Let's hope when it happens, it's as glorious as the one 40 years ago.