'85 Bears at 40: Week 12 vs. Atlanta
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Hey, it's Justin. I'm rewatching every game from the 1985 Bears season in honor of the 40th anniversary of the best team in football history.
Week 12: Bears vs. Atlanta Falcons (Nov. 24, 1985)
The recap: 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.
Next week: At Miami on Monday Night Football. What could go wrong?