Week 8 of the 1981 season. A well rounded effort earned Chicago their second victory of the year over the AFC Championship-bound Chargers. Chicago wins this primetime matchup in OT, 20-17.
10/25/1981 proved to be a great sports day. In the late afternoon, you had so many things going out: This Charger/Bear game Miami-Dallas (Landry vs. Shula) Giants OT upset of Atlanta Saints shock the Bengals, who had come off a major beatdown of Pittsburgh Chiefs/Raiders with KC coming back from a 17-0 halftime deficit 49ers first home win against the Rams in 15 years Denver/Buffalo defensive slugfest that had big AFC ramifications Oh, and game 5 of the Yankees/Dodgers World Series.
What a strange year 1981 was for the Bears and Bears fans. A roster with a lot of talent, elevated preseason expectations, and then underachievement in the regular season, a common refrain in the Armstrong era. This game was the big exception, showing what that Bears team was capable of. I remember watching the telecast and being totally pumped - they're shutting down Dan Fouts! Little did I know at the time that this game was the origin of the 46 defense, and that a Super Bowl victory was just four years down the line. John Roveto was kicking due to Bob Thomas getting injured earlier in the season (I think it was the second game of the season when Thomas went out, if I remember correctly). They tried Hans Nielsen for a few games after that, and he was cut for missing an chip-shot, would-have-been game tying FG late in the 4th quarter against Minnesota (was I ever in agony over that one).
Classic Payton at 1:08:40. DB's hated going one on one with him. There are many who claim that he isn't the best at the position, and I have to dispute that. Not even taking into account of all the hits from his relentless blocking for his teammates.
incredible shot. he also has a massive forearm shiver @41:18, and on that play, too, the defender got insult to injury as he was penalized for face-mask after having his own fillings knocked out.
I have heard Singletary mention in interviews about his first start and getting benched after the first play because he called a time out. Evidently this is the game.
Singletary the exact opposite of Matt Nagy in every respect. Singletary is a winner, and totally professional in his approach to playing and coaching. However, like Ditka and others, Singletary is demanding, and would expect a commitment of effort. He would not be as concerned with having the warm and fuzzies with the players. Looking at some of the Bears team from both good and bad past seasons - always, and I mean always, you could see the effort. That is on coaching.
Loved both teams. Chargers took the place of the Traitors. Didn't see many Bears games if not playing the Niners or in the playoffs. God bless them all, HOF or not CLASSIC FOOTBALL.
This was the Bears' first win over San Diego. The Chargers were the first AFC team to visit Chicago and embarrassed the Bears, 20-7, at Wrigley Field in 1970. The Bears lost at San Diego in 1974 and 1978.
After winning at Wrigley Field in 1970, the Chargers didn't win again at Chicago until 2019, although they played at Soldier Field only four other times---1981, 1996, 2003, and 2011.
I didn't know it had been used so early, but the defensive sets certainly were the 46. Something good came of giving up 48 to the Lions the week before.
...not really, Buddy Ryan used what's known as the "46", or elements of the "maximum pressure" concept as early as '68 (when his Jets defense shut down the NFL's, #1 ranked Colts offense in Super Bowl III)
Everyone knows that all Chicago had during this time was Sweetness for 99% of the offense. But on defense, Fencik and Plank were a bone-crushing combo that garnered much appreciation as well.
Yep, it was Mr. Armstrong's final season. The Bears finished 1981 with 6-10, even after decking three straight playoff-caliber teams in the final three games. But this was not enough to save Mr. Armstrong's job.
Bears were 1-6, lost 48-17 previous Monday, and Armstrong was definately gone after season. Since entire staffs are usually let go, assistants were basically coaching for jobs elsewhere in '82. But by late season Ryan was clearly building something, beating some good teams & losing 10-9 Thanksgiving to Dallas) Retaining Buddy worked & I hope history repeats itself with Vic Fangio.
You're thinking about the former assistant from the Vikings instead of the astronaut who was the first man on the moon, right? I never did like Neill Armstrong because he acted that he wanted to be the first man on the moon.
This was the first game Buddy Ryan used the "46 defense" in!!!! The WK before against Detroit they couldn't get to the QB so Buddy Ryan came up with the "46" and used it against the San Diego Chargers in this 1981 meeting! Historical game here!
@1:14:47 Crazy play: Charlie Joiner and Ruben Henderson in a track meet. Just occurred to me that this Charger team went to AFC Championship, losing to Forest Gregg Bengals in the Freezer Bowl. The 49ers and The Catch defeated the Cowboys in NFC championship. This was a season for the changing of the guard in the NFL. Might have been Gibbs rookie coaching season with Redskins, too?
This was the Bears' first win over San Diego, and began a' 4-0 romp through the AFC West in 1981. It was the first time the Bears ever had a winning record against AFC teams, let alone a perfect record. Their previous best had been 2-2 in 1973 and 1979. They were 0-4 against the AFC West in 1978 and 0-4 against the AFC Central in 1980, and had lost 10 straight against AFC teams from 1973-1977. Their interconference record from 1970-1980 was 8-27.
I was 8 years old from Philly during this season. From 79-82, the Chargers were my AFC team. I was probably greatly distressed watching the post-game show and seeing that they lost to the Bears. The loss would have boggled my 8-year-old mind. How could the Chargers lose to a bad team? This loss really F'D them in terms of playoff positioning and having to go to Cincy. I never liked the Bears and maybe its this loss that had a subconscious effect.... or maybe its I never equated the Bears with being able to throw the ball
So sad about Doug Plank - what a gamer! 2015 was the last year I attended a Bears game, and I saw a couple sitting near me with matching Doug Plank 46 jerseys.
@@leogetz3570 He went on IR after one game in 1982 and ended up having to retire early due to the injuries. Not only sad in that way, but also in that he missed out on the 1985 Bears and Super Bowl XX.
@@leogetz3570 LOL - Sorry about that, I should have been more clear right off the bat. Plank would have made a great member of the 85 Bears, in my mind's eye I can visualize him in "The Super Bowl Shuffle".
Beau Bear that's right! #53. Good hitter. 1983 he lite up Elway on a blitz when he came to the Bears. Wait...that might of been Dan Raines....I always get them two mixed up! Lol. Ooops! But your right my man, he was on the '85 roster.
@@ross.stanger 85 fan appreciation day ol Igor has a picture with both stalwarts of Bear Special Teams. Plus with a young rookie wearing 51- Jim Morrissey. 84 fan appreciation day sucked they made everyone stand along the fence, 85 we got to go on the field
Walter Payton is only player I ever seen hold a football one handed all the time and not fumble it , he always shifted it to other hand when going through line , and jump over or walk through line and never just walk out of bounds
I love Payton. Believe he's the best all-around player in history. However, he had his fair share of fumbles. He wasn't known as a chronic fumbler, but his fumble rate for his career was average, or below average compared to the league [meaning in a good way]. But it's important to note that in the last quarter of '86 and then his last year in '87, Walter fumbled a lot. As a lifelong Bears fan, easily the most painful fumble of all of was in the 86 playoff game vs Wash. Redskins had just scored the go ahead touchdown to Monk, and the Bears got a great kickoff return and were really rolling with it on the ground, and Payton got hit by a Washington DL and fumbled. It was really painful to see, because Wash then drove down and scored another touchdown and it was all over. The Bears were already well within fg range when he fumbled, so they'd have gotten a fg or possibly even a touchdown out of that drive, and who knows after that? Even if they somehow eke out a win in that game, that Bears team wasn't gonna beat the Giants with Flutie regardless. Still, that was easily the most costly fumble Walter had in his career. That was at the end of his 12th season, and he was so beloved by that time, the thing I remember is that the home Bears crowd was just stunned into a dull murmur, but they wouldn't boo the man. I think they would have booed any other player . . . it's a real measure of how loved, how revered Payton was by that time in his career.
@@russellmurray3964 It was swept under the rug very skillfully by the Bears, but that fumble also caused Mike McCaskey to insist to Walter that '87 be his last year.
@@SECRETARIATguy224 Mike McCaskey shouldn't have been allowed within a thousand miles of running a pro sports franchise. He wasn't in any position to insist on anything, what a momma's boy lightweight.
As SpecialKaa mentioned...this was the beginning of the 46...many expected Fouts and the San Diego receivers to pass the Bears out of Soldier Field. Didn't happen!!!
It's interesting to observe the frustration in Payton's body language. '81 and '82 were very tough years for him. Bad teams, and he didn't make the Pro Bowl. I think people were starting to say he was winding down, but then he came back very strong, as his 83-86 seasons were all fantastic. Do you happen to have or know where I can find the Bears' final game that year against the Broncos?
...and contrary to this game being known as the "birth of the 46", I beg to differ...you can trace Buddy Ryan's 46, or "maximum pressure " concept as early as '68 when his Jets defense shut down the Colts in Super Bowl III...in fact, this game resembles SBIII in many ways, the heavily favored Chargers with all their MVP candidates, being shut down by Buddy Ryan all over again.
That IS awesome bro! This San Diego Charger team's offense was iconic in '81. That's what made this game so great. Is this the game that Singletary was talking about in his documentary where he invited his whole family cause he was starting in his first game, but because he called a time out he never saw the field again except on special teams? I bet it is! Lol. In the beginning of the game you see Singletary looking like he's ready to go back into the huddle but the coaches keep calling him back. Lol. It's literally right at the start of the game. There's another game on UA-cam of the Bears from 1981 and it's against the defending Super Bowl champion Oakland Raiders. It was a few games after this one. The commentator mentioned how the Bears defense ranked #1 after this game till the end of the season. "Payton almost has his head taken off by #59 Cliff Thrift!" Lol. Thrift became a Bear and played on that Super Bowl XX team!
The one thing about the 85 bears even though buddy Ryan left, how come they keep that defense together. The greatest defense of all time yet one super bowl. A great mystery
Simple. Mike McCaskill was a totally inept owner who thought he was a football genius and began selling down the team after '85. Couple that with the lack of a good QB behind McMahon and you have your answer.
I had alot of high hopes for Vince Evans, but from 1980 thru the early days of the Ditka regime, Vince seemed to walk slower and slower to the sidelines with his head hanging low. Ted Marchibrodia's magic with Bert Jones obviously didn't translate in Chicago
Vince Evans was the best thing to happen for the Chicago Bears from (1977-1983). He was the first Bears QB, to offer (the strongest arm in the NFL) a deep threat in spreading out the offense. He had the fastest feet under center, and could extend plays with rushing for first downs. Coach Armstrong loved him, Ditka, had contempt for him. Evans was the best athlete in the QB room during his tenure. They should kept Vince Evans, and let McMahon play as his back-up. Vince Evans was the better QB, for he had to deal with certain politics with the Bears. The Chicago Blitz were smart in giving Vince Evans a 5 million dollar contract under Marv Levy in the (1984), season. Vince, you deserved it.
You're right - and then the Chargers had to play Cincinnati in that awfully cold AFC game. The Chargers couldn't solve the Bengals' attack in that bitter chill, but then the Bengals had to face that 49ers juggernaut in the Super Bowl.
Jeffrey T Steptoe The Chargers defense was poor against the pass but good vs. the run. They also missed Fred Dean a lot. Also, Dan Fouts had a habit of choking big time in playoff competition.
Scooby Car SF was fortunate to escape DAL in the NFC title game and got off to a good start vs. CIN in the SB. The Bengals were tight in a similar fashion to PHI in the prior year's SB.
I remember before this game, there was a computer ranking system like Sagarin or something. Anyway, the Chargers were ranked No.1 in the NFL and the Bears were dead last going into this game. So, yes, quite an upset.
Yep. It's the game after Detroit and Buddy drew the "46" up on the chalk board. This was the game Buddy used for his new creation.....& it worked wonders! From this game on, the Bears defense ranked #1! There's a Raiders vs Bears game on UA-cam from 1981, that's a couple game after this one. The announcer said the Bears defense has ranked #1 since the Charger game. The Raiders (the defending Super Bowl champions in '81 btw) could do NOTHING against us. Doug Plank even had a safety that game.
@@ross.stanger Thanks for your comments. We used many defensive schemes during the Buddy Ryan era. In previous years, we used a nickel defense which we used on 3rd down situations. We brought in defensive backs when the offense would take out running backs and tight ends and replace them with receivers. This is the first game we used the "46" defense 99% of the game. Our Charger defensive game plan changed after the first defensive play of the game. When the Chargers ran their first offensive play they lined up for the next play without going to a huddle. Mike Singletary called "time out" in confusion. Buddy sat him on the bench the rest of the game. We made substitutions and played "46" the rest of the game. I moved up to middle linebacker and Gary Fencik slid over to free safety. Jeff Fisher also came into the game to play weak side linebacker on the original "46". We slid the defensive line away from the tight end and put 2 athletic linebackers over the tight end. It was a 6 man line with constant pressure. It shocked the Chargers. They were confused and we put constant pressure on the QB. Every coverage and blitz was an automatic defensive gameplan call from myself or Gary Fencik according to down and distance, offensive personnel, offensive motions, and field position. Mike Singletary replaced my position in the "46" when I left the Bears and Mike did a fantastic job of making calls, giving directions, and providing leadership.
@@dougplank9242 thanks for your reply! I've said many times you and Chuck Cecil remind me of one another. I used to try and hit like you. I'd knock the crap outta myself at times..get that smell in my head after a good bell ringer...hard to explain. Lol. Anyway. That defense dominated the entire decade of the 1980's. 72 sacks in '84. 64, in '85. 62 in '86 and 70 in 1987 in 15 games. I always hate when folks try and compare the 1970's Steelers to the 80's Bears. Before 1978 you guys could half kill a WR down field! 😂. Could you imagine how many more sacks you guys would of had if you could mean mug WRs down field like those Steelers could? They even named the rule after their CB, "The Mel Blount Rule"! If they got 72 sacks playing man to man in the 1980's...imagine the dominance you'd dish out if Leslie Frazier, Mike Richardson, Jeff Fisher or Terry Schmidt could knock the sh*t outta WRs down field like Blount could! 100 QB sacks! 😂. Wish you were the Bears DB coach! Or Defensive Coordinator! You'd be great! Smart and guys respect you. I created a group on Facebook with 24k members so far called "NFL 1960's-1990's Memories". I've done several post on you. From yer hits to how you picked off Joe Namath's last pass he ever threw on Monday Night Football, when he was a Ram. Nobody has ever made a negative comment about you! Never! They all say yer an "Animal" (my dad did too! Lol). Every comment shows respect! Thanks again for reaching out to me! I'm beyond grateful!
Watching this and other games from the past of the Chicago Bears - one realizes that today's coach Matt Nagy might be challenged to be hired as a peanut bag vendor. Every coach who has coached the Chicago Bears, in good seasons or bad, never appear as foolish or as inept as Nagy.
I hope Jeff Fisher was a better player for the Bears than he was a coach of the LA Rams. Wow, the Honey Bears! They need to bring them back. I always wanted to be a Honey Bear📣😊
@@markblix6880 Thomas left for Detroit for the first part of the 1982 season, and then returned at the end of the season when Ditka got frustrated with John Roveto, cut him, and signed back Bob Thomas, who was let go by the Lions when Eddie Murray returned from injury (what a rollercoaster ride that was!) Thomas then stayed with the Bears through the end of the 1984 season.
@ 1:34:18... Bears Kicker John Roveto was AWFUL. He was in the NFL only 2 seasons and was 14 for 31 on FG's in 1981-82 with the Bears. Here he misses a chip shot.
Vince Evans was no joke. He was the first Bears QB, to establish a deep threat and avoid the rush, extend plays. The notion that you're short-sighted in realizing that Vince Evans from (1977-83), finally had a Bears QB, that could throw the deep ball, and make the Bears offense exciting. Vince Evans played (20 years) in the NFL/USFL. Vince had a rocket for arm, and quickest feet for under center. You're a vapid-minded neophyte, that has no idea how an NFL QB operates. I am sure watching you throw a football, would show that you have zero skill set for understanding the position.
@@adamlasko315 No doubt about it, Evans had a lot of talent. With the right coaching (which the Bears definitely did not have) teaching him short throws and how to read defenses, he really could have been something special.
it is sooo painful watch this Bears OL dig hole after hole with holding penalties. Also, after watching a number of Bears games from the early 80s, Jeff Fisher is the most boring, non-entity, punt returner that I have seen. I’d like to see Robin Earl back there building up a head of steam.
The team actually had some real talent, especially on defense and with Walter Payton on offense. Weak spots for the team were at QB along with an aging offensive line, something that would be remedied in the next several drafts, especially the 83 draft. The coaching was awful, not only this year but also in Armstrong's previous years. The Bears were arguably the most underachieving team in the NFL during the Armstrong years. GM Jim Finks could draft talent but he kept hiring the wrong coaches. And as for QB, Vince Evans had a rough year in 81 but I put about 80% of that on the coaching. He had talent but they did pretty much close to nothing to develop it.
Why did the Bears give the ball to Matt Suey so much in this game? Why not the greatest Bear rusher of all-time Walter Payton? WTF? What was so great about Matt Suey?
Payton had 36 carries along with 3 receptions for 39 touches. Suhey was a good running fullback that could block and catch. You seem to suggest in your comment that the Bears didn't go Payton. 39 times constitutes using your best offensive player.
Football was great to watch around this era! You had so many star athletes playing...football was at it's best!!
I saw this game live. When you're 1-6, a win like this was unbelievable. Bears starting to get the pieces in place.
10/25/1981 proved to be a great sports day.
In the late afternoon, you had so many things going out:
This Charger/Bear game
Miami-Dallas (Landry vs. Shula)
Giants OT upset of Atlanta
Saints shock the Bengals, who had come off a major beatdown of Pittsburgh
Chiefs/Raiders with KC coming back from a 17-0 halftime deficit
49ers first home win against the Rams in 15 years
Denver/Buffalo defensive slugfest that had big AFC ramifications
Oh, and game 5 of the Yankees/Dodgers World Series.
What a strange year 1981 was for the Bears and Bears fans. A roster with a lot of talent, elevated preseason expectations, and then underachievement in the regular season, a common refrain in the Armstrong era. This game was the big exception, showing what that Bears team was capable of. I remember watching the telecast and being totally pumped - they're shutting down Dan Fouts! Little did I know at the time that this game was the origin of the 46 defense, and that a Super Bowl victory was just four years down the line. John Roveto was kicking due to Bob Thomas getting injured earlier in the season (I think it was the second game of the season when Thomas went out, if I remember correctly). They tried Hans Nielsen for a few games after that, and he was cut for missing an chip-shot, would-have-been game tying FG late in the 4th quarter against Minnesota (was I ever in agony over that one).
Classic Payton at 1:08:40. DB's hated going one on one with him. There are many who claim that he isn't the best at the position, and I have to dispute that. Not even taking into account of all the hits from his relentless blocking for his teammates.
With you all the way. I have always felt that, pound for pound, Payton was the strongest human being that has ever played in the NFL.
incredible shot. he also has a massive forearm shiver @41:18, and on that play, too, the defender got insult to injury as he was penalized for face-mask after having his own fillings knocked out.
I have heard Singletary mention in interviews about his first start and getting benched after the first play because he called a time out. Evidently this is the game.
Yep....I just realized the same thing!!!
kevin trammo 6
Remember that story too
Singletary the exact opposite of Matt Nagy in every respect. Singletary is a winner, and totally professional in his approach to playing and coaching. However, like Ditka and others, Singletary is demanding, and would expect a commitment of effort. He would not be as concerned with having the warm and fuzzies with the players. Looking at some of the Bears team from both good and bad past seasons - always, and I mean always, you could see the effort. That is on coaching.
@@mrlaw711 That's not true.
Loved both teams. Chargers took the place of the Traitors. Didn't see many Bears games if not playing the Niners or in the playoffs. God bless them all, HOF or not CLASSIC FOOTBALL.
why dont they put each year of games on DVD for each team I'd buy them it would be great to watch again
The birth of the ‘46 defense’ and ‘automatic front coverage!’
This was the Bears' first win over San Diego. The Chargers were the first AFC team to visit Chicago and embarrassed the Bears, 20-7, at Wrigley Field in 1970. The Bears lost at San Diego in 1974 and 1978.
After winning at Wrigley Field in 1970, the Chargers didn't win again at Chicago until 2019, although they played at Soldier Field only four other times---1981, 1996, 2003, and 2011.
This is the game where the 46 defense came to birth.
I didn't know it had been used so early, but the defensive sets certainly were the 46. Something good came of giving up 48 to the Lions the week before.
...not really, Buddy Ryan used what's known as the "46", or elements of the "maximum pressure" concept as early as '68 (when his Jets defense shut down the NFL's, #1 ranked Colts offense in Super Bowl III)
The 46 in the 46 is for FS Doug Plank.
big San Diego Charger fan when I was a teen love this will watch tonight can't wait p.s. thanks
Everyone knows that all Chicago had during this time was Sweetness for 99% of the offense. But on defense, Fencik and Plank were a bone-crushing combo that garnered much appreciation as well.
Neil Armstrong was the coach. Think this was his final season...Ditka came in '82, and the defense petitioned Halas to keep Buddy Ryan...
Yup, exactly right!
Yep, it was Mr. Armstrong's final season. The Bears finished 1981 with 6-10, even after decking three straight playoff-caliber teams in the final three games. But this was not enough to save Mr. Armstrong's job.
Bears were 1-6, lost 48-17 previous Monday, and Armstrong was definately gone after season. Since entire staffs are usually let go, assistants were basically coaching for jobs elsewhere in '82. But by late season Ryan was clearly building something, beating some good teams & losing 10-9 Thanksgiving to Dallas)
Retaining Buddy worked & I hope history repeats itself with Vic Fangio.
You're thinking about the former assistant from the Vikings instead of the astronaut who was the first man on the moon, right? I never did like Neill Armstrong because he acted that he wanted to be the first man on the moon.
Halas thought Armstrong too soft on players
Sweetness was sweet best RB ever!
This was the first game Buddy Ryan used the "46 defense" in!!!! The WK before against Detroit they couldn't get to the QB so Buddy Ryan came up with the "46" and used it against the San Diego Chargers in this 1981 meeting! Historical game here!
The "46" has been used since the early 60's. Ryan just named it after Doug Plank when he used it.
Teams combined for 52 incomplete passes, which is quite amazing considering there was only 82 passes. 36%.
Buddy Ryan used the "46" throughout the '78, '79 & '80 campaigns with the Bears...this game is not "the birth of the 46"
Dude, you just ruined it for me. It's like hearing that Santa Claus wasn't real all over again.
@1:14:47 Crazy play: Charlie Joiner and Ruben Henderson in a track meet.
Just occurred to me that this Charger team went to AFC Championship, losing to Forest Gregg Bengals in the Freezer Bowl. The 49ers and The Catch defeated the Cowboys in NFC championship. This was a season for the changing of the guard in the NFL. Might have been Gibbs rookie coaching season with Redskins, too?
This was the Bears' first win over San Diego, and began a' 4-0 romp through the AFC West in 1981. It was the first time the Bears ever had a winning record against AFC teams, let alone a perfect record. Their previous best had been 2-2 in 1973 and 1979. They were 0-4 against the AFC West in 1978 and 0-4 against the AFC Central in 1980, and had lost 10 straight against AFC teams from 1973-1977. Their interconference record from 1970-1980 was 8-27.
Buddy Ryan dialing up the 5-1-5
80s football was the best...
This game was the unvailing of the famed 46 defense a 17-14 bears win over heavy favodite chargers who were a 14 point favorite....
I was 8 years old from Philly during this season. From 79-82, the Chargers were my AFC team. I was probably greatly distressed watching the post-game show and seeing that they lost to the Bears. The loss would have boggled my 8-year-old mind. How could the Chargers lose to a bad team?
This loss really F'D them in terms of playoff positioning and having to go to Cincy.
I never liked the Bears and maybe its this loss that had a subconscious effect.... or maybe its I never equated the Bears with being able to throw the ball
Thanks so much for the upload.
It's actually nice to see "46" in the game and playing!! Doug Plank, who the defense was named after, would be with the Bears for only one more year.
So sad about Doug Plank - what a gamer! 2015 was the last year I attended a Bears game, and I saw a couple sitting near me with matching Doug Plank 46 jerseys.
@@russellmurray3964 What's sad about Plank??
@@leogetz3570 He went on IR after one game in 1982 and ended up having to retire early due to the injuries. Not only sad in that way, but also in that he missed out on the 1985 Bears and Super Bowl XX.
@@russellmurray3964 didn't know he retired early because of injuries. I thought you meant he was dead!!
@@leogetz3570 LOL - Sorry about that, I should have been more clear right off the bat. Plank would have made a great member of the 85 Bears, in my mind's eye I can visualize him in "The Super Bowl Shuffle".
@6:22 , Cliff Thrift would be on the 1985 Bears roster.
Beau Bear that's right! #53. Good hitter. 1983 he lite up Elway on a blitz when he came to the Bears. Wait...that might of been Dan Raines....I always get them two mixed up! Lol. Ooops! But your right my man, he was on the '85 roster.
#52
Vince Evans left Patton out to dry on that play. Evans had no touch on his passes.
@@ross.stanger 85 fan appreciation day ol Igor has a picture with both stalwarts of Bear Special Teams. Plus with a young rookie wearing 51- Jim Morrissey.
84 fan appreciation day sucked they made everyone stand along the fence, 85 we got to go on the field
Jeff Fisher#24 rookie out of USC and future NFL Coach of Titans and Rams, and one hell of a mustache grower
Walter Payton is only player I ever seen hold a football one handed all the time and not fumble it , he always shifted it to other hand when going through line , and jump over or walk through line and never just walk out of bounds
He was absolutely the greatest of all time to put on the uniform! No one will ever run the ball like he did, a one of a kind gem!
I love Payton. Believe he's the best all-around player in history. However, he had his fair share of fumbles. He wasn't known as a chronic fumbler, but his fumble rate for his career was average, or below average compared to the league [meaning in a good way]. But it's important to note that in the last quarter of '86 and then his last year in '87, Walter fumbled a lot. As a lifelong Bears fan, easily the most painful fumble of all of was in the 86 playoff game vs Wash. Redskins had just scored the go ahead touchdown to Monk, and the Bears got a great kickoff return and were really rolling with it on the ground, and Payton got hit by a Washington DL and fumbled. It was really painful to see, because Wash then drove down and scored another touchdown and it was all over. The Bears were already well within fg range when he fumbled, so they'd have gotten a fg or possibly even a touchdown out of that drive, and who knows after that? Even if they somehow eke out a win in that game, that Bears team wasn't gonna beat the Giants with Flutie regardless. Still, that was easily the most costly fumble Walter had in his career. That was at the end of his 12th season, and he was so beloved by that time, the thing I remember is that the home Bears crowd was just stunned into a dull murmur, but they wouldn't boo the man. I think they would have booed any other player . . . it's a real measure of how loved, how revered Payton was by that time in his career.
@@SECRETARIATguy224 That fumble against Washington in 86 divisional playoff was a killer. 180 degree momentum shifter.
@@russellmurray3964 It was swept under the rug very skillfully by the Bears, but that fumble also caused Mike McCaskey to insist to Walter that '87 be his last year.
@@SECRETARIATguy224 Mike McCaskey shouldn't have been allowed within a thousand miles of running a pro sports franchise. He wasn't in any position to insist on anything, what a momma's boy lightweight.
@41:18. man’s game-massive forearm shiver from 34. maybe his other nickname was “SmashMouth”
As SpecialKaa mentioned...this was the beginning of the 46...many expected Fouts and the San Diego receivers to pass the Bears out of Soldier Field. Didn't happen!!!
Grew watching W.P. R.I.P.@@⚡
It's interesting to observe the frustration in Payton's body language. '81 and '82 were very tough years for him. Bad teams, and he didn't make the Pro Bowl. I think people were starting to say he was winding down, but then he came back very strong, as his 83-86 seasons were all fantastic. Do you happen to have or know where I can find the Bears' final game that year against the Broncos?
...and contrary to this game being known as the "birth of the 46", I beg to differ...you can trace Buddy Ryan's 46, or "maximum pressure " concept as early as '68 when his Jets defense shut down the Colts in Super Bowl III...in fact, this game resembles SBIII in many ways, the heavily favored Chargers with all their MVP candidates, being shut down by Buddy Ryan all over again.
2:37:50 "John Roveto 1 for 3 FG's TODAY" - says all you ever needed to know about Roveto's career as an NFL (not for long) placekicker.
I was there!
Awesome bro!
That IS awesome bro! This San Diego Charger team's offense was iconic in '81. That's what made this game so great. Is this the game that Singletary was talking about in his documentary where he invited his whole family cause he was starting in his first game, but because he called a time out he never saw the field again except on special teams? I bet it is! Lol. In the beginning of the game you see Singletary looking like he's ready to go back into the huddle but the coaches keep calling him back. Lol. It's literally right at the start of the game.
There's another game on UA-cam of the Bears from 1981 and it's against the defending Super Bowl champion Oakland Raiders. It was a few games after this one. The commentator mentioned how the Bears defense ranked #1 after this game till the end of the season. "Payton almost has his head taken off by #59 Cliff Thrift!" Lol. Thrift became a Bear and played on that Super Bowl XX team!
You're so lucky because you saw the kickoff. LOL
This was not actually a primetime game. The Bears played in primetime the previous week at Detroit.
The one thing about the 85 bears even though buddy Ryan left, how come they keep that defense together. The greatest defense of all time yet one super bowl. A great mystery
Simple. Mike McCaskill was a totally inept owner who thought he was a football genius and began selling down the team after '85. Couple that with the lack of a good QB behind McMahon and you have your answer.
@@indy_go_blue6048 Yup, that's called hitting the nail square on the head! 100% accurate take.
Time out on the first play on Defense. Whatever happened to that guy who called the timeout? He never returned to the game.
Eh, Singletary? He never did anything. LOL
Sean Fleming and he became one of the best middle linebackers ever
Kelvin Hutcherson I believe he is the Head Coach at Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, Tx outside of Dallas
Sean Fleming you are absolutely right I just found out about this
Sean Fleming
I saw him on the special teams later in this game
I had alot of high hopes for Vince Evans, but from 1980 thru the early days of the Ditka regime, Vince seemed to walk slower and slower to the sidelines with his head hanging low. Ted Marchibrodia's magic with Bert Jones obviously didn't translate in Chicago
Vince Evans was the best thing to happen for the Chicago Bears from (1977-1983). He was the first Bears QB, to offer (the strongest arm in the NFL) a deep threat in spreading out the offense. He had the fastest feet under center, and could extend plays with rushing for first downs. Coach Armstrong loved him, Ditka, had contempt for him. Evans was the best athlete in the QB room during his tenure. They should kept Vince Evans, and let McMahon play as his back-up. Vince Evans was the better QB, for he had to deal with certain politics with the Bears. The Chicago Blitz were smart in giving Vince Evans a 5 million dollar contract under Marv Levy in the (1984), season. Vince, you deserved it.
If Fencik did that same play today at 48:08 he would be flagged for unnecessary roughness.
Wish the Chargers wo*ld go back to these *nis.
This game must’ve been a big upset. The 1981 Chargers got to the AFC championship game & had a very prolific offense.
B*t there defense was awf*l, their offense as proficeint as it was, had a to*gh making *p for their terrible defense.
You're right - and then the Chargers had to play Cincinnati in that awfully cold AFC game. The Chargers couldn't solve the Bengals' attack in that bitter chill, but then the Bengals had to face that 49ers juggernaut in the Super Bowl.
Jeffrey T Steptoe The Chargers defense was poor against the pass but good vs. the run. They also missed Fred Dean a lot. Also, Dan Fouts had a habit of choking big time in playoff competition.
Scooby Car SF was fortunate to escape DAL in the NFC title game and got off to a good start vs. CIN in the SB. The Bengals were tight in a similar fashion to PHI in the prior year's SB.
I remember before this game, there was a computer ranking system like Sagarin or something. Anyway, the Chargers were ranked No.1 in the NFL and the Bears were dead last going into this game. So, yes, quite an upset.
2:29:35 Steve Fuller hands off in that Chiefs highlight.
Jeff Fisher - he is still the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, correct?
SERIO*SLY???!!! WOW!!! LADY, YO* M*ST BE LIVING IN A CAVE(LMAO).
Was this the game where Buddy Ryan debuted his infamous 46 defense?
Yep.
Yep. It's the game after Detroit and Buddy drew the "46" up on the chalk board. This was the game Buddy used for his new creation.....& it worked wonders! From this game on, the Bears defense ranked #1! There's a Raiders vs Bears game on UA-cam from 1981, that's a couple game after this one. The announcer said the Bears defense has ranked #1 since the Charger game. The Raiders (the defending Super Bowl champions in '81 btw) could do NOTHING against us. Doug Plank even had a safety that game.
Nope. www.si.com/nfl/2016/06/28/buddy-ryan-46-defense-bears-rex-rob-ryan
@@ross.stanger Thanks for your comments. We used many defensive schemes during the Buddy Ryan era. In previous years, we used a nickel defense which we used on 3rd down situations. We brought in defensive backs when the offense would take out running backs and tight ends and replace them with receivers. This is the first game we used the "46" defense 99% of the game. Our Charger defensive game plan changed after the first defensive play of the game. When the Chargers ran their first offensive play they lined up for the next play without going to a huddle. Mike Singletary called "time out" in confusion. Buddy sat him on the bench the rest of the game. We made substitutions and played "46" the rest of the game. I moved up to middle linebacker and Gary Fencik slid over to free safety. Jeff Fisher also came into the game to play weak side linebacker on the original "46". We slid the defensive line away from the tight end and put 2 athletic linebackers over the tight end. It was a 6 man line with constant pressure. It shocked the Chargers. They were confused and we put constant pressure on the QB. Every coverage and blitz was an automatic defensive gameplan call from myself or Gary Fencik according to down and distance, offensive personnel, offensive motions, and field position. Mike Singletary replaced my position in the "46" when I left the Bears and Mike did a fantastic job of making calls, giving directions, and providing leadership.
@@dougplank9242 thanks for your reply! I've said many times you and Chuck Cecil remind me of one another. I used to try and hit like you. I'd knock the crap outta myself at times..get that smell in my head after a good bell ringer...hard to explain. Lol. Anyway. That defense dominated the entire decade of the 1980's. 72 sacks in '84. 64, in '85. 62 in '86 and 70 in 1987 in 15 games. I always hate when folks try and compare the 1970's Steelers to the 80's Bears. Before 1978 you guys could half kill a WR down field! 😂. Could you imagine how many more sacks you guys would of had if you could mean mug WRs down field like those Steelers could? They even named the rule after their CB, "The Mel Blount Rule"! If they got 72 sacks playing man to man in the 1980's...imagine the dominance you'd dish out if Leslie Frazier, Mike Richardson, Jeff Fisher or Terry Schmidt could knock the sh*t outta WRs down field like Blount could! 100 QB sacks! 😂. Wish you were the Bears DB coach! Or Defensive Coordinator! You'd be great! Smart and guys respect you. I created a group on Facebook with 24k members so far called "NFL 1960's-1990's Memories". I've done several post on you. From yer hits to how you picked off Joe Namath's last pass he ever threw on Monday Night Football, when he was a Ram. Nobody has ever made a negative comment about you! Never! They all say yer an "Animal" (my dad did too! Lol). Every comment shows respect! Thanks again for reaching out to me! I'm beyond grateful!
Watching this and other games from the past of the Chicago Bears - one realizes that today's coach Matt Nagy might be challenged to be hired as a peanut bag vendor. Every coach who has coached the Chicago Bears, in good seasons or bad, never appear as foolish or as inept as Nagy.
You do know that Abe Gibron coached the Bears, don't you?
About those cheerleaders the Honey Bears at 46:25 over there in Chicago - wonder if one of these nice ladies is named Jennifer?
I hope Jeff Fisher was a better player for the Bears than he was a coach of the LA Rams. Wow, the Honey Bears! They need to bring them back. I always wanted to be a Honey Bear📣😊
@@vonnoosh Thanks for message/info 😊
1:30:41 apparently the NFL was pretty soft even in 1981, about certain things. This roughing the kicker penalty is beyond rationale.
Fo*ts seemed to be a tad "Off" in this game.
disorganized refs blew the KO, NBC had no replay
Ya, I was wondering about that. They must have signaled for the kick off before NBC cut to the game. That would never happen in today's NFL
47:55 that would definitely never happen in today's NFL.
The Chokers would lose in the playoffs! I lost so much money from 79-82 betting on the Chokers.
What about Bob Thomas the kicker? Was he let go before this season?
Injured
@@markblix6880 Thomas left for Detroit for the first part of the 1982 season, and then returned at the end of the season when Ditka got frustrated with John Roveto, cut him, and signed back Bob Thomas, who was let go by the Lions when Eddie Murray returned from injury (what a rollercoaster ride that was!) Thomas then stayed with the Bears through the end of the 1984 season.
GO BEARS
@ 1:34:18... Bears Kicker John Roveto was AWFUL. He was in the NFL only 2 seasons and was 14 for 31 on FG's in 1981-82 with the Bears. Here he misses a chip shot.
And he did not survive incurring the wrath of Mike Ditka in 1982, whom you might say had a certain thing about players who badly underperformed.
Dan Fouts worst ever game! 30% completion ratio, embarrassing
Shouldn’t have pissed off Buddy Mike 😂
19:54 "420"
Vince evans what a joke he was ☻
Vince Evans was no joke. He was the first Bears QB, to establish a deep threat and avoid the rush, extend plays. The notion that you're short-sighted in realizing that Vince Evans from (1977-83), finally had a Bears QB, that could throw the deep ball, and make the Bears offense exciting. Vince Evans played (20 years) in the NFL/USFL. Vince had a rocket for arm, and quickest feet for under center. You're a vapid-minded neophyte, that has no idea how an NFL QB operates. I am sure watching you throw a football, would show that you have zero skill set for understanding the position.
@@adamlasko315 No doubt about it, Evans had a lot of talent. With the right coaching (which the Bears definitely did not have) teaching him short throws and how to read defenses, he really could have been something special.
2:29:36
it is sooo painful watch this Bears OL dig hole after hole with holding penalties. Also, after watching a number of Bears games from the early 80s, Jeff Fisher is the most boring, non-entity, punt returner that I have seen. I’d like to see Robin Earl back there building up a head of steam.
Singletary.
1981 Bears = awful team with awful coach and awful QB.
The team actually had some real talent, especially on defense and with Walter Payton on offense. Weak spots for the team were at QB along with an aging offensive line, something that would be remedied in the next several drafts, especially the 83 draft. The coaching was awful, not only this year but also in Armstrong's previous years. The Bears were arguably the most underachieving team in the NFL during the Armstrong years. GM Jim Finks could draft talent but he kept hiring the wrong coaches. And as for QB, Vince Evans had a rough year in 81 but I put about 80% of that on the coaching. He had talent but they did pretty much close to nothing to develop it.
Why did the Bears give the ball to Matt Suey so much in this game? Why not the greatest Bear rusher of all-time Walter Payton? WTF? What was so great about Matt Suey?
Payton had 36 carries along with 3 receptions for 39 touches. Suhey was a good running fullback that could block and catch. You seem to suggest in your comment that the Bears didn't go Payton. 39 times constitutes using your best offensive player.
Payton himself was very complimentary about Suhey's all-around game.
Suey was a very good back and had some good runs in this game, having a second good back allowed them to run the ball more often and control clock
Don't "Earl Campbell" your running back. Give a guy 20-30 touches every game and his legs will be shot in 4-5 years.
2:20:14