(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Time to fire up the time machine. We take you back to January 26, 1986, at the Superdome in New Orleans, host of Super Bowl XX, and the site of the last world championship for the Bears.
Today marks the 38th anniversary of the crowning achievement for arguably the greatest team in franchise history.
The Bears clobbered the Patriots that evening, 46-10, clinching the club’s first and only Super Bowl victory.
After a somewhat uneasy start in which legendary RB Walter Payton fumbled on the team’s opening drive, the 18-1 Bears dominated, scoring 44 consecutive points.
The game became more like a celebration of a juggernaut than a tense, competitive battle.
The defense, just as they had done the entire 1985 season, toyed with the New England offense.
Game MVP Richard Dent spearheaded a defensive effort that registered several Super Bowl records that still stand today. The Bears terrorized Patriots QBs Steve Grogan and Tony Eason, sacking them seven times (Super Bowl record), and picking them off twice, one, a touchdown return by DB Reggie Phillips.
The Patriots were held to a measly seven rushing yards (Super Bowl record).
The Bears offense complimented the defense’s heroics, amassing 408 yards and scoring 4 rushing touchdowns (Super Bowl record).
The punky QB Jim McMahon, the center of attention all week for mooning a local news helicopter during a practice that week, rushed for two of those scores.
But, maybe the most memorable moment came late in the third quarter, when Bears DT William “The Refrigerator” Perry took a handoff and plunged forward for a one yard touchdown, making the score 44-3, still the biggest lead after three quarters in Super Bowl History.
When the clock hit zero and head coach Mike Ditka and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan were hoisted onto players shoulders, it was easy for Bears fans to believe that this was the beginning of a dynasty.
Alas, it didn’t happen, however that doesn’t mean the Super Bowl XX anniversary isn’t worth remembering every year.
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