Super Bowl XX: Chicago Overwhelms New England at the Superdome – 46-10 Victory

Super Bowl XX: Chicago Overwhelms New England at the Superdome – 46-10 Victory

The date was January 26, 1986. The scene: the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. The combatants: the NFC Champion Chicago Bears and the AFC Champion New England Patriots. What unfolded was not just a football game, but a historic beatdown, as the Chicago Bears, led by Coach Mike Ditka, obliterated the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. The Bears’ dominant performance secured their first NFL championship since 1963, marking a defining moment in NFL history. The game was viewed by an estimated 92.57 million viewers.

The Monsters of the Midway

The 1985 Chicago Bears weren’t just a team; they were a cultural phenomenon. Their “46” defense, orchestrated by defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, was revolutionary. This formidable unit, featuring stars like linebacker Mike Singletary, defensive end Richard Dent, and defensive tackle Dan Hampton, terrorized opposing offenses all season. The Bears defense allowed the fewest points in the league (12.4 per game) and led the NFL in takeaways with 54. In Super Bowl XX, the “Monsters of the Midway” lived up to their name, tying a Super Bowl record with seven sacks and limiting the Patriots to a paltry seven rushing yards – a Super Bowl record low.

Quick Start, Dominant Finish

Despite the eventual lopsided score, the Patriots actually jumped out to an early lead. After Walter Payton fumbled on the Bears’ opening possession, New England kicker Tony Franklin connected on a 36-yard field goal, giving the Patriots a 3-0 advantage. This would be the high point for the Patriots. The Bears responded swiftly, showcasing the resilience and firepower that defined their championship season.

McMahon’s Milestone

Chicago Bears Quarterback Jim McMahon had a stellar performance, completing 12 of 20 passes for 256 yards. McMahon also made Super Bowl history by becoming the first quarterback to score two rushing touchdowns in the Super Bowl. McMahon’s mobility and decision-making kept the Patriots’ defense off balance, opening up opportunities for other offensive weapons.

Payton’s Struggles, Perry’s Glory

While Super Bowl XX is often remembered as a dominant performance by the Bears, it was an uncharacteristically quiet day for legendary running back Walter Payton. The NFL’s all-time leading rusher at the time, Payton was held to just 61 yards on 22 carries and failed to reach the end zone. Many believe the Patriots’ defensive scheme was specifically designed to contain Payton, which opened up opportunities for other players.

One of those players was William “The Refrigerator” Perry. The charismatic defensive tackle, who also lined up as a fullback in certain situations, became a national sensation during the 1985 season. In Super Bowl XX, Perry etched his name into Super Bowl lore by scoring a one-yard touchdown, further cementing the Bears’ dominance and sending the Superdome crowd into a frenzy.

Dent’s MVP Performance

While the entire Bears defense played lights out, Richard Dent was recognized as the game’s Most Valuable Player. Dent wreaked havoc on the Patriots’ offensive line, recording 1.5 sacks and consistently pressuring quarterbacks Tony Eason and Steve Grogan. Dent’s performance was a testament to the Bears’ relentless pass rush and their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

A Record-Setting Rout

The Chicago Bears’ 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX was a record-setting performance in several ways:

  • Largest Margin of Victory: The 36-point margin of victory was the largest in Super Bowl history at the time, surpassing the Los Angeles Raiders’ 38-9 win over Washington in Super Bowl XVIII.
  • Fewest Rushing Yards Allowed: The Bears limited the Patriots to just seven rushing yards, a Super Bowl record that still stands.
  • Most Points Scored: The Bears’ 46 points were a Super Bowl record at the time.

Ditka’s Dual Achievement

Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka achieved a rare feat by winning a Super Bowl ring as both a player (with the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl VI) and a head coach. Ditka joined Tom Flores as the only individuals to accomplish this milestone.

The Aftermath

The 1985 Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl victory was a defining moment for the city of Chicago and its passionate sports fans. The team’s colorful personalities, dominant defense, and memorable moments captivated the nation. While the Bears have not reached the same heights since, the legacy of the 1985 team lives on, forever etched in NFL history. The team even recorded a music video called the “Super Bowl Shuffle” which swept the nation.