'85 Bears Vs. '11 Packers.... (1 Viewer)

[Shutout]

Yesterday, the offensive juggernaut Packers ran into a defensive buzzsaw. In 1985, the defensive juggernaut Bears ran into an offensive buzzsaw. So both these teams now have one loss and they do it in very different ways and since there have been a couple of mentions in the media before yesterday about how the Packers may be one of the most "dominant" teams in history, it brings up the question.

Both teams dominant in their own right over a short term in very different ways. The unstoppable objects vs. the immovable forces.

Who you take in this game with both teams at full strength?

 

[Ghost Rider]

The '85 Bears by a wide margin. As good as the '11 Packers are, they aren't even the best team of the last 25 years. Or even the best Packers team.

 

[unckeyherb]

Yesterday, the offensive juggernaut Packers ran into a defensive buzzsaw. In 1985, the defensive juggernaut Bears ran into an offensive buzzsaw. So both these teams now have one loss and they do it in very different ways and since there have been a couple of mentions in the media before yesterday about how the Packers may be one of the most "dominant" teams in history, it brings up the question.Both teams dominant in their own right over a short term in very different ways. The unstoppable objects vs. the immovable forces.Who you take in this game with both teams at full strength?

Under 1985 rules, the bears. Under today's rules..the Bears

 

[MDSkinner]

Da Bears.

 

[unckeyherb]

In 3 playoff games the Bears gave up 0 points, 0 points and 10 points respectively. That defense allowed only 3 teams to score more than 20 points throughout the season and post season (12.4 ppg average). Conversely they had the #2 ranked offense, averaging 28.5 points per game. The 2011 Packers are #1 offense in football, averaging 34.3 PPG; They are letting up 21.2 ppg, ranking them 14th.

 

[tdmills]

Not even close, The Bears.

Last years GB team was better in the playoffs IMO.

The 85 Bears had a good offense as well, the Packers defense is average at best.

 

[jurb26]

80's rules.... Bears in blowout.

Today's rules... Pack in close one.

 

[GregR]

I'd take mini-Ditka over the Packers.

 

[packersfan]

The '85 Bears by a wide margin. As good as the '11 Packers are, they aren't even the best team of the last 25 years. Or even the best Packers team.

I agree. I think the 96 Packers team is better than this one (or last season's). Not too many teams are No. 1 ranked both offensively and defensively and have a major threat in the return game too.

 

[Raider Nation]

Everybody figured out how to beat the '46' defense by 1987.

I'm assuming the 2011 Packers would know this as well. Pack, big.

 

[Godsbrother]

The Bears

Playing under the rules of the 70s I'll take the Steelers.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Premature, IMO. Let's see how GB does in the playoffs.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Everybody figured out how to beat the '46' defense by 1987.

I'm assuming the 2011 Packers would know this as well. Pack, big.

Okay, but an aging Walter Payton would still gash this Packers defense for big yards. And if Kyle Orton can throw for 299 yards against them at a clip of 9.65 YPA, just think what Jim McMahon would do to them!

 

[hugebearsfansinceforever]

If playing by today's rules... '11 Packers and it wouldn't even be close.

 

[TheGBU]

People seem to forget just how good teh 85 Bears defense was. The 1985 Bears would KILL the current Packers. The Packers offense line is average at best and their defense is sub-par. Rodgers would get sacked at least 6 times and might not finish the game.

85 Bears 31, 11 Packers 17

 

[Big_Russel]

The 2007 Pats would have crushed this Packer team.

 

[sho nuff]

85 Bears

That defense plus Payton.

They have what it would take to keep Rodgers off the field...and even when he is on it, that defense could slow it down.

 

[Shutout]

People seem to forget just how good teh 85 Bears defense was. The 1985 Bears would KILL the current Packers. The Packers offense line is average at best and their defense is sub-par. Rodgers would get sacked at least 6 times and might not finish the game.85 Bears 31, 11 Packers 17

OMG, When I threw the question out there it was because of the recent SI comments and people in the tv media calling the Packers the best recently but when I read your statement it came swooshing back..MAN! That defensive would decimate the Packers o-line. I can't imagine the pack having any answer for Dent and Hampton.Someone mentioned today's rules would put it in the Packs' favor but I would have to think there would be such little time for Rodgers to throw that it wouldn't be as easy as they think. And oh to see sweetness again.

 

[RBM]

The Chiefs are a defensive buzzsaw?

 

[hugebearsfansinceforever]

People seem to forget just how good teh 85 Bears defense was. The 1985 Bears would KILL the current Packers. The Packers offense line is average at best and their defense is sub-par. Rodgers would get sacked at least 6 times and might not finish the game.85 Bears 31, 11 Packers 17

People seem to forget that Rogers has a quick release and MM would adjust the game plan to negate the Bears D line pressure. With today's rules limiting contact with the QB and defenseless players, half the Bears defense would be ejected by the end of the first half. The 85 Dolphins proved that if you take away the Bears aggressiveness they become frustrated and can be beat. Also, the biggest guy on the Bears D line in '85 was the Fridge at around 300 lbs. Most of the other guys weighed in the mid 250's. How much bigger is the current Packers O line? McMahon wouldn't beat Rodgers in a shoot out and would probably injure himself if he had to pass for more than 300 yards. The current Pack's DBs match up well against the '85 Bears receivers.'11 Pack 34'85 Bears 13

 

[tdmills]

Everybody figured out how to beat the '46' defense by 1987.

I'm assuming the 2011 Packers would know this as well. Pack, big.

Just like how the NYG figured out how to beat the undefeated Pats...pressure the QB! The 85 Bears did that better than anyone ever.

 

[Shutout]

The Chiefs are a defensive buzzsaw?

They are playing better the past few weeks than what people not watching the games think. And they are getting to the QB. Definition of "buzzsaw" may vary, but a good case can be made for any team that holds the Packers down as they did yesterday.

 

[tdmills]

People seem to forget just how good teh 85 Bears defense was. The 1985 Bears would KILL the current Packers. The Packers offense line is average at best and their defense is sub-par. Rodgers would get sacked at least 6 times and might not finish the game.85 Bears 31, 11 Packers 17

People seem to forget that Rogers has a quick release and MM would adjust the game plan to negate the Bears D line pressure. With today's rules limiting contact with the QB and defenseless players, half the Bears defense would be ejected by the end of the first half. The 85 Dolphins proved that if you take away the Bears aggressiveness they become frustrated and can be beat. Also, the biggest guy on the Bears D line in '85 was the Fridge at around 300 lbs. Most of the other guys weighed in the mid 250's. How much bigger is the current Packers O line? McMahon wouldn't beat Rodgers in a shoot out and would probably injure himself if he had to pass for more than 300 yards. The current Pack's DBs match up well against the '85 Bears receivers.'11 Pack 34'85 Bears 13

You're seriously going to bring up the size of players. I think most people assume those are evened out with weight training/HGH/whatever.The fastest player on the field is the Bears WR Willie Gault, who would make the defense respect the passing game. One way to beat this Packers team is to run the ball and a great run blocking OL and a HOF/one of the best football players ever Walter Payton would abuse the Packers D.2 HOF defensive lineman(Dent/Hampton) and HOF MLB Mike Singletary would pressure Rodgers. Everyone already knows the Packers would even attempt to run the ball.

 

[Shutout]

People seem to forget just how good teh 85 Bears defense was. The 1985 Bears would KILL the current Packers. The Packers offense line is average at best and their defense is sub-par. Rodgers would get sacked at least 6 times and might not finish the game.

85 Bears 31, 11 Packers 17

People seem to forget that Rogers has a quick release and MM would adjust the game plan to negate the Bears D line pressure. With today's rules limiting contact with the QB and defenseless players, half the Bears defense would be ejected by the end of the first half. The 85 Dolphins proved that if you take away the Bears aggressiveness they become frustrated and can be beat. Also, the biggest guy on the Bears D line in '85 was the Fridge at around 300 lbs. Most of the other guys weighed in the mid 250's. How much bigger is the current Packers O line? McMahon wouldn't beat Rodgers in a shoot out and would probably injure himself if he had to pass for more than 300 yards. The current Pack's DBs match up well against the '85 Bears receivers.'11 Pack 34

'85 Bears 13

Bigger=slower. No way the Packers o-line could hold up against the Bears. You need to turn in your nametag. Rodgers is Rodgers but we saw rodgers yesterday get suffocated by a defense i'm pretty sure isn't on par with the '85 Bears and as quick as he is, when you start making comparisons to Dan marino's release, you better be counting on a two-fingered hand.

 

[eakfootball]

Packers with today's game. Bears if it was in 85.

 

[Gatorman]

85 dolphins.

 

[GreedoShotFirst]

Packers with today's game. Bears if it was in 85.

because most of the Packers players weren't born yet in '85?

 

[Statcruncher]

Yesterday, the offensive juggernaut Packers ran into a defensive buzzsaw.

The Packers ran into a 5 - 7 team which probably won't make that playoffs and were led by an interim coach and a QB in his first start after being plucked off waivers.

In 1985, the defensive juggernaut Bears ran into an offensive buzzsaw.

The Bears ran into the 8 - 4 Dolphins (who went to the Super Bowl the year before) who again made it to the AFC Championship game and were led by Hall Of Fame coach Don Shula and HOF QB Dan Marino.Not exactly the same. As a Bears fan I giggled like a schoolgirl when the Packers lost as it does appear to cement the '85 Bears as a better team. Unfortunately it doesn't remove the bitter taste of last year's playoffs. Regardless of which loss is the worst, the only thing that really matters is who hoists the Lombardi trophy this year, and I have yet to see anything that makes me think it won't be Green Bay.

 

[zed2283]

Bears.

 

[Multiple Scores]

07 Patriots

94 49ers

92 and 93 Cowboys

Many Kurt Warner Rams teams

All better than this Packer team. Packer fans are very arrogant and it fails with ignorance.

 

[sho nuff]

07 Patriots94 49ers92 and 93 CowboysMany Kurt Warner Rams teamsAll better than this Packer team. Packer fans are very arrogant and it fails with ignorance.

Again...another claiming Packer fans are arrogant...and as has been asked several times now...please point out the arrogance.Just a link to this supposed arrogance would be fine.Just not seeing it.

 

[Dentist]

how the heck did that 1985 dolphins team lose to the patriots in teh playoffs.

That would've made for one great rematch superbowl.

Marino '84 - '86 playing by the rules at that time was the highest level the QB position has ever been played at.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

85 bears by a mile. The packs D kills it in any historical comparison.

 

[flapgreen]

The BearsPlaying under the rules of the 70s I'll take the Steelers.

The Steelers? Then I'll take the 60s colts.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

how the heck did that 1985 dolphins team lose to the patriots in teh playoffs.That would've made for one great rematch superbowl.Marino '84 - '86 playing by the rules at that time was the highest level the QB position has ever been played at.

NE put 255 rushing on them and Marino threw for under 250 + 2 Int's.http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198601120mia.htmThey barely beat an 8-8 Browns team the week before after falling behind 21-3. Again they gave up 250+ yards rushing.http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198601040mia.htm

 

[Doctor Detroit]

The '85 Bears by a wide margin. As good as the '11 Packers are, they aren't even the best team of the last 25 years. Or even the best Packers team.

 

[Spartans346]

Bears-478

Packers-2 because the Bears took a knee and got a safety

 

[Shutout]

Yesterday, the offensive juggernaut Packers ran into a defensive buzzsaw.

The Packers ran into a 5 - 7 team which probably won't make that playoffs and were led by an interim coach and a QB in his first start after being plucked off waivers.

In 1985, the defensive juggernaut Bears ran into an offensive buzzsaw.

The Bears ran into the 8 - 4 Dolphins (who went to the Super Bowl the year before) who again made it to the AFC Championship game and were led by Hall Of Fame coach Don Shula and HOF QB Dan Marino.Not exactly the same. As a Bears fan I giggled like a schoolgirl when the Packers lost as it does appear to cement the '85 Bears as a better team. Unfortunately it doesn't remove the bitter taste of last year's playoffs. Regardless of which loss is the worst, the only thing that really matters is who hoists the Lombardi trophy this year, and I have yet to see anything that makes me think it won't be Green Bay.

Not exactly the same? The Dolphins were the #4 offensive team in 1985 and, as you already said, were led by HOF Dan Marino. What else do you need to quantify calling that team an offensive juggernaut? They were perenially a top offense for a decade. Geez, gotta love it when people want to gloss over the intent of a post and try to pick nits just to make it look like they are making a statement.

The point is, in case anyone missed it the first time, that over the past few weeks a lot of media has been talking up the Packers as an all-time dominant team in this short run. Now, with one loss, they are very similar to where the Bears where in 1985 and it is an interesting comparison because one is such an offensive team while the other is a defensive team.

I think what is more surprising is that the two people that have wanted to pick the nits on this topic is a guy whose nametag is bears fan and the other has a SB XX logo. Can't you guys just appreciate the spirit of the quesiton and compare YOUR '85 Bears (you know, the team that every Bears fan hangs his hat on) versus their arch-rival Green Bay Packers?

Am I the only one missing that the fun in this is being spoiled by the nerdy auditors? Geez.

 

[gianmarco]

I'd take the Greatest Show on Turf over the Pack this year if you're considering offensive juggernauts.

 

[Tau837]

The '85 Bears by a wide margin. As good as the '11 Packers are, they aren't even the best team of the last 25 years. Or even the best Packers team.

I agree. I think the 96 Packers team is better than this one (or last season's). Not too many teams are No. 1 ranked both offensively and defensively and have a major threat in the return game too.

 

[ArcticEdge]

Da Bears.. (why is this even a ???)

 

[CletiusMaximus]

O Lord, how I hate the 1985 Bears ...

 

[Tau837]

Bears, and it's not close. IMO the Bears would likely score 30+ on this Packers defense/ST, and the Packers would be unlikely to score 20 on the Bears defense/ST.

As others have posted, the Bears had the best defense and a dominant offense, but no one has yet commented on their special teams. The Bears had the highest average per kickoff return (with 2 kickoff return TDs) in the league, they were in the top half in average punt return yardage, they were in the top 5 in kicking, and they were in the top 10 in punting.

This year's Packers D/ST is terrible against the run, but they have faced only 326 carries (#28 in the NFL) because their offense has been able to get ahead consistently and force opponents to abandon the run sooner or later. This would not happen against the '85 Bears, and Payton would tear them up... Payton had 2034 yards from scrimmage in 1985 and averaged 4.8 ypc and 9.9 ypr.

 

[The Kerminator]

I'd have to go with the '11 Packers . . .

. . . the '85 Bears have to be in their 50s by now

 

[pantherclub]

bears

 

[hugebearsfansinceforever]

People seem to forget just how good teh 85 Bears defense was. The 1985 Bears would KILL the current Packers. The Packers offense line is average at best and their defense is sub-par. Rodgers would get sacked at least 6 times and might not finish the game.

85 Bears 31, 11 Packers 17

People seem to forget that Rogers has a quick release and MM would adjust the game plan to negate the Bears D line pressure. With today's rules limiting contact with the QB and defenseless players, half the Bears defense would be ejected by the end of the first half. The 85 Dolphins proved that if you take away the Bears aggressiveness they become frustrated and can be beat. Also, the biggest guy on the Bears D line in '85 was the Fridge at around 300 lbs. Most of the other guys weighed in the mid 250's. How much bigger is the current Packers O line? McMahon wouldn't beat Rodgers in a shoot out and would probably injure himself if he had to pass for more than 300 yards. The current Pack's DBs match up well against the '85 Bears receivers.'11 Pack 34

'85 Bears 13

Bigger=slower. No way the Packers o-line could hold up against the Bears. You need to turn in your nametag. Rodgers is Rodgers but we saw rodgers yesterday get suffocated by a defense i'm pretty sure isn't on par with the '85 Bears and as quick as he is, when you start making comparisons to Dan marino's release, you better be counting on a two-fingered hand.

and thanks for the sig material.

I dislike the Pack for obvious reasons, but I gotta keep it real.

I think we're in agreement that the key to beating the '11 Pack is to pressure Rodgers. If Rodgers beats the '85 Bears pass rush, the '85 Bears are unlikely to win that game. I would speculate that Woodson and the Packers secondary could contain Willie/Silky D and Hildenberg/Thayer would have to double team Raji to stop him.

The Pack wins this game and they don't even need a cheap shot by Charles Martin to do it.

 

[jurb26]

Bears, and it's not close. IMO the Bears would likely score 30+ on this Packers defense/ST, and the Packers would be unlikely to score 20 on the Bears defense/ST.As others have posted, the Bears had the best defense and a dominant offense, but no one has yet commented on their special teams. The Bears had the highest average per kickoff return (with 2 kickoff return TDs) in the league, they were in the top half in average punt return yardage, they were in the top 5 in kicking, and they were in the top 10 in punting.This year's Packers D/ST is terrible against the run, but they have faced only 326 carries (#28 in the NFL) because their offense has been able to get ahead consistently and force opponents to abandon the run sooner or later. This would not happen against the '85 Bears, and Payton would tear them up... Payton had 2034 yards from scrimmage in 1985 and averaged 4.8 ypc and 9.9 ypr.

How many KO returns would Chi be gutting GB with when the GB kicker, under modern rules, has half his kicks go for touch backs and even more severely deep into the endzone but run out anyway? GB would have little trouble scoring in this game. They would spread out the Bears D with 4 and 5 wide sets and eat them up. Chi wouldn't be able to clobber crossing WRs with their LBs or jam them up at the LOS.I agree that Chi would score but they wouldn't hold up in a track meet. The 85 Bears have unquestionable one of the greatest D's in history but it was built for performance in a total different era and rules.

 

[thehornet]

2011 Saints are as good as the 2011 Packers.

 

[jurb26]

2011 Saints are as good as the 2011 Packers.

To be honest I think many of today's top teams would beat an all time great such as the 85 Bears under new rules. That's how far it has gone. Teams then were built completely differently and toughness, physicality and intimidation was rewarded. Now it's a detriment.

 

[hugebearsfansinceforever]

People seem to forget just how good teh 85 Bears defense was. The 1985 Bears would KILL the current Packers. The Packers offense line is average at best and their defense is sub-par. Rodgers would get sacked at least 6 times and might not finish the game.

85 Bears 31, 11 Packers 17

People seem to forget that Rogers has a quick release and MM would adjust the game plan to negate the Bears D line pressure. With today's rules limiting contact with the QB and defenseless players, half the Bears defense would be ejected by the end of the first half. The 85 Dolphins proved that if you take away the Bears aggressiveness they become frustrated and can be beat. Also, the biggest guy on the Bears D line in '85 was the Fridge at around 300 lbs. Most of the other guys weighed in the mid 250's. How much bigger is the current Packers O line? McMahon wouldn't beat Rodgers in a shoot out and would probably injure himself if he had to pass for more than 300 yards. The current Pack's DBs match up well against the '85 Bears receivers.

'11 Pack 34

'85 Bears 13

You're seriously going to bring up the size of players. I think most people assume those are evened out with weight training/HGH/whatever.The fastest player on the field is the Bears WR Willie Gault, who would make the defense respect the passing game.

One way to beat this Packers team is to run the ball and a great run blocking OL and a HOF/one of the best football players ever Walter Payton would abuse the Packers D.

2 HOF defensive lineman(Dent/Hampton) and HOF MLB Mike Singletary would pressure Rodgers. Everyone already knows the Packers would even attempt to run the ball.

Huh? the question wasn't if the '85 Bears with today's training, nutrition and rehab practices could they win against the '11 Pack. The fact is, today's players are bigger, stronger and play faster with arguably better football IQ and coaching than players of 25 years ago.

I agree that the only way for the '85 Bears to win this game is to run the football and use the vertical passing game to open up the running game. However, I think Dom Capers would find a way to stop Payton and Suey.

The '85 Bears defense was disruptive and induced fear in their opponents. Today's player is better psychologically prepared and is protected by the rule book. They would have no reason to fear the Bears defense. The '11 Pack is a disciplined team and they would patiently wait for their opportunities to make plays and win the game. Rodgers is surgical and would carve up the '85 Bears secondary.