What Defense Did the 85 Bears Run?
The 1985 Chicago Bears, led by legendary coach Mike Ditka, are widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Their dominant defense, known as the "46" defense, was a key factor in their success. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the 85 Bears’ defense and explore what made it so effective.
The "46" Defense
The "46" defense was a pressure-driven scheme developed by defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan. It was a variation of the traditional 4-3 defense, with four down linemen and three linebackers. However, the 46 defense added an extra player to the box, a strong safety who would walk up to the line of scrimmage and join the linebackers. This added an extra layer of complexity to the defense, making it difficult for opponents to anticipate the coverage.
Key Components of the 46 Defense
The 46 defense was built around three key components:
- The Front Four: The four down linemen, including Hall of Famers Dan Hampton and Richard Dent, were the foundation of the defense. They were responsible for disrupting the opponent’s running game and applying pressure to the quarterback.
- The Linebackers: The three linebackers, including Mike Singletary, were responsible for covering the middle of the field and making tackles. They were also key players in the pass rush.
- The Strong Safety: The strong safety, who would walk up to the line of scrimmage, added an extra layer of depth to the defense. He was responsible for covering the flat and making tackles.
How the 46 Defense Worked
The 46 defense was designed to be a aggressive, attacking defense that would pressure the opponent’s quarterback and disrupt their offense. Here’s how it worked:
- The Front Four would rush the quarterback: The four down linemen would rush the quarterback, trying to get pressure and disrupt the opponent’s passing game.
- The Linebackers would cover the middle: The linebackers would cover the middle of the field, making it difficult for the opponent’s running backs to find open spaces.
- The Strong Safety would cover the flat: The strong safety would cover the flat, making it difficult for the opponent’s receivers to get open.
Stats and Achievements
The 85 Bears’ defense was incredibly successful, allowing just 12.4 points per game and 258.4 yards per game. They also led the NFL in sacks, with 72, and interceptions, with 32. The defense was so dominant that it earned them a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Comparison to Modern Defenses
The 46 defense was a unique system that was designed to be aggressive and attacking. In modern football, defenses have evolved to be more flexible and adaptable, with more emphasis on zone coverage and less emphasis on man-to-man coverage. However, the principles of the 46 defense are still relevant today, and many teams still use variations of the system.
Conclusion
The 85 Bears’ defense was a dominant force in the NFL, and the "46" defense was a key factor in their success. The defense was built around three key components: the front four, the linebackers, and the strong safety. The system was designed to be aggressive and attacking, with a focus on pressure and disruption. While modern defenses have evolved, the principles of the 46 defense remain relevant today.
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