Bear Down: A Chicago Bears' Dynasty Beginning in 1975

[RetroNFL]

After having recently purchased Front Office Football 2007 and downloaded the historical rosters and drafts, I've decided to embark on a dynasty featuring the Chicago Bears. I've chosen 1975 as my starting point. First off, this is about the time I began to follow pro football. Secondly, this season marks Walter Payton's rookie season. So, here we go . . .

[Coffee Warlord]

Bear down, Chicago Bears!

Da da da da da da da da da victory!

[RetroNFL]

Final Season Record: 6-10, 4th Place in the NFC North

Season Summary: After a promising 2-1 start, the Bears quickly went into the tank. Chicago lost four straight games. The final loss in the streak was a 31-0 pummeling by the division-leading Minnesota Vikings. Following an open date, the Bears resumed their season with up-and-down performances. Hopefully, the season-ending 24-3 victory over the Houston Oilers is a sign of good things to come.

The Good: Walter Payton won the NFC Rookie of the Year by rushing for 1,364 yards (3.93 average) with six touchdowns. Payton also caught 58 passes for 328 yards (5.6).

The Bad: Quarterback Bob Avellini struggled mightily. He passed for just 1,664 yards before being benched. Avellini threw for 10 TDs but was intercepted 16 times.

The Ugly: The Bears scored more than 21 points just four times all season. The season-high was 24 points in wins over Green Bay and Houston.

[RetroNFL]

Super Bowl '75: Pittsburgh Steelers 38, Minnesota Vikings 23
Super Bowl MVP: Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL Player of the Year: O.J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: O.J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Carl Eller, Minnesota Vikings

NFL Rookie Offensive Player of the Year: Walter Payton, Chicago
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Jerry Forester, Seattle Seahawks

Interesting Notes: Minnesota won its first 13 games before falling to Detroit. The Vikings rolled to the NFC title by scoring a combined 86 points against Philadelphia and Washington . . . Pittsburgh overcame a four-game losing streak in the middle of the season. The Steelers (11-5) finished second in the AFC North to Cincinnati (12-4). However, Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati, Oakland and Miami to reach the Super Bowl . . . After an 0-8 start, New Orleans won six straight games. Despite losing their final two games of the regular season, the Saints won the NFC South with a 6-10 record. New Orleans lost to Philadelphia 23-15 in the first-round of the playoffs . . . Making the playoffs were Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Miami, Oakland and Denver in the AFC. Meanwhile, the NFC playoffs featured Minnesota, New Orleans, Washington, Philadelphia, Dallas and Los Angeles . . . Denver's Otis Armstrong led the league in rushing with 1,599 yards. Armstrong ran for 100 or more yards eight times . . . O.J. Simpson of Buffalo scored 14 touchdowns . . . Cincinnati's Charlie Joiner was tops with 99 catches for 1,651 yards. Joiner grabbed more than 100 yards receiving in eight different games . . . The Bengals' Ken Anderson threw for 300 or more yards six times . . . Bert Jones of the Indianapolis Racers led the league with 35 TD passes . . . Carl Eller bagged 22.5 sacks for the Vikings.

[BYU 14]

Get McMahon at all costs, he just can never be anything but...A BEAR :)

[RetroNFL]

Following a lackluster 1975 season, the Chicago Bears suffered a key blow when the team's leading interceptor Nemiah Wilson announced his retirement. Wilson (pictured below) never really recoverd from a foot injury sustained in the season's ninth game.

The decision was also made to allow Bob Grim, the team's leading receiver, and Royce Berry, a starting defensive end, to test the waters of free agency. We attempted to renegoiate with Berry, but he wanted to play elsewhere at this point of his career. Berry eventually signed with St. Louis.

Offensive guard Revie Sorey was sent to play in the NFL's summer league. The Bears also made the decision to release tight end Gary Butler and running back Mike Adamlee.

Inconsistent quarterback Bob Avelleni was traded to Cleveland for a fourth-round pick. While backup Adrian Farr, a second-year player who backed up Tom Clement at Notre Dame, showed flashes of promise (74 passing %, 5 TDs, 3 INTs in two starts), QB is a position Chicago needs to seriously upgrade.

Free Agency: While there were several big names on the market including running back John Riggins, Chicago signed the following free agents:

WR Frank Lewis for $200,000/1 year
WR Danny Buggs for $100,000/1 year
QB Brian Sipe for $170,000/1 year

Riggins wound up with the league champion Steelers at $3.68 million for 5 years.

[RetroNFL]

1. St. Louis--Mike Haynes, CB, Arizona State
2. Seattle--Harry Carson, LB, South Carolina State
3. Baltimore--Jim Jenson, RB, Iowa
4. Tampa Bay--Eddie Lewis, CB, Kansas
5. Birmingham--Richard Todd, QB, Alabama
6. Baltimore--Mike Dawon, DT, Arizona
7. Houston--Lawrence Pillers, DE, Alcorn State
8. Buffalo--Lee Roy Selmon, DE, Oklahoma
9. New England--Steve Niehaus, DT, Notre Dame
10. San Francisco--Gary Fencik, S, Yale
11. Atlanta--Jim Zorn, QB, Cal Poly SLO
12. Chicago--Steve Largent, WR, Tulsa
13. New Orleans--Joe Devlin, T, Iowa
14. Green Bay--Carl Ekern, LB, San Jose State
15. Phoenix--Linden King, LB, Colorado State
16. Detroit--Larry Gordon, LB, Arizona State
17. NY Jets--Reggie Williams, LB, Dartmouth
18. Cleveland--Willie Lee, DT, Bethune-Cookman
19. Kansas City--Chuck Muncie, RB, California
20. San Diego--Dennis Lick, T, Wisconsin
21. Dallas--Archie Griffin, RB, Ohio State
22. Memphis--Willie Shelby, RB, Alabama
23. Los Angeles--Pat Thomas, CB, Texas A&M
24. Philadelphia--Glenn Hyde, T, Pittsburgh
25. Denver--Don Macek, C, Boston College
26. Cincinnati--Gary Campbell, LB, Colorado
27. Indianapolis--Mike Reinfeldt, S, Wisconsin-Stevens Point
28. St. Louis--Beasley Reece, S, North Texas
29. Oakland--Joe Washington, RB, Oklahoma
30. Washington--Ken Long, G, Purdue
31. Minnesota--Ike Forte, RB, Arkansas
32. Pittsburgh--Jackie Slater, G, Jackson State


Chicago Bears Amateur Draft Report:
Rnd 1 - Steve Largent, WR, Tulsa
Rnd 2 - Mike St. Clair, DE, Grambling
Rnd 3 - Pick was traded to Phoenix during the regular season
Rnd 4 - Woodrow Lowe, OLB, Alabama
Rnd 4 - Ed Simonini, ILB, Texas A&M
Rnd 5 - Bubba Bean, RB, Texas A&M
Rnd 6 - John Lee, DE, Nebraska
Rnd 7 - Jay Saldi, TE, South Carolina

Draft Grade: B+

[RetroNFL]

Get McMahon at all costs, he just can never be anything but...A BEAR :)

except maybe a Charger, Packer, Eagle, Viking, Cardinal, Brown . . .

[BYU 14]

except maybe a Charger, Packer, Eagle, Viking, Cardinal, Brown . . .

Your chance to set history straight..

[cubboyroy1826]

Good start.

[RetroNFL]

As the Bears prepare for their 1976 season opener with Detroit, it's time to reflect on the off-season.

The Good: The running game appears to be the Bears' strength. Walter Payton appears on the verge of becoming one of the league's best running backs. In addition, rookie Bubba Bean will provide a solid backup.Fullback Roland Harper should benefit from the signing of 11-year-veteran free agent Pete Banaszak.

The Bad: Quarterback play will again be the team's Achilles heel. Free agent signee Brian Sipe was cut in training camp. The coaching staff just didn't fee he could play. Former Lion Joe Reed beat out Adrian Farr in the exhibition season and will start Sunday against his former team.

The Ugly: Perhaps more of an effort should have been made to retain defensive end Royce Berry. Our DE unit is one of the lowest rated in the league. While the defensive tackles are passable, more pressure will be put on the linebackers and secondary.

Exhibition Season Recap: After dropping the pre-season opener to the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers 24-3, Chicago won three straight games including a 13-0 shutout of Memphis.

League Notes: Pittsburgh, Oakland and Cincinnati enter the season as the top three power-rated teams. Minnesota and Dallas top the list as NFC favorites.

[RetroNFL]

Lions 21, Bears 17
The Bears appeared well on their way to taking their season opener. Leading 17-14, Chicago was driving deep into Detroit territory. However, Walter Payton fumbled the ball away on the Lion 16 with 3:41 remaining. Lions' QB Steve Spurrier drove Detroit to the Chicago six. Josh Ashton then scored on a six-yard run with just 37 seconds on the clock. Chicago did manage to get into Detroit territory, but the Lions' defense held as the clock ran out. Payton rushed 22 times for 95 yards and a touchdown. He also caught six balls for 55 yards. QB Joe Reed went 13-for-25 for 202 yards and a TD in his first start as a Bear. Spurrier completed 32 of 43 throws for 292 yards and a touchdown.

Week 2 Opponent: at Houston

[RetroNFL]

The Chicago Bears traded three players from their present for stock in their future.

Chicago, last-minute losers in its opener with Detroit, dealt defensive tackle Wally Chambers, offensive guard Revie Sorey and inside linebacker Waymond Bryant to the New England Patriots for three draft picks.

The draft picks will come over the course of the next three seasons. The Bears will get the Patriots' first-round pick for 1977. The deal also brings Chicago the Patriots' second-round selection in '78 and their first-round slot in the 1979 draft.

"This is a trade that should work well with our youthful foundation," said Chicago GM Ray Vaughan. "We wish Wally, Revie and Waymond the best with their futures."

Bryant has been critical of Chicago management during the off-season.

[RetroNFL]

Chicago Bears' Record: 1-7

The Good: Not much, however, after losing their first seven games this season the Bears routed Detroit 34-10 to gain revenge for their last-minute loss in week one.

The Bad: Just about everything thus far in the season. Only Tampa Bay (also at 1-7) is as bad as Chicago in the NFC. And, the Bears and Bucs don't meet this season. The Bears have lost three times in the game's final minute this season.

The Ugly: How bad a season has it been? Well, in a 38-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Bear defensive end Mike Hartenstine sacked Ram QB Ron Jaworski only to see LA running back John Cappelletti scoop up the fumble and run 85 yards for a TD.

Walter Payton at the Halfway Mark:
741 yards on 165 attempts (4.49) and 5 TDs
42 catches for 262 yards (6.2) and 3 TDs

[RetroNFL]

Final Season Record: 5-11, 3rd Place in the NFC North

Season Summary: An 0-7 start doomed the season. However, Chicago did string together a four-game winning streak. In fact, the Bears won five of six to renew hope for the future. But, the season ended on a sour note with losses to Indianapolis and Green Bay.

The Good: Running back Walter Payton did not suffer from the sophomore jynx. In fact, Payton bettered his totals from his Rookie of the Year season. He rushed for 1,378 yards (4.29 average) and seven touchdowns. Payton also led the team with 71 receptions (5.89 average). He had three TD catches.

The Bad: Once again, quarterback play hurt the Bears' efforts. Starter Joe Reed showed some promise (2,349 yards, 62% completion, 12 TDs, 8 INTs). Yet, in the end, Reed was far too inconsistent. Backups Tracy Easterling and Adrian Farr most likely won't return next season.

The Ugly: A worn-out, undermanned defense yielded 90 points in the final three games of the season. Yes, all three games were losses.

[RetroNFL]

Super Bowl '76: Los Angeles Rams 23, Miami Dolphins 13
Super Bowl MVP: Lawrence McCutcheon, Los Angeles Rams

NFL Player of the Year: Fran Tarkenton, Minnesota Vikings
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Fran Tarkenton, Minnesota Vikings
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Jack Youngblood, Los Angeles Rams

NFL Rookie Offensive Player of the Year: Sherman Smith, Atlanta Falcons
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Harry Carson, Seattle Seahawks

Interesting Notes: Cincinnati quarterback Ken Anderson threw for a record 4,490 yards . . . Anderson's favorite target was Charlie Joiner who caught a record 100 balls for 1,694 yards . . . First-team All-Pro running back O.J. Simpson set records for attempts (402) and rushing TDs (15) . . . Atlanta's Rolland Lawrence was the first play in league history to intercept 10 passes in one season . . . Super Bowl MVP Lawrence McCutheon of the Rams rushed 22 times for 176 yards, including a 74-yard TD run . . . Playoff teams were Miami, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and New England from the AFC and Los Angeles, Atlanta, Minnesota, Dallas, Philadelphia and Washington from the NFC.

[RetroNFL]

Changes obviously need to be made after a disappointing season. The Bears' biggest move was the hiring of 62-year-old Darnell Barber as head coach. Barber has a track record of developing quarterbacks, something Chicago desparately needs. Barber received a three-year contract worth $1.11 million.

Since the Bears plan on pursuing QB upgrades in free agency, wide receive Steve Schubert and defensive tackle Roger Stillwell were both released.

Promising running back Bubba Bean was sent to play in the NFL's summer league. The Bears re-signed quarterback Joe Reed to a two-year, $1.04 million contract.

Free Agency: Chicago signed the following free agents:

QB Archie Manning for $480,000/2 years
RB Chuck Foreman for $220,000/1 year

Most observers feel Manning (pictured below) doesn't have much left in his career. However, Coach Barber likes the idea of Reed and Manning pushing each other in training camp. In addition, whichever emerges as the opening day starter, the other will provide a solid backup.

Just two seasons ago, Foreman was a key component to the Minnesota Vikings' run to the Super Bowl. Foreman gives Walter Payton a break from heavy-carry games. He also provides veteran leadership and is someone who is a talented receiver out of the backfield.

Draft Needs: Following a five-win season, the Bears need many things. The offensive line and defense appear to be the main targets. The secondary needs a serious upgrade. Look for a balanced draft with perhaps a late flyer taken on a kicker or wide receiver.

Chicago's two first-round pick are No. 8 and No. 23 (acquired from New England).

[MacroGuru]

How did Largent fair his Rookie season?

[RetroNFL]

Steve Largent caught 50 passes for 635 yards (12.7 average) with four touchdowns. HIs longest catch was for 54 yards.

[RetroNFL]

The Bears addressed one of their needs in the defensive secondary through a pre-draft trade.

Chicago sent fullback Roland Harper and a fifth-round draft pick to Pittsburgh for strong safety Donnie Shell. The 5-foot-11, 196-pound Shell was the backline defender for the Steelers' Super Bowl championship team two seasons ago. Shell, a four-year RetroNFL veteran, is well known for being a strong hitter.


The Bears also attempted pull off a trade with Memphis for defensive end Elvin Bethea. Chicago's offer included a running back and the No. 23 overall pick in the upcoming draft, but the Showboats refused to part with Bethea, a fan favorite.

Chicago also tried to move up in the draft, but both Birmingham (No. 2 overall) and Seattle (No. 3) were unwilling to deal the pick.

[RetroNFL]

1. Tampa Bay--A.J. Duhe, LB, LSU
2. Birmingham--Sam Adkins, QB, North Alabama
3. Seattle--Matt Robinson, QB, Georgia
4. Detroit--Glenn Carrano, QB, UNLV
5. New York Giants--Tony Dorsett, RB, Pittsburgh
6. Houston--Wade Griffin, T, Mississippi
7. New Orleans--Mike Lucky, QB, Nebraska
8. Chicago--Gary Green, CB, Baylor
9. Baltimore--Charlie Johnson, DT, Columbia
10. Kansas City--Nolan Cromwell, S, Kansas
11. Tampa Bay--Dave Lewis, LB, Southern California
12. Houston--Greg Koch, T, Arkansas
13. Green Bay--Lester Hayes, CB, Texas A&M
14. St. Louis--Bruce Harper, RB, Kutztown
15. San Francisco--Herman Edwards, DB, Cal
16. Denver--Tom Lynch, G, Boston College
17. Oakland--Wilbert Montgomery, RB, Abilene Christian
18. New York Jets--Whitney Wilson, DT, Houston
19. Cleveland--Wilson Faumuina, DT, San Jose State
20. Washington--Kim Bokamper, LB, San Jose State
21. Buffalo--Frank Marion, LB, Florida A&M
22. Dallas--Jimmie Giles, TE, Alcorn State
23. Chicago--Stanley Morgan, WR, Tennessee
24. Minnesota--Wendell Tyler, RB, UCLA
25. Indianapolis--Randy McClanahan, LB, Southwestern Louisiana
26. Philadelphia--Ron McCartney, LB, Tennessee
27. Cincinnati--Eddie Payton, RB, Jackson State
28. San Diego--Hank Bauer, RB, California Lutheran
29. Pittsburgh--Dennis Boyd, DT, Oregon State
30. Atlanta--Mike Fultz, DT, Nebraska
31. Miami--Bob Baumhower, NT, Alabama
32. Los Angeles--Steve August, T, Tulsa


Chicago Bears Draft Picks:
Rnd 1 - Gary Green, CB, Baylor
Rnd 1 - Stanley Morgan, WR, Tennessee
Rnd 2 - Charles Romes, CB, North Central
Rnd 3 - Tim Black, OLB, Baylor
Rnd 4 - Rolf Benirschke, K, California - Davis
Rnd 6 - Billy Bryan, C, Duke

Draft Grade: C-

[RetroNFL]

As the Bears prepare for their 1976 season opener with Minnesota, it's time to reflect on the off-season.

The Good: The Bears appear to be much improved at corner. Rookie Gary Green and Charles Rome will be the opening day starters. Veteran safeties Donnie Shell and Craig Clemons will provide leadership.

The Bad: Running back Walter Payton, the Bears' best player, is questionable for the season opener with a broken toe. He suffered the injury in the third game of the preseason. Doctors say Payton won't be full strength until week three of the regular season.

The Ugly: With Payton ailing, our running game has been rated as the league's worst. Free agent pickup Chuck Foreman will start on opening day against the Vikings, his former team. Youngster Bubba Bean will back up Foreman. Making matters worst is that our offensive line is one of the shakiest in the league. Thus, more pressure will be placed on quarterback Archie Manning who emerged over Joe Reed as the starter.

Exhibition Season Recap: The Bears went 1-3 in the preseason. The lone win came against Denver in the second game. Both San Diego and Miami mauled Chicago.

League Notes: The preseason power rankings have Pittburgh on top. Oakland, Cincinnati and Miami are next on the list. Defending RetroNFL champion Los Angeles is the top ranked NFC team.

[RetroNFL]

With less than a week to go before its 1977 season opener with Minnesota, the Chicago Bears have gambled to upgrade their offensive line.

The Bears traded two players and draft pick to Miami for a pair of veteran offensive linemen.

The deal calls for Chicago to ship center Dan Neal, defensive tackle Ron Rydalich and a second-round pick in the 1978 amateur draft. The draft choice came in a trade last season with New England.

In return, Chicago acquires center Jim Langer and guard Larry Little. Both veterans have been instrumental in Miami's success the past two seasons.

[Izulde]

Nice acquistions from Miami, especially Little IMO.

[RetroNFL]

Nice acquistions from Miami, especially Little IMO.

Thanks, but we'll see. Little and Langer are both a little long in the tooth. I also hated to give up the second-round pick, but I couldn't go into the season with the offensive line I had.

[RetroNFL]

On the the eve of their 1977 opener, the Chicago Bears once again pulled off a trade to bolster their offensive line.

Chicago dealt starting defensive end Mike Hartenstine and backup center Dan Peiffer to Seattle for left tackle Marvin Powell and a fourth-round draft pick in 1979.

Hartenstine, a three-year pro out of Penn State, was second on the Bears with 10 sacks last season. Peiffer lost his starting position when Chicago acquired veteran Jim Langer from Miami in a trade just days ago.

Powell was the second player taken in the second round of the most recent RetroNFL draft. The 6-foot-5, 288-pound rookie played collegiately at USC.

The Bears reportedly attempted to acquire veterans Jon Kolb (Pittsburgh), Doug Dieken (Cleveland) and Doug France (Los Angeles) but were rebuffed. Thus, Chicago settled on Powell.

[RetroNFL]

The Chicago Bears tied 17-17 the two-time defending NFC North champion Minnesota Vikings.

After the Vikings tied the game with just over two minutes remaining in regulation, neither team was able to get within field goal range.

Minnesota quarterback Fran Tarkenton finished the day throwing for 307 yards, but was intercepted two costly times. Tarkenton was 35-for-56, including the game-tying TD toss to tight end Bob Windsor.

Meanwhile, Chicago free agent signee Archie Manning completed 20-of-34 throws for 202 yards and a touchdown. However, Manning was intercepted three times.

Former Minnesota running back Chuck Foreman managed 81 yards on 18 carries against his former team. Foreman, another Bear free agent signing, started in place of the injured Walter Payton.

Week 2 Opponent: Baltimore Colts

[RetroNFL]

Chicago Bears' Record: 5-2-1

The Good: For the first time in RetroNFL history, Chicago sits atop the NFC North. The Bears have won five of their last six games. In addition, Chicago has allowed an NFC low 119 points.

The Bad: The Bear offense has only outscored the one-win, last-place Green Bay Packers by just three points. The offense continues to rely heavily on Walter Payton, the league's sixth leading rusher.

The Ugly: A week six showdown with NFC East leading Dallas turned into a 41-0 rout by the Cowboys. Chicago QBs threw four interceptions, including three by backup Joe Reed in a little over one quarter.

Up Next: The Bears travel to Minnesota to play the second-place Vikings (4-3-1). The winner of the game will take control of the division and hold the all-important tie breaker.

[RetroNFL]

Final Season Record: 7-8-1, 2nd Place in the NFC North

Season Summary: It was a tale of two seasons. The first half saw the Bears as a playoff contender. However, following a 27-3 loss to Minnesota to open the second half, the wheels quickly came off Chicago's cart. The franchise faces numerous questions heading into the off-season.

The Good: Despite missing the season opener with an injury, running back Walter Payton managed to finish sixth among RetroNFL rushers with 1.354 yards (3.6 average). Payton scored 10 touchdowns. In addition, Payton was the league's 11th leading receiver with 70 catches (7.53 average) and three TDs.

The Bad: The promise of the season's first half went up in smoke in the final eight games. The Bears lost six of those eight, including four in a row.

The Ugly: The Chicago defense fell apart in the second half of the season. The Bears gave up an average of 23.2 points per game. It's never a good sign when a safety is the team's leading tackler. In this case it was Donnie Shell.

[RetroNFL]

Super Bowl '77: Pittsburgh Steelers 23, Los Angeles Rams 21
Super Bowl MVP: Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL Player of the Year: O.J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: O.J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Lyle Alzado, Denver Broncos

NFL Rookie Offensive Player of the Year: Wendell Tyler, Minnesota Vikings
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: A.J. Duhe, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Interesting Notes: Pittsburgh won its second Super Bowl in three years when Ian Sunter kicked a 24-yard field goal with just four seconds left. The Steelers' L.C. Greenwood blocked a 19-yard FG attempt at the two-minute warning. Terry Bradshaw then marched Pittsburgh into FG range. The Steeler QB won his second Super Bowl MVP . . . Buffalo's O.J. Simpson won his second rushing title en route to his second Player of the Year award . . . Pittsburgh's Terry Bradshaw completed an amazing 72.9% of his passes for 3,383 yards. He threw for 32 touchdowns while being intercepted only five times . . . Cincinnati wide receiver Charlie Joiner caught a league-high 91 passes for 1,499 yards and 17 TDs . . . Denver Bronco Lyle Alzado set a single-season record with 23.5 sacks . . . Atlanta defensive back Rolland Lawrence intercepted a record 14 passes . . . AFC playoff teams were Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Memphis, Miami, Oakland and Denver. NFC playoff qualifiers were Los Angeles, Minnesota, Dallas, San Francisco and Philadelphia.

[RetroNFL]

The Bears made no coaching changes. Head coach Darnell Barber, offensive coordinator Glenn Wayne and defensive coordinator Benjamin Hobson are all under contract. However, the upcoming season is considered a make-or-break year for the staff.

As far as player decisions go, the biggest was to release backup quarterback Joe Reed. The surprise starter two seasons ago, Reed lost his job to veteran free agent Archie Manning last year. Reed played poorly, and the $490,000 cap cost was a large factor in the team's decision. Perennial backups Adrian Farr and Jamie Easterling were also not offered contracts. Thus, Chicago will most likely either draft a quarterback or pursue one during free agency.

In addition, the Bears allowed inconsistent defensive end Gary Hrivnak to walk. Most likely, the former Purdue star will fetch a high salary on the free agent market. However, the Chicago coaching staff was not happy with his work ethic and attitude.
Offensive tackle Marvin Powell was sent to work on his game in the summer league.

[RetroNFL]

This proved to be the busiest free agency period in franchise history. Chicago was an active bidder on a number of players. In the end the Bears signed defensive end John Zook ($640,000/2 years), right tackle Vern Holland ($1.08 million/2 years) and quarterback James Harris ($280,000/1 year).

Zook (pictured below) played with Atlanta last season. He brings playoff experience to our defense. Holland also played a key role in the Memphis Showboats' playoff run last year. Harris, a journeyman at best, is with his fourth team in four years.

The proverbial big fish that got away were former Minnesota middle linebacker Ed Bradley and kicker Horst Muhlmann, who after flirting with both Chicago and Atlanta wound up resigning with Philadelphia. The Eagles also landed former Bear defensive end Gary Hrivnak to a $4.55 million deal over four years.

Veteran linebacker Doug Buffone announced his retirement.

The amateur draft is up next. Chicago holds the 15th overall pick. The Bears have picks in all rounds with the exception of the fifth.

[RetroNFL]

1. Baltimore--Earl Campbell, RB, Texas
2. Phoenix--Clay Matthews, LB, USC
3. New Orleans--James Lofton, WR, Stanford
4. New York Giants--Al "Bubba" Baker, DE, Colorado State
5. Green Bay--Doug Williams, QB, Grambling
6. Washington--Dave Browning, DE, Washington
7. Tampa Bay--John Anderson, LB, Michigan
8. San Francisco--Ozzie Newsome, TE, Alabama
9. Birmingham--Estes Hood, CB, Illinois State
10. Seattle--Karl Baldischwiler, T, Oklahoma
11. Detroit--Reggie Doss, DE, Hampton
12. Miami--Billy Campfield, RB, Kansas
13. New York Jets--J.C. Wilson, CB, Central Florida
14. Cleveland--Billy Taylor, RB, Texas Tech
15. New England--Ben Garry, RB, Southern Mississippi*
16. Phoenix--Dave Studdard, T, Texas
17. Chicago--Todd Christensen, TE, Brigham Young
18. San Francisco--Barry Bennett, DE, Morehead State
19. Philadelphia--Ron Johnson, CB, Eastern Michigan
20. Minnesota--Paul Coffman, TE, Kansas State
21. Kansas City--Dennis Harrison, DE, Vanderbilt
22. Buffalo--Bobby Jackson, CB, Florida State
23. Indianapolis--Marvin Switzer, S, Kansas State
24. Memphis--Chris Ward, T, Ohio State
25. Atlanta--Ross Browner, DE, Notre Dame
26. Oakland--Keith Butler, LB, Memphis
27. Miami--Bobby Jones, WR, Youngstown State
28. Dallas--Deacon Turner, RB, San Diego State
29. Cincinnati--Terry Jones, DT, Alabama
30. Denver--Mickey Shuler, TE, Penn State
31. Los Angeles--Rod Parker, WR, Tennessee State
32. Pittsburgh--Mark Iwanowski, TE, Penn


*acquired in trade with Chicago

Chicago Bears' Amateur Draft Report:
Rnd 1 - Todd Christensen, TE, Brigham Young
Rnd 2 - Blair Bush, C, Washington
Rnd 3 - Brad Shearer, DT, Texas
Rnd 4 - Craig Colquitt, P, Tennessee
Rnd 4 - Dan Doornink, FB, Washington State
Rnd 6 - Will Grant, C, Kentucky
Rnd 7 - Fred Quillan, C, Oregon

Draft Grade: B

[RetroNFL]

Shortly after the amateur draft, Chicago completed a trade with Tampa Bay. The Bears sent punter Bob Parsons and a 1980 sixth-round draft pick to the Bucs for offensive tackle Ted Peterson and a 1979 fourth-round pick.

The drafting of Craig Colquitt made Parson available. The Bears had their eyes on Peterson of Eastern Illinois in last year's draft.

While Chicago lost defensive end Phil Olsen in late free agency to Pittsburgh, the Bears inked defensive veterans Claude Humphrey ($320,000/1 year) and Bubba Smith ($910,000/2 years).

Former Bear quarterback Joe Reed signed a one-year deal with rival Green Bay.

[RetroNFL]

With the 1978 home opener with arch-rival Green Bay just days away, here's a glimpse at the Bears.

The Good: Versatile Walter Payton enters his fourth season and has become one of the league's great running backs. The team's wide receivers led by emerging youngsters Steve Largent and Stanley Morgan also appears on the verge of great things.

The Bad: Questions continue to plague Chicago's defensive front and key spots in the offensive line. However, the most puzzling piece has been the quarterback position. Archie Manning, last year's starter and free agent addition, is dead even with Robinson Ford. Ford came to the Bears as a late-free agenct ($200,000/1 year). The former Birmingham Stallion finds himself in what Chicago coaches have termed "a sorry race" with Manning. Journeyman James Harris will be the team's No. 3 QB.

The Ugly: Injuries have again bitten the Bears in the preseason. Promising tight end Jay Saldi is again suffering from shoulder tendinitis. Last season, Saldi didn't get healthy until week eight. But the most damaging injury is to left tackle Marvin Powell, who broke his clavicle and will be out for at least three weeks.

Exhibition Season Recap: The Bears finished the preseason with a 2-2 record. After an opening 9-3 win over the New York Jets, Chicago lost two straight games (San Diego and Buffalo) before shutting out Oakland 13-0 in the finale.

League Notes: The preseason power rankings have Pittburgh on top. Oakland, fresh off an A+ rated draft, comes in second. The Los Angeles Rams edge Dallas as the NFC's top ranked teams.

[RetroNFL]

With an eye toward the future, the Chicago Bears completed two trades for first-round picks.

In the first deal, the Bears dealt a 1979 first-round draft pick they had acquired in a previous deal from New England along with a fourth-round selection to Birmingham for the Stallions' first-round choice.

The second trade sent Chicago's original 1979 first-round selection and its second-round pick to Tampa Bay for the Bucs' top choice.

"Some may view it as a gamble they wouldn't take before the season has played out," said Chicago GM Ray Vaughn. "But, they are risks we are willing to take."

Many question whether the Bears will be able to sign two potentially high-priced draft picks in the same draft. However, insiders look for Chicago to potentially make another draft day move with one of the picks.

[RetroNFL]

The Chicago Bears roared in their 1978 season opener.

The Bears raced to a 20-0 halftime lead and then held on for a 30-22 victory over their arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers.

Running back Walter Payton collected 191 all-purpose yards. Payton carried the ball 28 times for 114 yards and caught nine balls for another 77 yards.

Veteran quarterback Archie Manning got the starting nod over free agent addition Robinson Ford. Manning completed 18-of-28 throws for 202 yards and two touchdowns.

Second-year defensive back Gary Green had two interceptions, including a 12-yard TD.

Next Game: at Miami

[RetroNFL]

Chicago Bears' Record: 4-4

The Good: Walter Payton, of course. Sweetness ranks second among RetroNFL rushers with 813 yards and five touchdowns. In addition, Sir Walter is fourth in receiving with 44 catches and three TDs.

The Bad: The Bears have had more ups and downs than a Hollywood marriage. After winning their opener against Green Bay, Chicago lost three straight. A three-game winning streak followed before a loss to Atlanta.

The Ugly: The Bears have been in hiberation on the road, going 1-3 thus far. Chicago will face Green Bay in a likely first-place showdown in two weeks. The Packers lead the Bears by one game in the division race.

Up Next: The second half of the season opens at Tampa Bay. A win would be a double-fold dividend as the Bears hold the Bucs' first-round draft pick.

[RetroNFL]

Final Season Record: 8-8, 2nd Place in the NFC North

Season Summary: Chicago's .500 record is a perfect reflection of the season. The Bears were a team good enough not to be bad, but mediocre enough not to be playoff worthy.

The Good: Running back Walter Payton finished second to Denver's Otis Armstrong in rushing. Payton carried the ball 382 times for 1,554 yards (4.07 average) and 10 touchdowns. He finished eighth among receivers with 76 catches for 712 yards (9.3 average) and four scores.

The Bad: The quarterback position continues to hold the Bears back. Archie Manning suffered through an injury-plagued second half of the season. Backup James Harris struggled with six interceptions in three late-season starts.

The Ugly: Green Bay, the Bears' arch-rival, won the NFC North and heads into the playoffs with a 10-6 record. The Packers' QB? None other than ex-Bear Joe Reed who was not resigned by Chicago. To add insult to injury, division rival Detroit holds the first pick in the draft thanks to its dismal 2-14 record. Notre Dame quarterback Joe Montana will be the Lions' likely choice.

League Note: Cincinnati made a strong bid for a perfect regular season by winning its first 15 games. However, rival Pittsburgh beat the Bengals 37-17 on the final Sunday of the year.

[RetroNFL]

Super Bowl '78: Cincinnati Bengals 38, Dallas Cowboys 13
Super Bowl MVP: Ken Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals

NFL Player of the Year: Walter Payton, Chicago Bears
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Walter Payton, Chicago Bears
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: John Dutton, Indianapolis Racers

NFL Rookie Offensive Player of the Year: Billy Campfield, Miami Dolphins
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Ross Browner, Atlanta Falcons

Bears' Post-Season Awards
First Team RB--Walter Payton
Second Team C--Jim Langer
Second Team S--Donnie Shell

Interesting Notes: Denver's Otis Armstrong won the rushing title with 1,735 yards . . . Atlanta QB Steve Bartkowski set league records with 4,559 yards and 33 touchdowns . . . Cincinnati wide out Charlie Joiner again led the league in receptions, this time around with a record 105 catches . . . Ken Anderson threw for a Super Bowl record 315 yards, including 135 to Charlie Joiner . . . Detroit Lion Ed O'Neil registered 151 tackles for a single-season record . . . The AFC playoff teams were Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Denver, Miami, Pittsburgh and Oakland . . . The NFC playoff teams were Green Bay, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington and Phoenix.

[RetroNFL]

Head coach Darnell Barber was fired following the season. Offensive coordinator Glenn Wayne signed a $1.86 million/five-year deal with Oakland.

Chicago filled these vacancies by hiring 48-year-old Leon Burnett as its new head coach. Burnett inked a $1.3 million/three-year contract.

Harvey Adano was then brought in as the new offensive coordinator. He received a one year contract worth $940,000.

Chuck Money was also signed as the head scout ($150,000/three years).

Reserve center Blair Bush was sent to play in the summer league.

[RetroNFL]

The Chicago Bears have acquired the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 1979 RetroNFL amateur draft.

The Bears agreed to send four picks to Detroit in exchange for the top selection. The Lions, 2-14 last season, get Chicago's first-round pick the next two seasons, a third-round pick in 1980 and a second-round pick in the 1981 draft.

"It's a hefty price to pay," said Chicago GM Ray Vaughn. "But, we're willing to take the chance for our future."

Detroit will now pick at No. 5, the slot Chicago had acquired from a trade last season with Tampa Bay.

The Bears also own the 20th pick in the first round, the result of their 8-8 season this past year.

Bears' management is now in the process of interviewing potential players and agents to use the top pick on.

[RetroNFL]

The Chicago Bears have signed three players to contract extensions.

The Bears inked running back Bubba Bean and linebacker Ed Simonini to one-year, $230,000 contracts.

Chicago also locked up left tackle Marvin Powell to a multi-year deal reportedly for $6.29 million for four years.

Contract negotiations continue with defensive end Mike St. Clair, the team's second-leading pass rusher a year ago. St. Clair has one year remaining on his contract.

[Autumn]

Montana in Chicago? Montana and Payton? This could get interesting.

[RetroNFL]

Veteran left guard Larry Little has announced his retirement, leaving the Chicago Bears searching for new blood in their offensive line.

The 33-year-old former Miami Dolphin spent last season with the Bears. A 1975 second team All-Pro, Little suffered from nagging ailments to his knees.

Chicago will most likely turn to the free agency or the upcoming amateur draft to fill the void.

Bear Tracks: In other news, Chicago renegotiated the contract of middle linebacker Tom Hicks. The University of Illinois product received a $7.56/five-year payday. Meanwhile,Chicago did not renew the contracts of quarterbacks Archie Manning, James Harris and Adrian Farr. Safety Phil Bias was also not renewed. The Bears are still hopeful of re-signing right tackle Jeff Sevy.

[RetroNFL]

Montana in Chicago? Montana and Payton? This could get interesting.

That's the plan, but it came at a high price.

[RetroNFL]

The Chicago Bears came out growling in free agency.

"We planned on being aggressive," said Bears' GM Ray Vaughn. "It's time to move forward with this franchise."

Chicago wound up signing four new players to contracts and bringing back a few of its own.

Offensive tackle Jeff Sevy was re-signed by the team. The 6-foot-3, 303-pounder from Cal inked a five-year deal worth $6.2 million.

The Bears also brought back safety Phil Bias and quarterback Robinson Ford on one-year deals.

Meanwhile, Chicago landed veteran quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner Jim Plunkett ($380,000/one year). Insiders believe Plunkett is being brought in to mentor likely No. 1 draft choice Joe Montana from Notre Dame.

The Bears also landed fullback Cleo Miller ($310,000/one year), defensive tackle Alan Page ($1.14 million/two years) and defensive end Pat Toomay ($1.1 million/two years) via free agency.

"With free agency behind us and the upcoming draft just weeks away, we're excited about the future of the Chicago Bears," Vaughn said.

[RetroNFL]

1. Chicago--Joe Montana, QB, Notre Dame
2. New York Giants--Phil Simms, QB, Morehead State
3. Seattle--Mike Moroski, QB, Cal-Davis
4. New Orleans--Mark Gastineau, DE, Arizona State
5. Detroit--Jeff Rutledge, QB, Alabama
6. Houston--Jerry Robinson, LB, UCLA
7. Cleveland--Fred Smerlas, DT, Boston College
8. San Francisco--Dave Logan, DT, Pittsburgh
9. Tampa Bay--Kellen Winslow, TE, Missouri (trade with Baltimore)
10. Memphis--Ottis Anderson, RB, Miami
11. St. Louis--Frank Manumaleuga, LB, UCLA
12. Minnesota--Larry Braziel, CB, USC
13. Kansas City--George Andrews, LB, Nebraska
14. Philadelphia--Eddie Lee Ivery, RB, Georgia Tech
15. Buffalo--John Geisler, T, Michigan
16. Tampa Bay--Dan Hampton, DE, Arkansas
17. San Diego--Charles Johnson, DT, Maryland
18. Birmingham--Earnest Gray, WR, Memphis
19. New York Jets--Bruce Thornton, DE, Illinois
20. Chicago--Dwight Clark, WR, Clemson
21. Phoenix--Cody Risien, T, Texas A&M
22. Oakland--Don Bessillieau, S, Georgia Tech
23. Atlanta--Tom Cousineau, LB, Ohio State
24. Denver--Ed Burns, QB, Nebraska
25. Green Bay--Roy Green, WR, Henderson State
26. Washington--Willie McClendon, RB, Georgia
27. Indianapolis--Joe McLaughlin, LB, UMass
28. Miami--Bruce Radford, DT, Grambling
29. Los Angeles--Jim Kovach, LB, Kentucky
30. Pittsburgh--Manu Tuiasosopo, DT, UCLA
31. Dallas--Johnny Lynn, CB, UCLA
32. Cincinnati--Doug Cosbie, TE, Holy Cross


Chicago Bears' Amateur Draft Report:
Rnd 1 - Joe Montana, QB, Notre Dame
Rnd 1 - Dwight Clark, WR, Clemson
Rnd 3 - Charles Alexander, FB, Louisiana State
Rnd 4 - Russell Erxleben, P, Texas
Rnd 4 - Kit Lathrop, DT, Arizona State
Rnd 5 - Chuck Fusina, QB, Penn State
Rnd 6 - Neal Olkewicz, ILB, Maryland
Rnd 7 - Tom Higgins, ILB, North Carolina State

Draft Grade: B

[RetroNFL]

History told the Chicago Bears they need a quality quarterback to increase their chances of success. Thus, the Bears were willing to trade four picks for the rights to the No. 1 pick.

Complicating the decision was the fact that the team that held the top selection was a division rival, the Detroit Lions. Did the Bears help Detroit's future chances immensely with the trade? Time will tell.

For now, the Bears got their man--Notre Dame quarterback Joe Montana. Chicago was duly impressed by not only what its scouts had to say about Montana, but also by the Bears' pre-draft interview with him.

"Joe Montana is that rare breed of quarterback every team wants," Chicago GM Ray Vaughn said.

After choosing Montana, the Bears then began working the phones. They hoped to move up in the draft from No. 20 to take defensive end Dan Hampton from Arkansas. However, no such trade was pulled off. Hampton wound up being taken by Tampa Bay with the 16th pick.

The Bears then attempted to trade down. However, nothing satisfactory could not be ironed out with Oakland, Atlanta or Denver.

Thus, Chicago mulled over which player to take. Tackle Cody Risien offered a solid player to strengthen the offensive line. Receivers Roy Green and Dwight Clark were also in the mix. While Green graded out higher and offered much more of a deep threat, the Bears liked Clark's 6-foot-4 frame and the intangibles he brought to the table.

"Dwight has those remarkable things that don't show up on a stat sheet," Vaughn said. "He impressed us with virtually everything he did during his workouts and interview."

Risien was taken with the draft's next pick by Phoenix. Green Bay wound up with Green at No. 25. Will the Bears being haunted by the day they passed over Green? Will a Packer named Green torment the Bears in the coming years?

With no second-round pick, Chicago continued to work the phones until round three. The Bears then stayed with offense by taking fullback Charles Alexander from LSU.

The Bears used a pair of picks in round four to work on improving their defense. After taking Craig Colquitt a year ago, Chicago again drafted a punter. This time around it was Russell Erxleben from Texas. Therefore, veteran Bob Parsons is most likely gone.

Chicago used its second fourth rounder on defensive tackle Kit Lathrop of Arizona State.

Taking Penn State quarterback Chuck Fusina in round five raised a few eyebrows, but Vaughn stood by his selection.

"Like Joe Montana, Chuck Fusina comes from a winning program," said the Chicago GM. "We want players who are used to winning and know how to win."

Finally, Chicago tabbed inside linebackers Neal Olkewicz (Maryland) and Tom Higgins (North Carolina State) in the final two rounds.

[DataKing]

Montana wearing the navy and orange? I love it! The days of Chicago being a QB wasteland are officially at an end! :)

[RetroNFL]

Montana wearing the navy and orange? I love it! The days of Chicago being a QB wasteland are officially at an end! :)

Let's hope so!

[RetroNFL]

With the 1979 home opener with Detroit fast approaching, here's a glimpse at the Bears.

The Good: Chicago appears ready to take the next step toward making the playoffs. Last season's RetroNFL Player of the Year Walter Payton returns behind an improved offensive line. Rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Joe Montana has some quality targets.

The Bad: The defense still concerns the new coaching staff. While the secondary is among the league's best, the front four and outside linebackers remain huge question marks.

The Ugly: For the third straight season, Payton opens the year banged up. Suffering the effects of a pulled groin muscle, the Bears' best player will nonetheless be in the opening day lineup.

Exhibition Season Recap: The Bears enjoyed their finest preseason yet, reeling off three straight wins before losing the finale. In the exhibition opener, Chicago shut out Pittsburgh 20-0.

League Notes: The preseason power rankings show Chicago ranked 15th. Topping the list are AFC powers Pittsburgh and Oakland. The Los Angeles Rams are the NFC's best team.

[RetroNFL]

A season ago Walter Payton earned RetroNFL Player of the Year honors. Perhaps this is his encore.

Despite a pulled groin muscle, Payton rushed for a league record 200 yards on a career-high 42 carries as Chicago steamrolled past Detroit 26-7 in the season opener.

Payton scored touchdowns both rushing and receiving, the latter coming on a 10-yard third quarter pass from rookie Joe Montana.

The top selection in the most recent amateur draft, Montana completed 10-of-16 passes for 142 yards. In addition to his TD pass, Montana was also intercepted once.

Meanwhile, the Bear defense held the Lions to just 144 net yards. Detroit converted only three of 12 third down attempts.

Next Week: at Denver

[RetroNFL]

Chicago Bears' Record: 4-4, Tied for Second in the NFC North

The Good: The song remains the same in Chicago as Walter Payton is even better than a year ago. Payton leads the RetroNFL with 983 yards rushing (4.38 per rush average). He has eight touchdowns and four games of 100 or more yards.

The Bad: It looks like another year with no playoffs for Chicago. After starting out 2-0, the Bears dropped four straight. Three of the losses came by a field goal in each game's final three minutes.

The Ugly: This one comes from the Minnesota point of view. In week seven, Walter Payton ripped the Vikings for 228 yards on 44 carries. This broke Payton's own record set in the season opener. Sir Walter scored four TDs--three of which came in the first quarter. Payton scored on runs of 44, 11, 3 and 5 yards. Yes, the Bears rolled 37-22.

Up Next: The second half of the season opens at Solider Field with Seattle. The Bears have three games left with NFC North rivals, including two with division leader Green Bay.

[Peregrine]

Really enjoying this dynasty - it's nice and to the point. I've been considering some kind of historical roster dynasty myself.

[RetroNFL]

Really enjoying this dynasty - it's nice and to the point. I've been considering some kind of historical roster dynasty myself.

Peregrine,

Thanks for you kind words. Sometimes I think there should be more detail, but it fits well with my schedule and moves the team history along at a good pace. Best wishes with your projects.

[RetroNFL]

Final Season Record: 7-9, 3rd Place in the NFC North

Season Summary: After two stirring wins to open the season's second half, star running back Walter Payton suffered a concussion late in the victory over Green Bay. With Payton out of action for two weeks, the Bears lost both games, went into a tailspin and wound up dropping five of their last six games.

The Good: Running back Walter Payton rushed for a career high 1,569 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, missing the two games due to injury, Sweetness lost the rushing title to Earl Campbell of Birmingham.

The Bad: Close losses. Of Chicago's nine losses, six were by less than a touchdown. To make matters worse, four of those six were by a field goal or less.

The Ugly: Walter Paytons' return from injury came against the Minnesota Vikings, a team he had rushed for a record 228 yards against earlier in the year. This time around, Minnesota held Patyon to 44 yards and the Vikings sailed to a 27-3 win.

League Notes: A year after Cincinnati bid for a perfect regular season, Pittsburgh completed the task. The Steelers rolled to a 16-0 mark. Pittsburgh's closest game was a 16-3 victory over New England in week three.

[RetroNFL]

Super Bowl '79: Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Green Bay Packers 6
Super Bowl MVP: L.C. Greenwood, Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL Player of the Year: Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Earl Campbell, Birmingham Stallions
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: John Dutton, Indianapolis Racers

NFL Rookie Offensive Player of the Year: Tony Nathan, Indianapolis Racers
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Jerry Robinson, Houston Oilers

Bears' Post-Season Awards
First Team Center--Jim Langer
Second Team Running Back--Walter Payton

Interesting Notes: The Pittsburgh Steelers completed a perfect season by rolling through the playoffs and routing Green Bay in the Super Bowl. It was the Steelers' third title in five years . . . Birmingham star Earl Campbell led the league in both rushing (1,628 yards) and receiving (90 catches) . . . Pittsburgh quarterback Terry Bradshaw topped the league with a 113.9 rating. Bradshaw threw for 38 TDs with only nine interceptions. Bradshaw won Player of the Year honors . . . John Dutton of Indianapols won his second straight Defensive Player of the Year Award . . . Indianapols Racer teammate Bruce Laird returned two punts for touchdowns in a single game . . . AFC division winners were Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, New England and Oakland. Miami and San Diego grabbed the wild cards . . . NFC division champions were Green Bay, Atlanta, Washington and Los Angeles. Wild card winners were Philadelphia and Dallas.

[RetroNFL]

As a new decade approaches, the Chicago Bears are more active than ever.

In terms of coaching personnel, the Bears first re-signed offensive coordinator Harvey Adamo to a $1.59 million/two-year extension.

Yet, it was Chicago's move on the defensive side of the ball that grabbed the most attention. The Bears inked defensive guru Otis George, late of the San Diego Chargers. George's defenses helped San Diego post a 55-3-1 mark in his time on the West Coast. George will earn $1.6 mllion over his three-year deal.

Chicago also was busy during free agency. The Bears managed to re-sign running back Bubba Bean ($340,000/one year), fullback Cleo Miller ($360,000/one year), All-Pro center Jim Langer ($3.84 million/three years), defensive end Mike St. Clair ($420,000/one year) and linebackers Woodrow Lowe ($4.41 million/four years) and Ed Simonini ($350,000/one year).

"Those are all players we wanted back," said Chicago GM Ray Vaughn.

In the early rounds of free agency, the Bears landed a backup quarterback in Danny White ($320,000/one year). The former Dallas Cowboy brings veteran playoff experience to the team.

The Bears then signed linebackers Marv Kellum ($390,000) and Greg Buttle ($340,000).

"If nothing else, it's going to be a competitive training camp from the linebacking stance," said Vaughn.

Then came the headline grabbing signings. First the Bears addressed a glarring weakness at offensive guard by signing veterans Larron Jackson and Steve Lawson. Both players are reported to have been given two-year contracts worth around $1.3 million.

After losing out on safety and punt return man Neal Colzie (who signed with Denver), the Bears managed to get defensive tackle Mean Joe Greene. The former Pittsburgh Steeler standout was one of the most highly sought after free agents. His deal is believed to be worth $1.55 million for two years.

"Joe Greene automatically makes our defense better," said Vaughn. "He brings more than just his three Super Bowl rings to town."

In other Bears' news, defensive tackle Kip Lathrop was assigned to play in the summer league.

Chicago management now turns its attention to the upcoming NFL draft. The Bears have no first-round pick due to the trade for the No. 1 overall selection with Detroit last year.

[DataKing]

How did Montana fair in his rookie campaign?

[RetroNFL]

How did Montana fair in his rookie campaign?

Joe Montana's rookie season:

Attempts--468
Completions--310
Completion %--66.2
Yards--3,194
TD--13
INT--12
Long--58
Yards per Catch--10.3
Yards per Attempt--6.82
Rating--84.3

[RetroNFL]

1. Houston--Billy Sims, RB, Oklahoma
2. Baltimore--Anthony Munoz, T, USC
3. Tampa Bay--Steve McMichael, DT, Texas
4. New York Giants--Tunch Ilkin, T, Indiana State
5. Seattle--Mark Lee, CB, Colorado
6. New York Jets--Al Richardson, LB, Georgia Tech
7. Kansas City--Buddy Curry, LB, North Carolina
8. Detroit--Frank Pollard, RB, Baylor
9. New Orleans--Jim Ritchen, G, North Carolina State
10. St. Louis--Larry McGrew, LB, USC
11. Memphis--Rulon Jones, G, Utah State
12. San Francisco--Keena Turner, LB, Purdue
13. Detroit (from Chicago)--James Roland, S, Tennessee
14. Buffalo (from Minnesota)--Matt Millen, LB, Penn State
15. Birmingham--Dennis Johnson, LB, USC
16. Denver--Eric Hipple, QB, Utah State
17. Cincinnati--Andre Hines, T, Stanford
18. Minnesota (from Buffalo)--Dwight Stephenson, C, Alabama
19. Cleveland--Joe Cribbs, RB, Auburn
20. Phoenix--Mark Haynes, CB, Colorado
21. San Diego--Mat Mendenhall, DE, BYU
22. Dallas--Roynell Young, CB, Alcorn State
23. Miami--Otis Wilson, LB, Louisville
24. Atlanta--Andy Hawkins, LB, Texas A&M-Kingsville
25. New England--Charles White, RB, USC
26. Los Angeles--Ray Donaldson, C, Georgia
27. Philadelphia--Stafford Mays, DT, Washington
28. Oakland--Mike Harden, S, Michigan
29. Washington--LeRoy Irvin, CB, Kansas
30. Indianapolis--Karl Swanke, T, Boston College
31. Green Bay--George Cumby, LB, Oklahoma
32. Pittsburgh--Gerry Ellis, RB, Missouri

Chicago Bears' Amateur Draft Report:
Rnd 2 - Randy Clark, C, Northern Illinois
Rnd 4 - Dave Krieg, QB, Milton
Rnd 5 - Matt Suhey, FB, Penn State
Rnd 7 - Eddie Murray, K, Tulane

Grade B

[RetroNFL]

As the Bears prepare for their 1980 season opener with Minnesota, it's time to reflect on the off-season.

The Good: For the first time in RetroNFL history, Chicago appears to be a bonafide playoff contender. The preseason power rankings have the Bears listed as the league's eighth best team.

The Bad: While the offensive line seems to be solid, there are still concerns with the defensive line. Many around football question the signing of an aging Mean Joe Greene. Backup Brad Shearer has been plagued by a variety of injuries.

The Ugly: Star middle linebacker Tom Hicks will miss the entire season with a torn quadriceps muscle. Hicks, a veteran out of Illinois, was the team's leading tackler a year ago. The front office will need to address this glaring hole in our defense.

Exhibition Season Recap: The Bears went 3-1 in the preseason. Chicago beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the opener, then lost to Indianapolis 34-7 before closing the preseason with wins over Cincinnati and Memphis.

League Notes: The defending and three-time champion Pittsburgh Steelers enter the season ranked just ahead of the Indianapolis Racers. The NFC's top rated teams are Los Angeles and Washington.

[RetroNFL]

With middle linebacker Tom Hicks set to miss the entire season with an injury, the Chicago Bears scrambled to fill the defensive hole.

After failing to pull off a trade, the Bears settled on signing free agent linebackers Dan Rives and Carl Ekern.

"The price other teams wanted in trades was far too high for us to pay," Chicago GM Ray Vaughn said. "Dan and Carl come to us with valuable experience."

Rives most recently played with the St. Louis Cardinals. Prior to that, he earned All-Pro status in 1977 as a Pittsburgh Steeler. Rives signed a one-year, $370,000 contract.

Ekern was the first-round draft pick by Green Bay in 1976. He will earn $310,000 if he remains with the team.

[RetroNFL]

Perhaps this is a sign of good things to come.

Veteran Bob Thomas kicked a 48-yard field goal with seven seconds left to lift the Chicago Bears over the Minnesota Vikings 36-34 in the 1980 season opener.

Thomas' game-winner capped an 11-play, 76-yard drive that started with 2:48 remaining on the clock. Second-year quarterback Joe Montana converted two key third-down passes and one fourth-down play to keep the drive alive.

Montana finished the game completing 23-of-29 throws for 290 yards and three touchdowns. He was intercepted once.

Walter Payton rushed 25 times for 114 yards. Payton also caught five passes for 50 yards, including an eight-yard reception on the vital fourth-down play on the Bears' final possession.

The game was a seasaw affair that had seven lead changes.

Minnesota quarterback Dan Pastorini passed for 222 yards and four TDs in a losing effort. Chicago safety Donnie Shell returned one Pastorini throw 53 yards for a score.

Middle linebacker Ed Simonini led the Bears with 10 tackles in his first professional start. The fifth-year veteran is starting in place of injured star Tom Hicks, who is out for the season with a torn quadriceps muscle.

Next Week: at Houston

[RetroNFL]

Chicago Bears' Record: 6-2, 1st in the NFC North

The Good: After stumbling to a 1-2 start, Chicago has won five straight games. The streak includes a 27-26 upset of previously unbeaten Dallas in week six. The Bears hold a one-game lead over Green Bay and Minnesota. Second-year quarterback Joe Montana has emerged as a budding star. Montana ranks third among RetroNFL QBs with a 104.7 rating. He has 13 TDs and five interceptions.

The Bad: It's hard to find a dark cloud at this point of the season. However, when the Bears chose Dwight Clark over Roy Green in the 1979 draft, some experts shook their heads. Green ranks second among RetroNFL receivers with 47 catches for the Packers. Clark has 25 receptions for the Bears. Then again, Chicago also has the league's top rusher in Walter Payton (916 yards, 4.56 yards per carry). Sir Walter also ranks ninth in receiving.

The Ugly: Following a season-opening victory over Minnesota, the Bears lost 24-19 in Houston. What's so bad about that? To this point of the season, it's the Oilers' lone victory.

Up Next: The second half of the season opens at Solider Field with the Vikings. The Bears will also play the Packers twice and the Lions once in NFC North matchups.

RetroNFL Note: The Pittsburgh Steelers are 8-0. Since they went 16-0 last year, swept through the playoffs and won the Super Bowl, it's been since <RTE_TEXT></RTE_TEXT>week six of the '78 season since the Steelers have lost!

[RetroNFL]

Final Season Record: 12-4, NFC North Champions

Season Summary: Despite losing twice to Green Bay, Chicago wound up NFC North champions. After slipping past Indianapolis in overtime in Week 16, the Bears routed Detroit on the season's final Sunday. Meanwhile, Minnesota surprised the Packers; thus, the Bears finished one game ahead of Green Bay. The Vikings and Packers both qualified for the playoffs as wild cards.

The Good: Running back Walter Payton just gets better. Payton ran for a career-best 1,661 yards and 11 touchdowns to win his second rushing title. In addition, Sir Walter finished second in receiving with 92 catches and 14 TDs. Payton accounted for a combined 2,663 yards and 25 TDs. He finished second in scoring with 150 points. Joe Montana ranked fourth among quarterbacks with a 100.4 passer rating. The second-year star completed nearly 71% of his throws for 3,751 yards and 26 touchdowns.

The Bad: As Chicago heads into the playoffs, the defense is still a concern. The Bears yielded nearly 26 points a game over the season's final three weeks.

The Ugly: Chicago lost both times to arch-rival Green Bay. The Packers won 22-6 in Week 11 and 30-20 in Week 15. Former Bear Tracy Easterling quarterbacked Green Bay.

League Notes: The Pittsburgh Steelers' league-record winning streak finally ended at 40 games (37 in the regular season). The string halted in a 24-17 loss to Indianapolis in Week 13. The last Pittsburgh loss came in Week 6 of the 1978 season when Cincinnati tipped the Steelers 23-10. Ironically, Pittsburgh lost the week prior to Indianapolis.

[RetroNFL]

AFC
Oakland 34, New England 27--Ken Stabler threw for 249 yards and three touchdowns. The Snake also ran 16 yards for the game-winning score with four minutes left.
San Diego 42, Indianapolis 13--Dan Fouts passed for 216 yards and two scores as the Chargers rolled. Racer QB Bert Jones threw three interceptions.

NFC
Green Bay 24, Dallas 7--Former Bear Tracy Easterling passed for 279 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Meanwhile, defensive end Eddie Edwards registered 2.5 sacks.
Atlanta 27, Minnesota 3--The NFC North's third playoff team didn't fare so well. Bob Avellini, another ex-Chicago quarterback, threw for 199 yards and one touchdown. On defense, Ross Browner recorded four sacks.

[RetroNFL]

NFC
Atlanta Falcons (10-6) at Chicago Bears (12-4)
Former Bear quarterback Bob Avellini brings the Falcons into Solider Field. Avellini took over when starter Steve Bartkowski was injured in Week 10. Running back Sherman Smith is the key to Atlanta's offense. Ross Browner, Joe Klecko and Tom Cousineau anchor a stout defense.

Green Bay Packers (11-5) at Los Angeles Rams (12-4)
Tracy Easterling beat out Doug Williams for the QB spot. The ex-Bear responded with 22 touchdown passes. Wide out Roy Green snared 88 passes for seven touchdowns. Meanwhile, Ram running back Lawrence McCutheon led the league with 94 receptions. He also rushed for 1,262 yards and nine TDs. QB Ron Jaworski threw for 3,637 yards and 26 TDs. These two teams met in Week 3 with Green Bay winning 30-24.

AFC
Oakland Raiders (11-6) at Miami Dolphins (11-5)
Miami's strong defense will be severely tested by all-purpose star Joe Washington who rushed for 1,171 yards adn 14 touchdowns. Washington also had 71 recpeptions and nine TDs. Scrambling Kenny Stabler threw for 4,087 yards and 28 touchdowns, but was intercepted 22 times. The Dolphins counter with quarterback Bob Griese (3,729 yards, 25 TDs) and running back Billy Campfield (1,167 yards and nine TDs).

San Diego Chargers (11-6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (14-2)
The Steelers are favored in this battle of 4,000-yard quarterbacks. Pittsburgh's Terry Bradshaw led the league with a 104.1 passer rating. He threw for 4,006 yards and 29 touchdowns. Tailback Jerry Eckwood rushed for 1,169 yards and nine scores. San Diego's Dan Fouts racked up 4,078 yards through the air. While Fouts passed for 33 TDs, he also was picked off 23 times. Johnny Rodgers led the Chargers with 84 catchces and 12 touchdowns.

[bighouserulez]

Great read enjoying the bringing back of Walter Payton and throwing in Joe Montana should make the offense upstoppable.

[RetroNFL]

Batman and Robin have nothing on Walter Payton and Joe Montana.

The Chicago Bears' dynamic duo of Payton and Montana led a 34-9 rout of Atlanta in the NFC semi-finals at Soldier Field.

The Bears will host arch-rival Green Bay next Sunday for the right to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. The Packers upset the Los Angeles Rams 17-16.

The Bears raced to a 21-0 lead and never looked back against Atlanta. The Falcons got a heavy dose of Payton who rushed 44 times for 189 yards and one touchdown.

Montana completed 12-of-23 passes for 161 yards and three touchdowns. He was intercepted once.

Dwight Clark, Steve Largent and Larry Brunson each caught a TD pass for Chicago.

On defense, Chicago held Atlanta to 209 total yards. Like Montana, former Bear Bob Avellini hit on 12-of-23 throws. Avelleni passed for 120 yards and one late TD.

Green Bay 17, Los Angeles 16
Ex-Bear quarterback Tracy Easterling found Ken Payne wide open for a 21-yard touchdown with just 40 seconds remaining to lift the Packers to victory.

The Rams' defense was no doubt more concerned with wide out Roy Green, who caught 10 passes for 137 yards.

AFC
Pittsburgh 24, San Diego 7
Terry Bradshaw passed for 324 yards and two touchdowns as the Steelers rolled past the Chargers.

Miami 37, Oakland 6
Bob Griese threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns as the Dolphins cruised by the Raiders.

[RetroNFL]

To move onto the RetroNFL Super Bowl, the Chicago Bears must get past their arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers. That's a tall task for the team from the Windy City.

Green Bay won both NFC North games this season with the Bears. In Week 11, the Packers dumped the Bears 22-6 at Solider Field. Come Week 15, Green Bay triumphed again, this time 30-20 at Lambeau Field.

Despite two losses to Green Bay, Chicago still wound up winning the division title and thus earned home field Sunday against the Packers. The Bears finished the regular season with a 12-4 record; Green Bay was 11-5.

In each loss to the Packers, Player of the Year candidate Walter Payton was held in check. In the first meeting, Green Bay limited Payton to 54 yards. He gained just 57 in the second game.

Meanwhile, Joe Montana was intercepted twice in each contest. However, Montana did manage to rally the Bears in the Week 15 loss with a 319-yard, two-touchdown performance.

Green Bay is seeking its second straight trip to the Super Bowl. The Packers lost last year's championship to Pittsburgh.

Former Chicago quarterback Tracy Easterling signed an off-season free agent contract with Green Bay and has enjoyed his finest year. After beating out last year's starter Doug Williams, Easterling has lit up the scoreboard. Throwing to targets such as speedy wide out Roy Green (88 receptions) and ex-Bear J.J. Rowley (66 catches), Easterling passed for over 3,600 yards.

However, it's been the Packer defense that has led to prosperity. Green Bay held Dallas to seven points in the wild card playoff game, and then followed up with a 16-point performance against Los Angeles.

"There's no doubt that we need to come out ready to play," said first-year Chicago head coach Leon Burnett. "We've got to be balanced on offense and keep Green Bay guessing."

Point Spread: Pick 'Em

Game Time Weather Forecast: Sunny and cold, around 21 degrees at kickoff.

[Izulde]

A Dolphins/Bears Super Bowl would rock :)

[Autumn]

Third time's a charm?

[RetroNFL]

Green Bay appeared to be poised to regain the lead and thwart Chicago for the third time this season; then Woodrow Lowe and Allan Ellis made the play that sent the Bears into the RetroNFL Super Bowl.

Facing a third-and-five at the Chicago 33 with 3:34 remaining, former Bear quarterback Tracy Easterling flipped a short pass to running back Eric Torkelson in the flat. The Green Bay back caught the pass and raced up to the first down marker only to be stripped of the ball by Chicago linebacker Lowe. Ellis pounced on the loose ball, ending the Packer scoring threat.

Chicago wound up running out the clock to preserve a 17-15 victory over Green Bay. After losing twice to the Packers during the regular season, Chicago finally broke through and now finds itself in the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.

The biggest reason for Chicago's success was the performance of running back Walter Payton. After being held in check in both losses to Green Bay during the season, Payton broke out with a 173-yard rushing performance in the NFC Championship.

Payton scored the eventual game-deciding touchdown on a two-yard run at the end of the third quarter.

Payton's running took the heat off Bear quarterback Joe Montana, who was 11-for-24 with 110 yards.

Lowe could easily have been picked over Payton for NFC Championship MVP. The fifth-year veteran out of Alabama scooped up an earlier fumble by Torkelson and raced 71 yards for a touchdown that allowed Chicago to tie the game 9-9 shortly after halftime.

AFC Championship
Miami 23, Pittsburgh 19
There will be no four Super Bowl ring for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not this year anyway.

Miami quarterback Bob Griese passed for 209 yards and a touchdown as the Dolphins earned their second trip to the RetroNFL Super Bowl with the victory.

Miami last appeared in the Super Bowl in 1976 when it lost to Los Angeles.

The Steelers have enjoyed success in odd number years, winning Super Bowls in 1975, '77 and '79.

[RetroNFL]

Miami Dolphins (AFC) vs. Chicago Bears (NFC)

Miami Dolphins
QB-Bob Griese
RB-Billy Campfield
FB-Ed Williams
TE-Andre Tillman
FL-Freddie Solomon
SE-Nat Moore
LT-Wayne Moore
LG-Ed Newman
C-Dan Neal
RG-Tom Alward
RT-Darryl Carlton

DE-Karl Lorch
DT-Ron Rydalich
DE-Dwight White
LB-Bob Martin
LB-Bruce Elia
LB-Earnest Rhone
LB-Rod Martin
CB-Jeris White
CB-Lawrence Johnson
S-Dick Anderson
S-Phil Wise

Chicago Bears
QB-Joe Montana
RB-Walter Payton
FB-Cleo Miller
TE-Todd Christensen
FL-Dwight Clark
SE-Stanley Morgan
LT-Marvin Powell
LG-Larron Jackson
C-Jim Langer
RG-Steve Lawson
RT-Jeff Sevy

DE-Mike St. Clair
DT-Dominic Babka
DT-Joe Greene
DE-Dave Lindstrom
LB-Woodrow Lowe
LB-Ed Simonini
LB-Marv Kellum
CB-Gary Green
CB-Allan Ellis
S-Donnie Shell
S-Doug Plank

Line: Miami by one

Super Bowl Notes: Former Pittsburgh Steeler teammates Dwight White (Miami), Mean Joe Greene and Donnie Shell (Chicago) will be on opposite benches for this year's Super Bowl . . . Bears' center Jim Langer played in the 1976 Super Bowl for Miami . . . The Dolphins play at 3-4 defense while the Bears play a 4-3 . . . Miami has one previous Super Bowl appearance, a loss to Los Angeles.

[RetroNFL]

A Dolphins/Bears Super Bowl would rock :)

Izulde,

You got your wish!

[RetroNFL]

Walter Payton giveth, and the defense taketh.

Payton and an opportunistic defense keyed a fourth-quarter comeback as the Chicago Bears rallied past Miami 17-16 to win the 1980 Super Bowl.

Trailing 16-3 entering the final quarter, Payton took control of the game. Rushing for 74 of his game-high 120 yards in the final 15 minutes, Payton helped Chicago's comeback victory.

With 9:05 remaining in the game, Payton got the Bears down to the Miami four-yard-line. Chicago quarterback Joe Montana then faked a handoff to Payton and found tight end Todd Christensen all alone for a touchdown.

On the ensuing Miami possession, Chicago safety Donnie Shell intercepted Bob Griese. Starting at their own 33, the Bears then mixed runs to Payton and passes by Montana to march down the field.

Payton capped the drive by scoring on an end run from 21 yards out behind a key block from fullback Cleo Miller. A Bob Thomas extra point gave Chicago its first lead of the game with 3:22 left.

The Dolphins managed to move the ball just across midfield and into Bears' territory. However, Chicago's defense again came up big. Griese threw his second costly interception of the quarter when Chicago linebacker Woodrow Lowe stepped in front of a pass intended for tight end Andre Tillman.

With the ball at the 50, Chicago's offense then kept feeding Payton the ball. The bruising Bear back took handoffs on three straight plays to set up a fourth-and-one.

Instead of punting, the Bears went for the kill with Payton running behind tackle Jeff Sevy. Payton met Miami safety Dick Anderson head on at the line of scrimmage. A measurement showed Payton had gained the first down by inches.

Two Montana kneedowns gave Chicago its first RetroNFL Super Bowl victory.

In addition to rushing for 120 yards on 20 carries, Payton caught seven passes for 50 yards. He easily won the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player trophy.

Montana went 19-of-31 for 182 yards. He was intercepted once.

Griese completed 20-of-29 throws for 192 yards and one touchdown. However, his two fourth quarter interceptions helped to fuel Chicago's comeback.

Lowe led the Bear defense with seven tackles and the key interception. Dave Lindstrom sacked Griese twice.

Miami's Garo Yepremian kicked three field goals, including a record 57-yarder. He also connected from 19 and 52 yards as well. But, the Dolphin offense couldn't put the ball in the end zone more than once.

[RetroNFL]

Super Bowl '80: Chicago Bears 17, Miami Dolphins 16
Super Bowl MVP: Walter Payton, Chicago Bears

NFL Player of the Year: Walter Payton, Chicago Bears
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Walter Payton, Chicago Bears
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Mark Gastineau, New Orleans Saints


NFL Rookie Offensive Player of the Year: Charles White, New England Patriots
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Rulon Jones, Memphis Showboats

Bears' Post-Season Awards
First Team Running Back--Walter Payton

Interesting Notes: Bears' running back Walter Payton captured his second Player of the Year award. He previously won the honor in 1978. Sir Walter gained 2,663 yards from scrimmage this past year . . . Payton is the league's career rushing leader with 8,880 yards. Buffalo's O.J. Simpson ranks second with 7.589 yards . . . Payton is sixth on the career receiving list with 439 catches. Lawrence McCutcheon of Los Angeles tops the list with 491 receptions . . . Houston Oiler linebacker Jerry Robinson set a single-season record with 158 tackles . . . Pittsburgh's Terry Bradshaw took home first team quarterback honors for the third time in his career. Bradshaw is the all-time league leader with a 106.6 passer rating. He has thrown for 175 career TDs, one better than Bert Jones of Baltimore.

[DataKing]

Bear down, Chicago Bears, make every play clear the way to victory;
Bear down, Chicago Bears, put up a fight with a might so fearlessly.
We'll never forget the way you thrilled the nation with your T-formation.
Bear down, Chicago Bears, and let them know why you're wearing the crown.
You're the pride and joy of Illinois, Chicago Bears, bear down.

Congratulations!

[Coffee Warlord]

You're singing it wrong!

Bear down, Chicago Bears! Mumble mumble mumble mumble ... VICTORY!

[Izulde]

Congrats on the win! :)

[cubboyroy1826]

Very nice turnaround Retro.

[RetroNFL]

Thanks to all of you for your comments. We'll see how the Bears fare in '81 soon.

[RetroNFL]

No sooner had the champagne dried on the RetroNFL Super Bowl trophy did the questions start popping up for the Chicago Bears' front office.

The team faces a number of questions as free agency is set to begin. Key wide receivers Stanley Morgan and Steve Largent are both unrestricted free agents. Some speculate that Morgan (shown below) may be the bigger piece to the Chicago pie because he is the Bears' deep threat. Largent and flanker Dwight Clark are viewed as similiar receivers.

Cornerback is another concern. Both Allan Ellis and Charles Rome played pivotal roles in the Bears' Super Bowl run; both are also unrestricted free agents.

Meanwhile, veteran fullback Cleo Miller, a man who helped pave the way for Walter Payton, is also a UFA. Linebacker Ed Simonini, who stepped in for the injured Tom Hicks last season, is also on the open market.

Chicago most likely needs to address needs in both the offensive and defensive lines as well. Age is beginning to erode on the offense, while the defense needs a more solid base.

The Bears sent kicker Eddie Murray to play in the summer league. Sooner or later, veteran Bob Thomas may have to be replaced.

Defensive lineman Mean Joe Greene announced his retirement.

The questions loom large as the off-season begins.

[RetroNFL]

The defending RetroNFL champion Chicago Bears came out spending for the 1981 free agency period.

The Bears first signed six of its unrestricted free agents:

Cornerback Allan Ellis ($6.13 million/3 years)
Cornerback Charles Rome ($460,000/1 year)
Fullback Cleo Miller ($490,000/1 year)
Wide receiver Stanley Morgan ($8.89 million/5 years)
Wide receiver Steve Largent ($510,000/1 year)
Defensive end Dave Lindstrom ($470,000/1 year)

In addition, Chicago inked two other free agents:

Linebacker Jim Youngblood ($440,000/1 year) formerly of Los Angeles
Safety Gary Barbaro ($460,000/1 year) formerly of Miami

The Bears lost the following unrestricted free agents to other teams:

Defensive end Mike St. Clair (Detroit)
Center Billy Bryan (St. Louis)
Defensive tackle Dominic Babka (Minnesota)
Linebacker Ed Simonini (New York Jets)

[RetroNFL]

1. Baltimore--James Brooks, RB, Auburn
2. St. Louis--Joe Jacoby, T, Louisville
3. Houston--Howie Long, DE, Villanova
4. Seattle--Joe Delaney, RB, Northwestern State (La.)
5. New York Jets--Neil Lomax, QB, Portland State
6. Birmingham--Kenny Easley, S, UCLA
7. Washington--Freeman McNeil, RB, UCLA
8. Kansas City--Everson Walls, CB, Grambling
9. New Orleans--Hugh Green, LB, Pittsburgh
10. Philadelphia--Dexter Manley, DE, Oklahoma State
11. Phoenix--Gregg Johnson, CB, Oklahoma State
12. Buffalo--Ronnie Lott, S, USC
13. New York Giants--Lloyd Burrus, S, Maryland
14. Cleveland--Johnnie Poe, CB, Missouri
15. Memphis--David Little, LB, Florida
16. Detroit--Deron Cherry, S, Rutgers
17. Tampa Bay--David Overstreet, RB, Oklahoma
18. Cincinnati--Brian Holloway, T, Stanford
19. San Francisco--Lawrence Taylor, LB, North Carolina
20. Dallas--Eric Sievers, TE, Maryland
21. Denver--Greg Gaines, LB, Tennessee
22. Minnesota--Carlton Williamson, S, Pittsburgh
23. Atlanta--Stump Mitchell, RB, The Citadel
24. San Diego--Dennis Smith, S, USC
25. Oakland--Guy Frazier, LB, Wyoming
26. New England--Bobby Butler, CB, Florida State
27. Indianapolis--James Wilder, RB, Missouri
28. Green Bay--Keith Gary, DE, Oklahoma
29. Los Angeles--Steve Busick, LB, USC
30. Pittsburgh--Rodell Thomas, LB, Alabama State
31. Miami--Bryan Hinkle, LB, Oregon
32. Chicago--Keith Van Horne, T, USC


Chicago Bears' Amateur Draft Report:
Rnd 1 - Keith Van Horne, T, Southern California
Rnd 3 - Neil Elshire, DE, Oregon
Rnd 4 - George Rogers, RB, South Carolina
Rnd 5 - Johnny Robinson, DT, Louisiana Tech
Rnd 6 - Bill Ring, RB, Brigham Young
Rnd 7 - Lake Jax, ILB, Texas - El Paso

[Izulde]

Wow, I can't believe LT fell that far. :eek:

[RetroNFL]

Wow, I can't believe LT fell that far. :eek:

Nor can I. Mike Singletary went in round three to Phoenix. I may try to trade for him.

[RetroNFL]

The Chicago Bears didn't want the final year of star running back Walter Payton's contract to get in the way of things this season.

As they get set to head to training camp, the Bears announced that they had reached a three-year extension with Payton. The deal is reportedly worth $14.5 million and runs through 1983. Payton also reportedly got a $6.2 million signing bonus.

"We delighted to keep Walter Payton a Chicago Bear," said team GM Ray Vaughn.

Payton is a two-time RetroNFL Player of the Year. In addition, he is the league's all-time leading rusher and ranks second in career pass receptions.

[RetroNFL]

With the 1981 opener at arch-rival Green Bay on the horizon, here's a look at the Bears.

The Good: Chicago returns the core of players from last season's RetroNFL Super Bowl champions. Walter Payton is happy with a contract extension and budding star Joe Montana quarterbacks the offense. After missing all of last year with injuries, middle linebacker Tom Hicks returns along with defensive stalwarts Donnie Shell and Woodrow Lowe.

The Bad: The offensive line is major concern heading into the season. That puts more pressure on the likes of Payton, Montana and the Chicago receiving corps. Meanwhile, rookie Neil Elshire will start at defensive end.

The Ugly: Pre-season injuries have been abundant. Flanker Dwight Clark is out with a broken foot while first-round draft pick Keith Van Horne has a separated shoulder that will sideline him for up to possibly six weeks.

Exhibition Season Recap: In a Super Bowl rematch, the Bears tipped Miami 20-17 and then preceeded to lose three straight games including a 31-3 thrashing at the hands of the Oakland Raiders. Chicago reportedly tried to trade for Phoenix rooke linebacker Mike Singletary, the the Firebirds wanted veteran safety and defensive leader Donnie Shell in return.

League Notes: The preseason power rankings place Chicago third. Topping the list are San Diego and Indianapolis from the AFC.

[RetroNFL]

The Green Bay Packers continued their regular season mastery over the Chicago Bears as both teams opened the 1981 RetroNFL season.

Green Bay rallied first to force overtime and then tipped Chicago 30-24 in the extra session.

The loss extended the Bears' string to four straight regular season defeats to the Packers. Chicago did manage to knock off Green Bay in last year's playoffs however.

This time around, Chicago built a 21-7 third quater lead only to see Green Bay quarterback Doug Williams rally his team. Williams connected with wide out Roy Green for the game-tying touchdown with just 58 seconds left in regulation time.

"Chicago passed on me on draft day (in 1979)," said Green. "I love to make the Bears regret it."

After winning the coin toss, Green Bay received Chicago's overtime kickoff and marched down the field in nine plays to win the game. Running back Chester Willis scored the game-winner on a 13-yard end run at the 10:02 mark.

Williams was the game's star, throwing for 354 yards and three touchdowns. Green caught 10 passes for 130 yards and the late TD.

Chicago's Walter Payton ran 25 times for 112 yards and a touchdown. He also caught six passes for 72 yards and one TD.

Joe Montana passed for 195 yards and two touchdowns.

[RetroNFL]

Chicago Bears' Record: 3-5, Tied for 3rd in the NFC North

The Good: It's hard to find a silver lining in Chicago's stumbling start. The good news is that the entire division is mediocre at best. Green Bay leads the North at 4-4, Minnesota is second at 4-5 while the Lions and Bears are tied with 3-5 marks. Walter Payton leads the league in rushing with 846 yards.

The Bad: The Bears have found virtually every way to lose this season, including twice is overtime. The defense has worn down late in games and the offense continues to settle for field goals rather than touchdowns.

The Ugly: After an 0-2 start, the Los Angeles Rams shut out the Bears 23-0. Walter Payton carried the ball just seven times for 38 yards in the one-sided affair.

Up Next: The Bears open the second half at Tampa Bay before a must-win situation with Green Bay at Solider Field. Chicago also faces Minnesota and Detroit, teams it beat in the first half of the year.

RetroNFL Note: The Pittsburgh appears to be back as the elite team in the league. A year after starting 8-0 and two years removed from its perfect season, the Steelers are 9-0. Pittsburgh hosts the Bears in Week 16.

[RetroNFL]

Final Season Record: 9-7, NFC North Co-Champions

Season Summary: Chicago shook off a 3-5 start to win six straight games and seemingly take control of the division. However, a narrow 17-14 loss at Pittsburgh and a season-ending blowout defeat to Minnesota allowed Green Bay to finish in a tie with the Bears. Yet, due to a complicated tie-breaker system, Chicago earned a first-round playoff game with San Francisco at Soldier Field while Green Bay travels to Dallas.

The Good: Running back Walter Payton lost out on the rushing title in the season's final weekend. Payton's 1,569 yards was second only to the 1,610 of Denver's Otis Armstrong. Payton wound up third in receiving with 83 catches. Kicker Bob Thomas was a vital part of the Chicago offense, booting 33 field goals and hitting on all 35 of his extra-point attempts.

The Bad: As Chicago heads into the playoffs, both fans and the front office are concerned with the pair of season-ending performances. Left tackle Marvin Powell will miss the playoffs with a strained calf muscle injury.

The Ugly: Quarterback Joe Montana threw just four interecptions in the Bears' first 14 games. However, in the final two regular season contests, Montana was picked off five times, including three in a 35-17 loss to the Vikings.

League Notes: Pittsburgh lost just one game all season, a Week 12 17-14 setback at Green Bay. The Steelers are a combined 72-8 over the past five years . . . AFC playoff teams include Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, New York, Denver, Cincinnati and Memphis . . . NFC playoff teams are Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Green Bay and San Francisco.

[RetroNFL]

San Francisco (10-6) at Chicago (9-7)
Despite a better overall record, the upstart 49ers must travel to Soldier Field due to the Bears winning the NFC North. San Francisco features a solid defense led by inside linebacker Wille Harper and rookie sensation Lawrence Taylor. Running back Delvin Williams was seventh among league rushers with 1,264 yards. Quarterback John Bryant of Wayne State passed for 2,601 yards. He threw for 15 touchdowns while being intercepted 12 times. Chicago is led by its stars Walter Payton (1,610 yards rushing, 639 yards receiving) and Joe Montana (3,468 passing yards, 18 TDs, nine INTs).

Green Bay (9-7) at Dallas (11-5)
A year ago the Packers thumped the Cowboys 24-7 in the playoffs. Green Bay is led by QB Doug Williams who passed for 4,171 yards and 31 touchdowns. Roy Green caught 79 of Williams' tosses for 1,222 yards and eight scores. The Cowboys' main threat is running back Jimmy Rogers, the second-year man out of Oklahoma who ran for 1,229 yards. Quarterback Mike Phipps signed with Dallas after six years in Cleveland.

[RetroNFL]

Although Chicago didn't look anything like the team that won the Super Bowl last season, the Bears did manage to slip past San Francisco 20-17 in the RetroNFL's wildcard round.

Veteran kicker Bob Thomas' 23-yard field with 6:05 remaining in the game sent the Bears into the NFC semi-final playoff round.

After falling behind 7-0, Chicago rallied on a pair of Walter Payton touchdown runs. The 49ers tied the game on a third quarter TD run by Delvin Williams.

Each team traded fourth quarter field goals before Thomas kicked the game-winner to cap a nine-play, 80-yard drive.

Payton rushed for a game-high 79 yards on 23 carries. Williams led San Francisco with 73 yards on 18 attempts.

Bear quarterback Joe Montana completed 26-of-34 passes for 293 yards. John Bryant went 9-for-13 for 114 yards for the 49ers.

Chicago will now travel to Los Angeles for next Sunday's playoff with the Rams.

Green Bay 13, Dallas 0
Doug Williams passed for 202 yards and the game's lone touchdown to unheralded back Terry Kunz as the Packers advanced.

Dallas QB Mike Phipps suffered through a 19-for-44 performance.

The Packers visit Atlanta in the NFC semi-finals.

Cincinnati 24, New York 6
Bengal defensive end Ari West dominated as Cincinnati rolled to victory.

West sacked Jets' quarterback Joe Namath four times, recorded two hurries, one blocked pass and a knockdown.

Denver 21, Memphis 14
Otis Armstrong, the league's top rusher, ran for 112 yards and two touchdowns as the Broncos advanced to the AFC semi-finals.

[RetroNFL]

Los Angeles--Who says the Chicago Bears are a cold weather team?

Chicago surprised the Los Angeles Rams 30-14 in the semifinal round of the RetroNFL playoffs behind the power running of Walter Payton.

The Bears rode Payton's 180-yard performance on 42 carries to a date with their arch-rival Green Bay in the NFC championship game next weekend. Chicago defeated the Packers last season en route to a Super Bowl victory.

After Los Angeles took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, Chicago ran off 24 unanswered points. A pair of Bob Thomas field goals in the final quarter put the game out of reach.

Payton's running opened up the air, allowing quarterback Joe Montana to throw for 250 yards and one touchdown. Dwight Clark caught six passes for 113 yards.The Bears avenged a 23-0 loss in week three of the season to Los Angeles.

Chicago will host Green Bay with the winner advancing to the Super Bowl. The Bears and Packers split their regular season meetings.

Green Bay 23, Atlanta 17
Doug Williams passed for 348 yards and a touchdown to Roy Green as the Packers slipped past the Falcons.

Pittsburgh 27, Cincinnati 9
Gerry Ellis rushed for 182 yards and Terry Bradshaw threw for 226 yards and two scores as the Steelers throttled the Bengals.

Indianapolis 35, Denver 7
Bert Jones passed for four touchdowns as the Racers zoomed past the Broncos.

[Izulde]

Nice to see the Bears/Packers having to play each other in the NFC Championship two years in a row. Really builds on that historic rivalry.

[RetroNFL]

Chicago--We've been here before.

NFC North rivals Chicago and Green Bay will face each other for the second straight year to determine which team represents their conference in the RetroNFL Super Bowl.

A season ago, Chicago rallied and then held off Green Bay 17-15 in the NFC Championship. The loss erased two regular season losses to the Packers. The Bears used the victory as a springboard to a 17-16 comeback win over Miami in the Super Bowl.

This time around, the two bitter rivals split the regular season contests. In addition, the Packers will have a healthy Doug Williams at quarterback. Last season, Green Bay was led by former Bear Tracy Easterling since Williams was injured.

Williams is coming off a 348-yard passing performance against Atlanta in the NFC semifinals. Speedster Roy Green remains his favorite target and will be a high priority for the Chicago defense.

As for the Bear offense, running back Walter Payton and quarterback Joe Montana should provide balance to keep the Packer defense on its toes.

The game promises to be another dogfight between familiar foes with the winner emerging as the NFC representative in the Super Bowl.

The question remains if it will be the same representative as last year, or if a new face makes its appearance.

[RetroNFL]

Chicago--With starting cornerback Allan Ellis sidelined with a concussion, the Chicago Bears knew they needed to step up the pressure on Green Bay quarterback Doug Williams.

Chicago did that and more in Sunday's 13-9 victory in the NFC championship that sends the Bears to a second straight RetroNFL Super Bowl.

Though Chicago only sacked Williams once, the Bears forced the Packer QB into a career-high four interceptions. Lemar Parrish, a veteran filling in for the injured Ellis, recorded two of the picks. Although slowed by a groin pull, Parrish (shown below) also led the Bears with seven tackles.

Green Bay grabbed an early 3-0 lead on a 25-yard field goal by Chester Marcol on its opening drive.

However, Chicago responded with a 10-point second quarter. First, Bear quarterback Joe Montana hit Dwight Clark with a 17-yard touchdown pass. Then, Bob Thomas kicked a 42-yard field goal just prior to halftime.

Neither team mustered much offense in the 21-degree weather in the second half. Thomas stretched the Chicago lead to 13-3 with a third quarter field goal.

Green Bay managed a pair of Marcol field goals, but could not get into the end zone.

In a repeat of last year's NFC title game, the Packers appeared on the verge of a game-winning drive in the contest's final minutes. After driving to the Chicago 22, Williams was intercepted by Charles Rome at the 11-yard line with 44 seconds left. That ending was eerily similiar to a year ago when the Packers fumbled on their final drive.

Montana completed 18-of-24 passes for 199 yards. Clark led the Bears with four catches for 79 yards.

Walter Payton rushed 20 times for 82 yards; rookie backup George Rogers added 46 yards on eight carries. Both Bear backs benefitted from the return of starting offensive tackle Marvin Powell from injury.

Williams went 25-for-52 for 296 yards. Roy Green caught six passes for 93 yards, but was double covered most of the game.

Chicago held Chester Willis, Green Bay's top rusher, to 49 yards on 14 attempts.

AFC Championship
Pittburgh Steelers 30, Indianapolis Racers 7
Pittsburgh is poised for its fourth Retro NFL Super Bowl title after routing Indianapolis.

Terry Bradshaw completed 19-of-29 attempts for 205 yards and two touchdowns as the Steelers breezed to the AFC title.

Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl in 1975, 1977 and 1979.

[RetroNFL]

Either way, there will be history made in the 1981 RetroNFL Super Bowl.

Should favored Pittsburgh win, the Steelers will become the first league team to win four Super Bowls. Interestingly, Pittsburgh has won all its previous titles in odd-numbered years (1975, '77 and '79).

If Chicago should come out victorious, the Bears would be the first team to win in back-to-back seasons. Last year, Chicago rallied to edge Miami 17-16.

Pittsburgh enters this year's title game with blowout playoff wins against Cincinnati (27-9) and Indianapolis (30-7). The Steelers rolled to a 15-1 record in the regular season. Ironically, the Steelers' lone loss came to Green Bay (24-21). The Packers lost out on a chance to meet Pittsburgh again by dropping the NFC title game to Chicago.

The Bears stumbled mightily out of the gate by losing their first three games of the season. However, Chicago righted the ship and finished the year with a 9-7 record.

The Bears lost their final two games of the year, including a 17-14 setback at Pittsburgh in Week 16.

Chicago bounced back once the playoffs began by defeating San Francisco (20-17), Los Angeles (30-14) and Green Bay (13-9).

Pittsburgh enters the game as a six-point favorite.

Super Bowl Notes: Former Steeler Donnie Shell will face his former team while ex-Bear Roland Harper will face off against his old teammates . . . Pittsburgh is 45-3 in the last three seasons . . . Steeler quarterback Terry Bradshaw and Bear signal-caller Joe Montana ranked third and fifth respectively according to the ratings this past regular season . . . Steeler wide receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth combined for 146 catches and 17 touchdowns.

Injury Report
Chicago Bears
CB Allan Ellis, concussion (out)
CB Lemar Parrish, pulled groin (probable)
WR Peter Stoddard, broken finger (probable)
Pittsburgh Steelers
SS Kirk Springs, stress fracture in foot (out)
SS Glen Edwards, broken toe (probable)
WR John Stallworth, pulled groin (questionable)

[RetroNFL]

The Chicago Bears had been in this position before.

Exactly one year ago, Chicago put together a fourth-quarter rally and captured its first RetroNFL Super Bowl title by slipping past Miami 17-16. This time around, the Bears came from behind to trip Pittsburgh 20-17.

And the Bears did it in dramatic fashion.

Trailing 17-13, Chicago appeared to see its championship dreams disappear when the Bears turned the ball over on downs at the Steeler 23 with 2:42 remaining.

However, the Chicago defense held and the Bear offense took over on its own 42 with 2:02 left.

Then, quarterback Joe Montana worked his magic:

*Facing a 4th-and-8, Montana connected with Dwight Clark for an eight-yard gain to the Steeler 44 with 1:02 remaining.
*After spiking the ball to stop the clock, Montana found a streaking Steve Largent at the Steeler eight. Largent bulled his way to the Pittsburgh two.
*Following another spike, Montana's dump-off pass to Charles Alexander lost a yard to the Pittsburgh three.
*With the clock running down, Montana faked a handoff to Walter Payton and rolled to his right. Forced to throw off his back foot by the Steeler rush, Montana found Payton in the corner of the end zone, just past the flag for the game-winning touchdown with two seconds remaining.

Bob Thomas added the extra point for the 20-17 final margin.

Payton took home Super Bowl MVP honors. The seven-year pro out of Jackson State rushed 16 times for 69 yards. Payton caught nine passes for 45 yards and the game-winning score.

Montana, who the Bears traded up to draft at No. 1 overall two seasons ago, passed for 204 yards. Montana was 25-for-36 on the day. He threw for one TD and was intercepted once.

Terry Bradshaw went 19-of-29 for 246 yards for Pittsburgh. He threw no touchdown passes nor was he intercepted.

Gerry Ellis led the Steelers with 65 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Chicago becomes the first RetroNFL franchise to win back-to-back Super Bowls.

Pittsburgh failed in its bid to win its fourth title. The Steelers won Super Bowls in 1975, '77 and '79.

[DataKing]

*With the clock running down, Montana faked a handoff to Walter Payton and rolled to his right. Forced to throw off his back foot by the Steeler rush, Montana found Payton in the corner of the end zone, just past the flag for the game-winning touchdown with two seconds remaining.


I like this version of "The Catch" better than the real one. :D

[RetroNFL]

Yes, it's ironic that both of these "happened" in the 1981 season.

[RetroNFL]

Super Bowl '81: Chicago Bears 20, Pittsburgh Steelers 17
Super Bowl MVP: Walter Payton, Chicago Bears

NFL Player of the Year: Walter Payton, Chicago Bears
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Earl Campbell, Birmingham Stallions
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: John Dutton, Indianapolis Racers

Rookie Offensive Player of the Year: Freeman McNeil, Washington Redskins
Rookie Defensive Player of the Year: Lawrence Taylor, San Francisco 49ers

Bears' Post-Season Awards
First Team Center--Jim Langer
Second Team Running Back--Walter Payton
Second Team Outside Linebacker--Woodrow Lowe

Interesting Notes: Bears' running back Walter Payton captured his third Player of the Year award. He previously won the honor in 1978 and 1980 . . . Payton is the league's career rushing leader with 10,449 yards. Delvin Williams, Otis Armstrong and Lawrence McCutheon all passed the retired O.J. Simpson on the career list . . . Payton moved from sixth to fourth on the career receiving list with 522 catches. San Diego's Johnny Rodgers passed Lawrence McCutcheon of Los Angeles for the top spot. Rodgers has 551 lifetime catches . . .Pittsburgh's Terry Bradshaw is the all-time league leader with a 104.2 passer rating. He has thrown for 203 career TDs, one better than Bert Jones of Baltimore. In his career, Bradshaw has thrown for 300 or more yards 17 times in a single game . . . Bear center Jim Langer is the all-time leader in several categories including key blocks and pancake blocks. His career 24.5 ranking is the best in league history. . . Chicago linebacker Tom Hicks set a single-game record with 10 assists . . . Atlanta Falcon Stump Mitchell racked up 346 yards against Buffalo, a single-game record.

[RetroNFL]

Following a second straight RetroNFL Super Bowl victory, the Chicago Bears had to find a new leader for their offense. That man turns out to be Ross Blackburn.

The 55-year-old former Cincinnati Bengals' offensive coordinator will take over the same role with the Bears. Blackburn replaces Harvey Adamo, who retired following Chicago's 20-17 Super Bowl win over Pittsburgh last month.

Blackburn and the Bears agreed on a three-year contract that will pay him $2.6 million per season. Blackburn spent seven years with the Bengals, highlighted by winning the 1978 Super Bowl.

"We wish Harvey Adamo all the best in his retirement," said Chicago general manager Ray Vaughn. "Harvey was instrumental bringing two Super Bowl titles to the Windy City.

"At the same time, we are thrilled to have Ross Blackburn on our staff. He brings with him the experience of leading a high-powered offense."

Blackburn is well known for developing dominating offensive lines.

"That's the backbone of any team," said Blackburn.

Meanwhile, Chicago extended head coach Leon Burnett's contract for three more seasons. Burnett, 51, will earn $2.89 million in each of those years.

Head scout Chuck Money will also earn more. The 52-year-old received a $10,000 raise in a new three-year, $250,000 per year extension.

[RetroNFL]

The two-time defending RetroNFL champion Chicago Bears face numerous key decisions as the free agency period is about to begin.

Coming off a second consecutive title season, the Bears' front office must decide who stays and who goes with over 10 players listed as unrestricted free agents on Chicago's roster.

Some of the key players the Bear must make decisions on include veteran safeties Donnie Shell and Doug Plank, wide receiver Steve Largent, cornerback Charles Romes, defensive tackle Bob Baumhower, offensive lineman Larron Jackson, fullback Cleo Miller, punter Craig Colquitt and kicker Bob Thomas.

"We'd love to keep all of these guys," said Chicago general manager Ray Vaughn. "However, we know that is impossible given the salary cap and the nature of the business end of the game."

In addition, the Bears will face even more difficult decisions next season when the contracts of Joe Montana, Walter Payton, Dwight Clark and Todd Christensen also come due.

In other Bear news, last year's first-round draft pick Keith Van Horne will be Chicago's representative in the European Summer League.

[RetroNFL]

With numerous free agency decisions facing them, the Chicago Bears swung a trade late Saturday night with the San Francisco 49ers.

Chicago acquired RetroNFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Lawrence Taylor in exchange for running back Bill Ring and two choices in the upcoming amateur draft.

The 6-foot-3, 241-pound Taylor was the 19th overall selection in last spring's draft. He helped lead the 49ers to their first playoff appearance in league history.

Meanwhile, Ring is a sixth-round pick out of BYU taken by Chicago in last year's draft. He played in all 16 regular season games for the Bears, mostly on special teams.

Chicago also shipped its first-round draft pick (No. 32 overall) to San Francisco along with its fifth-round slot.

"We liked what we saw of Lawrence Taylor both in college and with the 49ers last season," said Chicago general manager Ray Vaughn. "He will fit nicely with Tom Hicks and Woodrow Lowe in our linebacking scheme."

[Autumn]

Wow, nice steal. You've got an '80s All-Star team going now.

[RetroNFL]

The two-time defending RetroNFL champions have lost two key players via the free agency period.

The Chicago Bears lost cornerback Gary Green ($10.08/3 years-NY Jets) and kicker Bob Thomas ($4.87 million/2 years-Cincinnati).

"Both of those men will be missed," said Chicago general manager Ray Vaughn. "Both Gary and Bob were part of our recent success. That being said, that's the nature of the financial game in the league."

Green was the eighth overall selection in the 1977 amateur draft. He is considered to be one of the top cover corners in the league.

Thomas is seventh on the all-time field goal list. In addition, he leaves Chicago as the Bears' career points leader.

The Bears did manage to resign eight of their potential free agents. They are:

CB Charles Romes ($13.12 million/5 yrs.)
S Donnie Shell ($8.26 million/3 yrs.) pictured below
C Blair Bush ($510,000/1 yr.)
WR Steve Largent ($510,000/ 1 yr.)
FB Cleo Miller ($510,000/ 1 yr.)
DT Bob Baumhower ($500,000/1 yr.)
S Doug Plank ($500,000/1 yr.)
P Craig Colquitt ($390,000/1 yr.)

In addition, the Bears landed the following players:

DT Maulty Moore ($640,000/1 yr.)
K Steve Mike-Mayer ($540,000/1 yr.)
WR Wesley Walker ($490,000/1 yr.)
QB Danny White ($480,000/1 yr.)
S Shafer Suggs ($460,000/1 yr.)
LT Dan Jiggetts ($430,000/1 yr.)
S John Sciarra ($430,000/1 yr.)

With no first-round picks in the upcoming amateur draft, Chicago will focus its attention on its second-round pick, the No. 64 pick overall.

The Bears' biggest needs appear to be offensive guard and tackle along with a defensive end.

[RetroNFL]

1. New York Giants--Marcus Allen, RB, USC
2. Seattle--Joe Nash, T, Boston College
3. Cleveland--Gerald Wilhite, RB, San Jose State
4. Buffalo--Darrin Nelson, RB, Stanford
5. Tampa Bay--Jim McMahon, QB, BYU
6. Minnesota--Luis Sharpe, T, UCLA
7. Houston--Charles Bowser, LB, Duke
8. Phoenix--Sammy Winder, RB, Southern Mississippi
9. New Orleans--Bruce McNorton, CB, Georgetown (Ky.)
10. Philadelphia--Gerald Riggs, RB, Arizona State
11. San Diego--Ken Coffey, S, Texas State
12. St. Louis (trade with Baltimore)--Tony Elliott, DT, Wisconsin
13. New England--Emil Boures, T, Pittsburgh
14. Birmingham--Robert Abraham, LB, North Carolina State
15. Miami--Keith Willis, DE, Northwestern
16. St. Louis--David Galloway, DT, Florida
17. Detroit--Darren Comeaux, LB, Arizona State
18. Washington--Lindsay Scott, WR, Georgia
19. Kansas City--Anthony Griggs, LB, Villanova
20. Green Bay--Mike Merriweather, LB, Azusa Pacific
21. Oakland--Steve Doig, LB, New Hampshire
22. New York Jets--Roy Foster, G, USC
23. San Francisco--Mike Pagel, QB, Arizona State
24. Memphis--Pete Metzelaars, TE, Wabash
25. Cincinnati--Ricky Smith, CB, Alabama State
26. Dallas--Walter Abercrombie, RB, Baylor
27. Denver--Mike Quick, WR, North Carolina State
28. Los Angeles--Andre Tippett, LB, Iowa
29. Indianapolis--Mike Munchak, G, Penn State
30. Atlanta--Jim Burroughs, CB, Michigan State
31. Pittsburgh--Mike Perko, DT, Utah State
32. San Francisco (from Chicago)--Dennis McKnight, G, Drake

Chicago Bears' Amateur Draft Report:
Rnd 2 - Ben Utt, G, Georgia Tech
Rnd 3 - Rich Baldinger, T, Wake Forest
Rnd 4 - Sam Clancy, DE, Pittsburgh
Rnd 6 - Norm Johnson, K, UCLA
Rnd 7 - Rocky Klever, FB, Montana

[RetroNFL]

The two-time defending RetroNFL chamions will host division rival Detroit in the season opener.

The Good: Chicago again looks to be a title contender. Three-time RetroNFL Player of the Year Walter Payton is back to lead the offense. Joe Montana has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Newly acquired Lawrence Taylor only adds to the Bears' den of solid linebackers.

The Bad: Both the defensive and offensive lines face looming questions. Veteran Conrad Dobler was signed in late free agency. Does he have enough left in the tank? Is former first-round pick Keith Van Horne ready to step into a starting role?

The Ugly: Seemingly an annual event, Payton enters the season banged up. This time around, he suffering from a bruised sternum that could reduce his carries and put more pressure on backup George Rogers. A bigger question mark is how much the Bears will miss kicker and all-time leading scorer Bob Thomas, now a Cincinnati Bengal.

Exhibition Season Recap: Chicago managed to win all four of its preseason games: Miami (27-15), Kansas City (30-20), New York Jets (36-10) and Denver (13-10 in OT).

League Notes: The preseason power rankings show Chicago ranked No. 1 for the first time in franchise history. Time will tell if the Bears stay there. The San Diego Chargers are the top-rated AFC team.

[RetroNFL]

The RetroNFL NFC North jungle belongs to the Bears.

Chicago opened its 1982 season by mauling the Detroit Lions 31-0 at Soldier Field.

With its defense dominating Detroit, Chicago's offense appeared to be in championship form as well. Quarterback Joe Montana throttled the Lions by completing 22-of-26 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score on a goal-line bootleg.

The Bears took a 14-0 first quarter lead as Montana connected with Wesley Walker (17 yards) and Todd Christensen (77 yards) for TDs.

Meanwhile, Walter Payton rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown. Payton also caught five passes for 24 yards.

Cornerback Alan Ellis marked his return from a serious injury that forced him to miss last year's Super Bowl with an interception.

The Bears visit Miami next Sunday in a rematch of the 1980 Super Bowl.

[RetroNFL]

Chicago Bears' Record: 6-2, 1st in the NFC North

The Good: Quarterback Joe Montana is enjoying his finest season to date. The former No. 1 overall pick tops RetroNFL signal callers with a 106.1 rating. Completing nearly 72% of his passes, Montana has thrown for 1,938 yards. He has an impressive 12-3 TD-to-INT ratio.

The Bad: With a two-game division lead over second-place Green Bay, there's not much bad to point out. While Montana ranks among the league's QB elite, veteran Walter Payton is just two yards behind rushing leader Freeman McNeil of Washington. After a slow start with a nagging injury, Payton appears to have hit his stride with 757 yards and six TDs. In addition, Payton is fifth in receiving.

The Ugly: The once-vaunted defense ranks among the league's lowest in both rush and pass defense. And there are signs that the cracks are getting bigger. After shutting out Detroit in the season opener, the Lions scored 24 points in the Bears' last game.

Up Next: The second half of the season opens with a difficult road game at Seattle. The Seahawks ripped Green Bay 38-24 last week. The Bears have three games left with NFC North rivals, including two with the Packers.

Other Notes: Montana and reliable receiver Dwight Clark were both signed to contract extensions through 1984 . . . the Bears tried to upgrade their pass rush via the trade route early in the season, however Chicago did not find a willing partner to complete a deal . . . Outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor may be placed in more of a hybrid defensive end position on certain downs the second half of the year.

[RetroNFL]

Regular Season Record: 12-4, NFC North Champions

Season Summary: Following a 2-2 start, Chicago ran away with the NFC North title. The Bears won six straight and eight of nine en route to the division flag. Chicago tied Washington for the best record in the NFC. The Bears capped their season with a 16-0 shutout of arch-rival Green Bay.

The Good: A year after losing the rushing title in the season's final weekend, running back Walter Payton recaptured the crown with a 1,616-yard performance. Sir Walter scored 15 touchdowns. In addition, Payton wound up fourth in receiving with 88 catches. Quarterback Joe Montana enjoyed his finest season. Montana led the league in both completion percentage (73%) and QB rating (104.1). He threw for 3,202 yards with 21 TDs and just seven interceptions. Safety Donnie Shell ranked second with 11 INTs.

The Bad: Wide receiver Wesley Walker turned out to be a steal in the late free agency market at just $410,000. The former Minnesota Viking turned in a 53-catch, five-touchdown season as deep threat. So, what's the bad news? Walker refused to sign an extension with the Bears and is likely headed for a big payday in the free agent market.

The Ugly: As Chicago heads into the playoffs with injury concerns. Foremost is quarterback Joe Montana. A strained calf muscle forced the Bears' QB to miss the final two regular season games and may have cost Montana some post-season awards. Left defensive end Neil Elshire is questionable with a broken toe. Right defensive end Sylvester Hicks is out for the year with a hyperextended knee. Reserve offensive lineman Wes Hamilton is expected to miss a calendar year with a severe elbow injury.

League Notes: The Pittsburgh Steelers were again the RetroNFL's elite team with a 13-3 record. Pittsburgh ended the year with a seven-game winning streak . . . AFC playoff teams are Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, New England, Kansas City and Denver. NFC qualifiers are Chicago, New Orleans, Atlanta, Washington, San Francisco and Los Angeles . . . the Bears signed center Jim Langer, left tackle Marvin Powell and outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor to contract extensions.

[RetroNFL]

AFC
Cincinnati 33, Indianapolis 25--Ken Anderson passed for 276 yards and three touchdowns; Former Bear Bob Thomas kicked four field goals

New England 17, Denver 10--Steve Grogan led the Patriots with a 298-yard, one-touchdown performance

NFC
New Orleans 22, Atlanta 17--Terry Kunz scored on a five-yard run with just 58 seconds remaining to lift the Saints to their first playoff victory in franchise history

Los Angeles 40, San Francisco 7--Ron Jaworski led the Rams' rout by throwing for 306 yards and two TDs

[RetroNFL]

The outcome of Sunday's RetroNFL NFC semifinal game hinges on who's healthy for both the Chicago Bears and the New Orleans Saints.

Each team enters the game with rosters that resemble MASH units. At the top of the injury lists are the quarterbacks. Chicago starter Joe Montana is listed as probable with a strained calf muscle. Montana left the Bears' Week 15 loss to Minnesota and did not play in the regular season's final two contests.

If Montana cannot play against New Orleans, veteran backup Danny White will get the nod. White, who returned to the Bears via free agency this past off-season, won both his season-ending starts.

Meanwhile, the Saints will make a game-time decision on quarterback Pat Ryan. The fifth-year pro from Tennessee has been limited by a hamstring injury. Backup Gary Hogeboom would start in Ryan's place.

New Orleans' ground game is also limited with Joe Morris a possible scratch from the lineup. However, the Saints' top rusher Cleo Montgomery is coming off a 77-yard, two-touchdown showing in New Orleans' wildcard victory.

Chicago's pash rush will also be tested with starting defensive ends Neil Elshire (probable) and Sylvester Hicks (out) affected by injuries. Thus, more pressure will be put on the Bears' secondary as it defends a Saints' passing attack led by receiver James Lofton (74 receptions for 1,113 yards and seven TDs).

It's playoff time: Only the strong survive.

RetroNFL Playoff Schedule
AFC
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (-9)
New England at Kansas City (-5)
NFC
Los Angeles at Washington (pick 'em)
New Orleans at Chicago (-6)

[RetroNFL]

The first snap from scrimmage proved to be a harbinger of bad times to come for the Chicago Bears in Sunday's RetroNFL NFC semifinal. New Orleans defensive back Elois Grooms sacked Chicago quarterback Joe Montana for a safety.

That play, which followed a 61-yard punt that pinned Chicago on its own seven-yard line, provided the springboard for the Saints to march to a 22-14 shocker over the two-time defending league champions.

New Orleans built a 15-0 lead by halftime and then held on for the victory. Saints' defensive back Terry Schmidt was the star with two interceptions and a fumble recovery on Chicago's final drive of the season.

Saints' backup quarterback Gary Hogeboom made key plays at the right times. Hogeboom, playing in place of injured starter Pat Ryan, finished the game with 198 passing yards and a touchdown pass to James Lofton in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, Chicago shot itself in the foot with Montana's two interceptions and a pair of lost fumbles.

Montana, playing for the first time in a month due to an injury, was rusty. The former Notre Dame star went 28-for-41 for 309 yards and two TDs.

New Orleans limited Walter Payton to 80 yards on 18 carries. He also caught five passes for 61 yards.

New Orleans moves into next weekend's NFC title game against Los Angeles.

Los Angeles 31, Washington 23
Quarterback Ron Jaworski threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns to Audra Thompson as the Rams knocked off the Redskins.

AFC Semifinals
New England 20, Kansas City 7
Steve Grogan passed for 285 yards and a touchdown while Charles White rushed for 95 yards as the Patriots advanced to the AFC championship.

Pittsburgh 20, Cincinnati 10
Veteran Terry Bradshaw completed 21-of-30 passes for 253 yards and a TD as the Steelers defeated their divisonal rivals and moved into yet another AFC title tilt.

[RetroNFL]

<TABLE cellSpacing=1 width="98%" bgColor=#ffcc00 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left bgColor=#000066>4Q: 00:58) Los Angeles called a time out.</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left bgColor=#eaeefb>3-11-PIT15 (4Q: 00:46) Ron Jaworski pass completed to WR Rod Parker for 15 yards and a TOUCHDOWN! Los Angeles 26, Pittsburgh 26</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left bgColor=#eaeefb>(4Q: 00:46) Extra point by Tom Dempsey was good. Los Angeles 27, Pittsburgh 26</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left bgColor=#eaeefb>(4Q: 00:39) Tom Dempsey kicked off 66 yards from the LAS30. Billy Johnson returned the ball 39 yards to the PIT43. Tackled by Ron Johnson.</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left bgColor=#ffffbf>1-10-PIT43 (4Q: 00:29) Terry Bradshaw pass completed to WR Tinker Owens for 29 yards. Tackled by CB Rod Perry. Owens gained 4 yards after the catch. The quarterback threw into double coverage.</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left bgColor=#000066>Pittsburgh called a time out.</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left bgColor=#ffffbf>1-10-LAS28 (4Q: 00:19) Terry Bradshaw pass was blocked at the line, intended for WR Billy Johnson. DT Mike Fanning blocked the pass. The quarterback threw away from the double coverage.</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left bgColor=#ffffbf>2-10-LAS28 (4Q: 00:06) John Roveto attempted a 45 yard field goal and succeeded. Pittsburgh 29, Los Angeles 27</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[RetroNFL]

Super Bowl '82: Pittsburgh Steelers 29, Los Angeles Rams 27
Super Bowl MVP: John Roveto, Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL Player of the Year: Walter Payton, Chicago Bears
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Walter Payton, Chicago Bears
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Dexter Manley, Philadelphia Eagles

Rookie Offensive Player of the Year: Gerald Wilhite, Cleveland Browns
Rookie Defensive Player of the Year: Keith Willis, Miami Dolphins

Bears' Post-Season Awards
First Team Running Back--Walter Payton
First Team Offensive Tackle--Marvin Powell
First Team Safety--Donnie Shell

Interesting Notes: Bears' running back Walter Payton captured his record fourth Player of the Year award. He previously won the honor in 1978, 1980 and 1981 . . . the Pittsburgh Steelers won their record fourth RetroNFL Super Bowl title on a last-second 45-yard field by game MVP John Roveto . . . With two touchdown passes in this year's Super Bowl, Pittsburgh QB Terry Bradshaw has now thrown for 33 scores in the post-season . . . Bradshaw also maintains a one-TD pass edge over Bert Jones with 235 career scoring throws . . . Pittsburgh has now won four of the eight Super Bowls in league history. In addition, the Steelers have been crowned AFC champions five times . . . Chicago QB Joe Montana set a single-season record by completing 73.1% of his passes . . . Atlanta Falcon Stump Mitchell broke his own mark with 3,005 all-purpose yards.

[RetroNFL]

The Chicago Bears extended the contract of defensive coordinator George Otis for three more seasons.

Otis will reportedly earn $2.3 million from the extension. The 55-year-old Otis has been to the playoffs seven times as a coach, including two Super Bowl victories.

In other news, the Bears sent kicker Norm Johnson to the summer league.

Free Agency: Chicago's biggest needs appear to be guard, inside linebacker and defensive end.

[RetroNFL]

Looking to strengthen their defense, the Chicago Bears landed free agent linebacker Bob Brudzinski.

The seven-year veteran earned two Super Bowl rings while a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Most recently, Brudzinski has played for Miami and Atlanta.

Brudzinski signed a four-year deal with the Bears worth a reported $9.52 million.

"Bob is the kind of difference maker we were looking for," stated Chicago general manager Ray Vaughn. "He comes to us with playoff experience."

In addition to signing Brudzinski, the Bears also inked former Houston Oiler standout Terry Beeson. The veteran spent last season with Baltimore.

Chicago also resigned veteran wide receiver Steve Largent, a potential free agent being strongly courted by Tampa Bay.

The eighth-year pro is coming off a 30-catch, 395-yard season with one touchdown. The Bears view Largent as a key possession receiver for quarterback Joe Montana.

A complete listing of Bear free agent signings appears below:

ILB Bob Brudzinski ($9.52 million/4 yrs.)
WR Steve Largent ($1.3 million/2 yrs.)*
S Marvin Cobb ($710,000/1 yr.)
ILB Terry Beeson ($610,000/1 yr.)
S Craig Clemons ($600,000/1 yr.)*
WR Wesley Walker ($550,000/1 yr.)*
QB Danny White ($530,000/1 yr.)*
TE Todd Christensen ($520,000/1 yr.)*
K Tony Franklin ($490,000/1 yr.)
QB Chuck Fusina ($470,000/1 yr.)*

*indicates a resigning

The Bears hold the 29th pick in the upcoming 1983 amateur draft. Most experts are calling this year's draft the deepest in league history.

Chicago will most likely draft a rush end or an offensive lineman with its selection.

[RetroNFL]

1. Tampa Bay--Jim Kelly, QB, Miami
2. St. Louis--Gary Kubiak, QB, Texas A&M
3. Baltimore--John Elway, QB, Stanford
4. Houston--Henry Ellard, WR, Fresno State
5. Minnesota--Dan Marino, QB, Pittsburgh
6. Detroit--Karl Mecklenburg, LB, Augustana
7. Oakland--Eric Dickerson, RB, SMU
8. Buffalo--Richard Dent, DE, Tennessee State
9. Cleveland--Ronnie Lippett, CB, Miami
10. Memphis--Tim Lewis, CB, Pittsburgh
11. Seattle--Dave Lutz, T, Georgia Tech
12. San Diego--Reggie Camp, DE, California
13. Phoenix--Leonard Marshall, DE, LSU
14. Miami--Dave Duerson, S, Notre Dame
15. New York Giants--Curt Warner, RB, Penn State
16. Birmingham--Carl Lee, CB, Marshall
17. Green Bay--Steve Brown, CB, Oregon
18. New York Jets--Tim Kumrie, DT, Wisconsin
19. Dallas--Jeff Christensen, QB, Eastern Illinois
20. Philadelphia--Riki Ellison, LB, USC
21. Atlanta--Darrell Green, CB, Texas A&M-Kingsville
22. Indianapolis--Gill Byrd, CB, San Jose State
23. Cincinnati--Mike Richardson, CB, Arizona State
24. New England--Bill Pickel, DT, Rutgers
25. San Francisco--Craig James, RB, SMU
26. Denver--Roger Craig, RB, Nebraska
27. Kansas City--Clarence Weathers, WR, Delaware State
28. New Orleans--Johnny Rembert, LB, Clemson
29. Chicago--Charles Mann, DE, Nevada
30. Washington--Leonard Smith, S, McNeese State
31. Los Angeles--Doug Reed, DE, San Diego State
32. Pittsburgh--Gary Anderson, RB, Arkansas

Chicago Bears' Amateur Draft Report:
Rnd 1 - Charles Mann, DE, Nevada
Rnd 2 - Mark Tuinei, T, Hawaii
Rnd 3 - Albert Lewis, CB, Grambling
Rnd 4 - Jim Jeffcoat, DE, Arizona State
Rnd 5 - Irv Eatman, T, UCLA
Rnd 6 - Smiley Creswell, DE, Michigan State
Rnd 7 - Jim Mills, T, Hawaii

[RetroNFL]

With the Minnesota Vikings set to visit Soldier Field for the season opener, here's a look at the Chicago Bears.

The Good: Chicago possesses a solid foundation again this year. Quarterback Joe Montana appears fully recovered from an injury late last season. Montana has plenty of targets to choose from including Dwight Clark, Stanley Morgan, Steve Largent, Wesley Walker and Todd Christensen. Four-time Player of the Year Walter Payton also returns to carry the rushing load.

The Bad: For the second straight season, both the offensive and defensive line face question marks. Guards Ben Utt and Dave Scott are huge concerns. The defensive line will be forced to start youngsters such as first-round draft choice Charles Mann and fourth-rounder Jim Jeffcoat. That puts more pressure on the linebackers and secondary.

The Ugly: So heavy is the concern with the defensive line, Chicago is considering a trade to bring in a veteran tackle to clog the middle. Thus far, the asking price has been way too high.

Exhibition Season Recap: The Bears rolled through the preseason unbeaten for the second consecutive year. Chicago defeated Pittsburgh (16-0), Indianapolis (27-0), Cleveland (44-16) and Memphis (10-3).

League Notes: The power appears to have shifted to the NFC. After coming within a eye lash of winning last year's Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Rams enter 1983 as the No. 1-ranked team on the power list. The revamped New York Giants are second with Chicago rating third. Washington checks in at No. 4 with Indianapolis being the top-ranked AFC team at No. 5 overall. Four-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh has slipped to 12th. The Steelers appear to be aging fast. Defensive stalwarts Jack Ham and George Kunz retired during the off-season.

[RetroNFL]

The Chicago Bears have extended the contract of star running back Walter Payton for two more seasons.

Payton's deal calls for the RetroNFL's all-time leading rusher to make $10.89 million over the next two years.

With the Bears since the league's inception in 1975, Payton has rushed for 12,065 yards and 81 touchdowns. In addition, the ninth-year pro ranks second all-time with 610 receptions.

Payton has rushed for 100 or more yards 54 times in his career. He is a four-time RetroNFL Player of the Year and was instrumental in leading Chicago to consecutive Super Bowl titles in 1980 and '81.

[RetroNFL]

It might be Walter Payton that got the contract extension, but it was Joe Montana that may have had the most reasons to celebrate Chicago's 37-7 thrashing of Minnesota to open the 1983 RetroNFL season.

Montana completed 31-of-38 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns as the Bears rolled over their NFC North rivals.

Payton enjoyed his day as well with 80 rushing yards and four catches out of the backfield. Payton scored touchdowns both rushing and by receiving.

The Bears' defense also shined. Outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor registered 2.5 sacks and veteran safety Donnie Shell grabbed his 34th career interception.

Chicago just missed pitching a shutout for the second straight year in its opener. Minnesota scored on a 25-yard pass from rookie John Elway to Carl Roaches with just under four minutes left in the game.

Elway completed only 6-of-15 passes for 71 yards after replacing veteran starter Wil Gabbard midway through the third quarter.

Next Game: Chicago hosts Denver

[RetroNFL]

Chicago Bears' Record: 6-2, 1st in the NFC North

The Good: The Bears sport the same record they did a year ago at this time. Chicago's lone losses have come at the hands of NFC East powers Washington and Philadelphia. Quarterback Joe Montana is again among the league leaders. The former Notre Dame star ranks second among RetroNFL signal callers with a 102.9 rating. Completing almost 70% of his passes, Montana has thrown for 2,089 yards. He has an impressive 13-3 TD-to-INT ratio. Montana did not throw his first interception until the Bears' eighth game of the year.

The Bad: The Bears' defense has struggled the past month. In addition to losing at Philadelphia, Chicago narrowly defeated NFC doormats Detroit and Dallas. Veteran running back Walter Payton is showing the first signs of slowing down. The league's career rushing leader, Payton is ninth this season with 674 yards and six touchdowns. Second on the all-time receiving list, Payton ranks 17th this season with 36 catches and two TDs.

The Ugly: Injuries are beginning to take their toll. Montana has been nagged by sore knees for much of the season. Meanwhile, cornerback Charles Romes and safety Doug Plank are both out. Outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor is playing with a broken nose; right tackle Keith Van Horne is questionable with a sprained lateral knee ligament. Reserve tight end Brock Williams will miss the rest of the season with a broken leg.

Up Next: The second half of year begins at Minnesota followed with a home game against second-place Green Bay. Six of the final eight games will be on the road.

Other Notes: A year after going 7-9, the Memphis Showboats are the class of the RetroNFL. The 'Boats are 7-1 with quarterback Tommy Kramer leading the way . . . After a 3-0 start, defending champion Pittsburgh has lost three of its last five games . . . Not only have the Baltimore Colts passed the Steelers in the AFC standings, but QB Bert Jones has flown past Terry Bradshaw in the career TD passes list, 250-241 . . . Buffalo's Darrin Nelson leads the league with 860 yards rushing; Green Bay's dangerous Roy Green tops the receiving list with 56 catches. The Packers recently signed Green to a four-year, $36-million extension.

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Regular Season Record: 12-4, NFC North Champions

Season Summary: For the second straight season the Chicago Bears took home the division title with a 12-4 record. Chicago ranked second in both points scored (399) and points allowed (259). It was that balance between offense and defense that made the Bears so difficult to beat.

The Good: Quarterback Joe Montana just keeps getting better. Montana led the league in both completion percentage (71.6%) and QB rating (107.5). He threw for a career-high 4,280 yards with 29 TDs. Montana was intercepted only six times. The 1979 No. 1 overall draft pick threw for more than 300 yards five times. The Bears rewarded Montana with a contract extension through 1988 worth $44 million.

The Bad: Though he's far from finished, Walter Payton seems to be slowing down. With the emergence of quarterback Joe Montana, Payton dropped to eighth in both rushing and receiving. Sir Walter ran for 1,303 yards and 13 touchdowns. He caught 79 passes for 598 yards and four TDs.

The Ugly: Chicago lost both games to the arch-rival Green Bay Packers. The first loss came in a 28-27 heartbreaker at Soldier Field in Week 11. The second defeat came by a 20-6 score in Week 15 in Green Bay. The Packers hold an 11-9 edge in the all-time RetroNFL series. However, the Bears have won both NFC Championships against Green Bay.

League Notes: Green Bay receiver Roy Green set league records with 113 catches for 1,731 yards . . . Washington Redskin Freeman McNeil won the rushing title with 1,514 yards . . . Pittsburgh and Indianapolis tied for the best record in the AFC at 11-5 . . . Washington took the NFC East title with a 28-21 victory over Philadelphia in the final week of the regular season . . . Playing with his sixth team in his seven-year career, former Bear Tracy Easterling led Denver to a playoff berth.

Wildcard Games:
AFC
Cincinnati at Denver
Memphis at Miami
NFC
Philadelphia at Los Angeles
Seattle at Atlanta

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AFC
Denver 19, Cincinnati 7--Eddie Garcia kicked four field goals and Barney Chavious recorded three sacks as the Broncos moved on.

Memphis 27, Miami 10--Defensive end Mark Bell set a playoff record with five sacks and the Showboat defense intercepted Miami QB Larry Cipa four times as Memphis rolled. Linebacker Jim Haslett had two of those interceptions.

NFC
Philadelphia 24, Los Angeles 20--The Eagles scored two touchdowns in the final six minutes to shock the Rams in LA. Eddie Lee Ivory scored the game-winner on a four-yard run with 2:12 remaining.

Atlanta 20, Seattle 10--All-purpose back Stump Mitchell and the Falcon offense overcame the league's toughest defense to post the victory. Mitchell rushed for 77 yards and two TDs to go along with 40 receiving yards.

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The Philadelphia Eagles won't be intimidated when they travel to Chicago's Soldier Field for Sunday's RetroNFL NFC semifinals.

The reason? Back in Week 9 of the regular season, Philadelphia defeated the Bears 31-24 in a game that wasn't as close as the final score indicated.

In that game, Eagle quarterback Trent Harrison threw for 328 yards and three TDs. Philadelphia outscored Chicago 21-7 in the second half.

The Bears struggled for much of the game on offense. Star running back Walter Payton was held to only 55 yards on the ground. While Chicago QB Joe Montana passed for 318 yards, he was sacked three times (twice by former Bear Mike St. Clair).

A year ago, the Bears crumbled in a 22-14 upset by New Orleans in the NFC semifinals.

"We've lived with that loss for a year now," said Payton.

Philadelphia features a strong offensive line featuring Randy Cross, Jay Hilgenberg and ex-Bear Jeff Seavy. That line gives Harrison plenty of time to find receivers such as Harold Carmichael and J.T. Smith.

Meanwhile, Chicago hopes that it can get Payton back on track. If Sir Walter is able to force the Eagle defense to play the run, then Montana could have a field day. However, Philadelphia's front four is the league's best at getting to the quarterback.

"We're ready for Payton and we're ready for Montana," said St. Clair. "(Fellow defensive end) Dexter Manley and I plan on meeting at Montana."

Yet, while the two teams' first meeting featured a flurry of passes, this game might be decided on the ground. Sunday's weather calls for snow flurries and game-time temperatures in the low teens.

The Eagles will likely be without running back Gerald Riggs, who is listed as doubtful with a severely pulled hamstring.

Still, veteran Eddie Lee Ivory has been solid down the stretch. In addition, Ivory is excellent in picking up blitzes which could signal another big day for Harrison and his receivers.

"You may see a more controlled passing game this time around," said Payton. "If that's the case, I like our chances."


RetroNFL Playoff Schedule
AFC
Denver at Pittsburgh (-2)
Memphis at Indianapolis (-8)
NFC
Atlanta (-3) at Washington
Philadelphia at Chicago (-3)

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It's been said that a great conductor can work magic with nearly any orchestra. Chicago Bear quarterback Joe Montana was certainly in tune for Sunday's RetroNFL NFC Semifinals.

The former No. 1 overall draft pick out of Notre Dame directed the Bears to a 30-13 rout over visiting Philadelphia. The win avenged a Week 9 loss to the Eagles and sent Chicago into the NFC Championship against Washington next weekend.

Montana completed 20-of-25 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Remarkably his TD tosses went to a trio of unheralded receivers (Wesley Walker, Andre Tillman and Charles Alexander).

Star running back Walter Payton certainly made things easier. Payton rushed for 114 yards on 25 carries. He also caught four passes for 43 yards.

The Chicago defense put the clamps on Philadelphia. Eddie Lee Ivery was limited to just 54 yards on 11 carries. Quarterback Trent Harrison completed only 16-of-29 throws for a paltry 169 yards before leaving the game with a hand injury early in the fourth quarter.

Washington 27, Atlanta 23
The Redskins rallied for two touchdowns in the final 10 minutes to slip past the Falcons. Running back Freeman McNeil first caught a 63-yard TD pass and then scored the game-winner on a two-yard run with a minute to play.

AFC Semifinals
Indianapolis 17, Memphis 10
Racer QB Bert Jones threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns. The victory sends Indianapolis into the AFC Championship. The Racers last appeared in the league title games in 1981 (a 30-7 loss at Pittsburgh).

Pittsburgh 27, Denver 7
Don't write off the Steelers just yet. Veteran Terry Bradshaw passed for 234 yards as the Steelers defeated the Broncos and moved into their fifth straight AFC title game.

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On one side of the field is the team that has won two RetroNFL Super Bowls. On the other stands a franchise seeking its first title game berth.

The former describes the Chicago Bears, not too far removed from 1980 and '81 Super Bowl triumphs.

The latter rests on the Washington Redskins, a team that has a history of playoff heartbreak.

Washington advanced to the NFC title game in the league's first two seasons, 1975 and '76. The Redskins fell a game short of the Super Bowl both times.

Over the years, Los Angeles has proven to be the Redskins' biggest nemesis. The Rams have pinned three playoff losses on the Redskins, including a 31-23 defeat in the divisional round last year.

However, the Rams are gone from this year's picture. Thus, Washington is out to break its so-called playoff jinx. Following an 11-5 regular season, the Redskins outlasted Atlanta 27-23 in last weekend's playoff round to reach their Sunday date with the Bears at Soldier Field.

Quarterback Joe Thiesmann leads the Redskins into the NFC Championship after a career-best season that saw the former Notre Dame star rack up a 103.3 rating. Thiesmann passed for 4,131 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Only fellow Notre Dame grad and Chicago starter Joe Montana fared better.

Thiesmann no doubt benefitted from having Freeman McNeil in the Washington backfield. McNeil, a third-year pro from UCLA, led the RetroNFL with 1,514 yards rushing. He also had 77 catches.

Thiesmann's favorite target during the regular season was flanker Charlie Brown. The third-year receiver from Northern Arizona ranked second in the league with 91 catches for 1,281 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Redskins and Bears met in Week 5 of the regular season with Washington winning 27-17 at RFK Stadium. Thiesmann was the star of that game with 343 passing yards.

The weather forecast calls for sun and 25-degree temperatures.

Conference Championship Matchups
AFC
Pittsburgh at Indianapolis (-4)
NFC
Washington at Chicago (-4)

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A season after being bounced from the playoffs by the upstart New Orleans Saints, the Chicago Bears have found their way back to the RetroNFL Super Bowl.

After falling behind 10-0 in the first quarter, Chicago rallied to take a 14-10 halftime lead. From there, the Bears' defense held the Washington Redskins in check and posted a 23-10 victory.

The win sends Chicago into its third Super Bowl in league history. The Bears won the championship in 1980 and '81.

Chicago's Super Bowl opponent will be a familiar one, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Chicago and Pittsburgh met in Super Bowl '81 with the Bears earning a 20-17 win.

Chicago's victory over Washington Sunday was fueled by a solid defensive effort. After struggling in the first quarter, the Bears clamped down on the Redskins. Washington gained just 217 total yards, and quarterback Joe Thiesmann was intercepted twice.

Chicago also held Redskin back Freeman McNeil to only 54 yards on 15 carries. McNeil led the league in rushing this season.

While Chicago wasn't much better on offense, quarterback Joe Montana completed 23-of-35 passes for 207 yards. He threw one touchdown and was intercepted once.

Thiesmann was 17-for-30 for 149 yards. His lone TD pass was to receiver Charlie Brown.

Walter Payton's one-yard touchdown run with 5:16 left in the second quarter put the Bears ahead for good. Payton finished the game with 69 yards on 18 attempts. He also caught three passes.

Veteran safety Donnie Shell led Chicago with nine solo tackles. Linebacker Tom Hicks chipped in with six tackles, two assists and a fourth quarter interception.

AFC Championship
Pittsburgh 13, Indianapolis 0
A stout Pittsburgh defense led the Steelers to their record sixth RetroNFL Super Bowl appearance.

The swarming Steeler defense kept the potent Racer offense out of the end zone while rookie running back Gary Anderson (73 rushing yards) and veteran quarterback Terry Bradshaw (174 passing yards and one touchdown) led the Pittsburgh offense.

The defending Super Bowl champion Steelers are seeking their fifth championship. Pittsburgh won titles in 1975, '77, '79 and '82. The Steelers' lone Super Bowl loss was to Chicago in the 1981 title game.

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We've seen this act before.

It's the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears for the RetroNFL Super Bowl title. League officials are hoping this sequel turns out as good as the original.

The first time around the Bears slipped past the Steelers 20-17 to win Super Bowl '81. The victory made Chicago the first team in league history to win two straight championships.

Pittsburgh has been the model RetroNFL franchise. The defending Super Bowl champion Steelers are seeking their fifth championship. Pittsburgh won titles in 1975, '77, '79 and '82. Moreover, the Steelers are 4-1 in Super Bowl games.

While many were writing Pittsburgh off when an early season slump saw the team lose three of five contests, the Steelers got back on track and wound up winning the AFC North title with an 11-5 record.

Pittsburgh won its playoff games with relative ease. The Steelers thumped Denver 27-7 in the divisional round. Pittsburgh then shut out Indianapolis 13-0 in the AFC Championship.

Meanwhile, Chicago posted the best regular season record at 12-4. The Bears defeated first Philadelphia (30-13) and then Washington (23-10) in the NFC playoffs.

Both teams feature strong defenses and veteran quarterbacks who rank amongst the best in the league.

Steeler signal caller Terry Bradshaw may not have put up numbers consistent with his career this season, yet the Bears know what this two-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player is capable of when a title is on the line.

Rookie running back Gary Anderson broke into the league with a 1,017-yard performance for Pittsburgh. Veterans Lynn Swann and John Stallworth remain Bradshaw's favorite targets.

Bear quarterback Joe Montana is one of the leading candidates for league MVP honors. The five-year veteran threw for a career-high 4,280 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Taking pressure off Montana is four-time league MVP Walter Payton. The nine-year veteran is the league's all-time leading rusher. Like Bradshaw, his numbers were down this season. Like Bradshaw, Payton remains dangerous when the championship is on the line.

Line: Chicago by one.

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Don't annoint the Pittsburgh Steelers as the RetroNFL's top franchise just yet.

True, Pittsburgh's trophy case still holds more Super Bowl hardware (4) than anyone else. However, by virtue of its 35-17 romp over the Steelers Sunday, Chicago has now won three RetroNFL championships in the past four years.

Moreover, while the Steelers slipped to 4-2 in Super Bowl games, the Bears are 3-0. Mix in the fact that Chicago defeated Pittsburgh in Super Bowl '80, and the Bears have a pretty solid claim as the league's elite.

The Bears were once again led by stars Joe Montana and Walter Payton. The duo proved to be too much for Pittsburgh to handle.

Chicago opened the scoring by gambling early in the game. Backed up on his own 10-yard-line, Montana completed a 78-yard pass to receiver Dwight Clark. One play later, Payton ran for an apparent touchdown. However, an illegal motion penalty nullified the score.

Undaunted, Montana hit flanker Stanley Morgan with a 12-yard touchdown pass on the very next snap.

Morgan, the 23rd overall pick in the 1977 amateur draft, has long been criticized for his inconsistent play after signing a large contract two seasons ago. Such talk may now be put aside after Sunday's performance.

By the 12:33 mark of the second quarter, Morgan had caught three TD passes from Montana, staking the Bears to a 21-0 lead.

Yet, Pittsburgh, the proud defending league champion, regrouped and scored 17 unanswered points. When rookie running back Gary Anderson scored on a two-yard run with 11:53 remaining in the game, the Steelers had pulled to within four points of the Bears.

Enter Montana and Payton again. Handling the ball on nearly every play, the duo lead the Bears to successive scoring drives to put the game away.

Fittingly, they took turns in scoring. First, Montana bootlegged off a fake to Payton for a three-yard TD run. Then, Payton, carrying the ball for the seven straight time, blasted over from the two with only 1:38 showing on the clock.

While Payton finished with 119 rushing yards, it was Montana that held aloft the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award at game's end.

Montana completed 16-of-21 throws for 209 yards and three touchdowns. He did not throw an interception and spread the ball around to seven different receivers.

Steeler quarterback Terry Bradshaw set Super Bowl records with 31 completions in 49 attempts. Bradshaw passed for 294 yards and a touchdown to Anderson. Former teammate Donnie Shell intercepted Bradshaw in the first quarter.

Anderson finished the day with 52 rushing yards on 18 carries. He also caught seven passes for 45 yards. Anderson scored both running and receiving.

While the future looks bright for Anderson, the day and the present belong to the Chicago Bears.

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Super Bowl '82: Chicago Bears 35, Pittsburgh Steelers 17
Super Bowl MVP: Joe Montana, Chicago Bears

NFL Player of the Year: Earl Campbell, Birmingham Stallions
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Joe Montana, Chicago Bears
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Mark Gastineau, New Orleans Saints

Rookie Offensive Player of the Year: Eric Dickerson, Oakland Raiders
Rookie Defensive Player of the Year: Toby Cofer, Cleveland Browns

Bears' Post-Season Awards
First Team Quarterback--Joe Montana
First Team Outside Linebacker--Lawrence Taylor
Second Team Fullback--Charles Alexander

Interesting Notes: Birmingham Stallion Earl Campbell took home his first RetroNFL Player of the Year award. Campbell was the league's Offensive Player of the Year in 1979 and 1981 . . . Three of the top five career rushing leaders have announced their retirements. While Chicago's Walter Payton (13,368 yards) remains active, Otis Armstrong (Denver, 9,894), Delvin Williams (San Francisco, 9,854) and Lawrence McCutheon (Los Angeles, 8,276) each has hung up his spikes. After Payton, Chuck Muncie of Kansas City (9,218) is the active player with the highest total rushing yardage . . . Baltimore Colt Bert Jones has surpassed Pittsburgh Steeler Terry Bradshaw in both passing yardage and touchdown throws. Jones is the career leader with 33,952 yards and 265 TDs; Bradshaw is second with 33,393 yards and 253 touchdown tosses . . . Johnny Rodgers of San Diego is the all-time leading receiver with 695 catches. Chicago Bear great Walter Payton ranks a close second with 689 receptions . . . In addition to the running backs listed above, other notables who announced their retirements were Harold Carmichael, Dan Dierdorf, Conrad Dobler, Reggie McKenzie, Rolland Lawrence, Harvey Martin, Gerry Mullins, Terry Metcalf and Jack Tatum.