Bear Down: A Chicago Bears' Dynasty Beginning in 1975

[RetroNFL]

Originally Posted by DataKing

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]

Originally Posted by Peregrine

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]

Originally Posted by DataKing

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 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]

Originally Posted by Izulde

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.

[RetroNFL]

Originally Posted by Izulde

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

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.