Having one of the best defenses in the NFL doesn’t come without a strong foundation, and Chicago Bears have proven this. Whether it be going against one of the all-time greats, Joe Montana, or getting a 44-0 against the Cowboys in 1985, here are 15 games in which the Bears’ defense shone like no other!
1985 Week 3 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Also known as McMohan’s Miracle, Jim McMohan gave one of his best performances in this game. The Bears’ defense forced three turnovers, including a key pick-six by Leslie Frazier. They stifled the Vikings’ offense, limiting the Vikings to just 17 points, proving their strong defense early in the season.
1985 Week 5 vs. Washington Redskins
In a 45-10 blowout, the Bears’ defense overwhelmed Washington. They forced three fumbles, recorded five sacks, and intercepted Joe Theismann twice. The unit applied relentless pressure, completely disrupting Washington’s offensive rhythm and cementing their status as one of the league’s most fearsome defenses.
1985 Week 6 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Facing Joe Montana and the 49ers, the Bears’ defense forced three turnovers and limited Montana’s passing efficiency. San Francisco only managed one touchdown, as Chicago’s pass rush, led by Richard Dent, kept constant pressure on the 49ers, winning the game 26-10.
1985 Week 10 vs. Green Bay Packers
The Bears’ defense held the Packers scoreless until the fourth quarter, winning 16-10. They had two interceptions and a relentless pass rush that sacked Lynn Dickey six times. Chicago demonstrated their ability to neutralize Green Bay’s offense in a significant division matchup.
1985 Week 11 vs. Dallas Cowboys
In one of the most lopsided games of the season, the Bears blanked the Cowboys 44-0. The defense was relentless, recording five turnovers and forcing quarterback Danny White out of the game. Their crushing pressure resulted in multiple sacks and kept the Cowboys from scoring.
1985 NFC Championship vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Bears’ defense smothered the Rams en route to a 24-0 shutout win. The team limited Eric Dickerson to just 46 yards, constantly stuffing the run. Richard Dent recorded 1.5 sacks, leading Chicago’s ferocious front that ensured the Rams never reached the end zone.
1985 Super Bowl XX vs. New England Patriots
The Bears’ legendary defense stole the show in Super Bowl XX. They held the Patriots to a mere seven rushing yards, recording seven sacks and four turnovers. Richard Dent and William Perry were instrumental in crushing New England’s offense in a dominating 46-10 victory.
2006 Week 6 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Moving on to the 2000s, known as the “Monday Night Miracle,” the Bears’ defense scored two touchdowns despite being down 20-0. A fumble recovery and a Charles Tillman interception helped Chicago make an incredible comeback. The Bears’ defense essentially won the game, even without an offensive touchdown.
2006 Week 12 vs. New England Patriots
Chicago’s defense forced four turnovers, including two interceptions off Tom Brady, in a close 17-13 loss. Though they couldn’t secure the win, the Bears’ defense consistently frustrated New England’s offense, limiting Brady’s effectiveness and showcasing their ability to compete with top-tier teams.
2012 Week 4 vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Bears’ defense dominated in a 34-18 victory. They intercepted Tony Romo five times, including two pick-sixes by Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs. Chicago’s secondary controlled the game, shutting down Dallas’ passing attack and securing a critical win for the Bears.
2012 — Week 9 vs. Tennessee Titans
The team scored a touchdown and bagged five turnovers in a 51-20 rout of the Titans. Charles Tillman forced four fumbles, a career-high, and the defense’s suffocating performance showcased their ability to turn defense into offense in a dominant performance.
1990 — Week 7 vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Bears were doing great in the 90s! With a 38-9 victory against the Rams, they allowed only a single field goal in the first three quarters. The team intercepted Jim Everett three times and pressured him all game, securing a dominant win by completely stifling the Rams’ offensive capabilities.
2018 — Week 14 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Chicago held the high-powered Rams to just six points in a 15-6 victory. They intercepted Jared Goff four times and limited Todd Gurley to only 28 rushing yards, marking one of the best defensive efforts in recent Bears history.
1985 — Week 12 vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Bears shut out the Falcons 36-0, with the defense forcing five turnovers, including two interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Atlanta’s offense was helpless against Chicago’s dominant front, and the Bears’ suffocating performance left the Falcons without a single point.
2018 Week 14 vs. Los Angeles Rams
It was their only loss of the season but the Bears’ defense still managed to make plays, but Dan Marino’s quick-release passing game was the only strategy that could outsmart Chicago’s blitz. Despite the 38-24 loss, Chicago’s defense remained fierce, though the Dolphins found their weak spots.
The Dominance of the Chicago Bears Throughout the Years