1985 NFC Divisional Playoff

Lore & Background

By January 1986, the Chicago Bears had already achieved a level of defensive perfection that seemed almost mythical. The '46 Defense,' named after safety Doug Plank's jersey number, was an aggressive scheme designed to confuse quarterbacks and overwhelm offensive lines with sheer numbers at the point of attack. Led by linebacker Mike Singletary, the unit entered the playoffs having allowed just 198 points all season. They faced a Washington Redskins team that had been their nemesis in previous years, led by head coach Joe Gibbs and featuring a formidable running back in John Riggins.

The atmosphere at Soldier Field was heavy with expectation after decades of heartbreak. The Bears' strategy was simple yet terrifying: stop the run, pressure the quarterback, and force mistakes. While Washington managed to score via their ground attack, they were forced into critical field goal attempts and turnovers that sealed their fate. This matchup is remembered not just for the win, but for the sheer physicality displayed by both sides. It validated the '85 season's narrative of invincibility and set the stage for Super Bowl XX.

In Their Own Story

The wind whipped off Lake Michigan, cutting through the thin jerseys of the players on the sideline. Inside the huddle, Mike Singletary scanned his teammates with a singular intensity that demanded absolute discipline. The Redskins lined up, John Riggins crouched low, ready to thunder through the middle. But as the ball was snapped, the Bears' defense didn't just react; they erupted. A wall of blue and orange swarmed the line of scrimmage before the play could even develop. Joe Theismann scrambled for his life only to be swallowed whole by a tackle that shook the turf. In that moment, the game wasn't about strategy anymore; it was about will, and the Bears' will was unbreakable.

Reader's Guide

This historic NFC Divisional Playoff took place on January 5, 1986, at Soldier Field in Chicago. It featured the top-seeded Chicago Bears against the Washington Redskins. The occasion was critical as both teams were powerhouses of their era, with the Bears seeking to avenge previous playoff heartbreaks and the Redskins looking to prove they could still contend.

The game unfolded as a defensive masterpiece. While the Bears' offense struggled at times, their legendary '46 Defense completely dismantled Washington's potent attack. The Redskins managed only 19 points, with their running game neutralized by a front seven that seemed to materialize out of thin air. Key turnovers and sacks kept the momentum firmly in Chicago's favor, despite a late surge by Washington.

This match is remembered as the moment the '85 Bears truly announced themselves as champions. It showcased the terrifying efficiency of their defense under pressure and proved they could win close games against elite competition. The victory sent them to the NFC Championship, where they would go on to defeat the Los Angeles Rams, eventually leading to a Super Bowl XX triumph that remains the pinnacle of franchise history.

Did You Know?

• The Bears' defense recorded five interceptions in this game, effectively shutting down the Redskins' passing attack led by Joe Theismann.
• This victory was part of a season where the Bears allowed only 198 points all year, an NFL record for fewest points allowed in a 16-game season at the time.
• The '46 Defense' scheme used in this game was named after safety Doug Plank's jersey number, not the year it was invented.
• William 'The Refrigerator' Perry made his first significant playoff impact during this era, though his famous touchdown run occurred later in Super Bowl XX.