Chicago Bears Coaches: Da Coach, Mike Ditka

MIKE DITKA

Head Coach 1982-1992

Record:  106-62

WHAT MANAGEMENT SAID:  "I like his ability to handle himself and handle other people.  And, I know he'll do a good job getting people to play according to his desires."  --George Halas

WHAT DA COACH SAID:  "I believe that everyone has a destiny in life, and mine is with the Chicago Bears.  I'm going to give Chicago a winning football team, an interesting football team and a football team that everybody is going to be proud of.

Man, did he ever do just that.  True words.

Da Coach.  Let's Bring Him Back.  --RoadBear

Black History: Mr. A and Herb Kent 'The Cool Gent'

While on the subject of black deejays, here are two of my favorites whom I listened to a whole lot back in the day.

Mr. A broadcast a night show on Chicago's WNIB, a classic music station, and played some of the best blues and R&B you could ever want to hear.  If I woke up in the wee hours, I would pop a cassette in the recorder and record his show and listen to it later.

Herb Kent, the "Cool Gent" deejayed on Chicago's WVON from 1963 to his death in 2016.  Loved his Dusties and Old School music.

Two of the greatest.

Great Moments in Bears History-- Part 2: The "D" Shines Against Dallas 44-0 in '85

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18.  44-0

Hey, it was just another win for those '85 Bears.  DA BEARS!!

The Bear defense put on their usual show, this time in Week 11 at Texas Stadium against the Dallas Cowboys.  It was a throttling.  The Bears improved to 11-0 and clinched the NFC Central Division.

After this game, the Bears' Gary Fencik began to truly believe that the Super Bowl was in reach.

Supposedly, Cowboys defensive back Everson Walls had questioned whether the Bears were a s good as their undefeated record because they hadn't played anybody good yet.

After the game Otis Wilson recalled that Dan Hampton said, "Yeah, we still haven't played anybody."

The game was a six sack, five takeaway, two-defensive-touchdown masterpiece.

Sports Illustrated had a story saying the game was "an assault wave that made it look as if the Bears were playing 15 men against 11" on defense.

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--Coot"D"

For Big Game Day (So the NFL Doesn't Get Me)-- Part 1: Great Moments in Bears History, MLB and the Class of '83

Since today has something to do with pro football, and trying to avoid the NFL by not using what we call this game, here are some great days in Chicago Bears history, and not the fact that either ONE of the qbs in today's game could have been BEARS!!!  Plus, we HAD a guy who could actually kick field goals and not DOUBLE DOINK.

From the November 3, 2019, Chicago Tribune  "The 100 Greatest Moments in Bears History"  Nos. 20-11.

20  THE FIRST MLB

Before there was Brian Urlacher, Mike Singletary and Dick Butkus, there was BILL GEORGE.  An 8-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the driving forces behind the 1963 NFL Championship.  Kind of invented the position.

19.  THE CLASS OF '83

General Manager Jim Finks, the man who built the '85 Bears, drafted  seven starters for that '85 team:

Richard Dent, Jimbo Covert, Dave Duerson, Mark Bortz, Tom Thayer, Willie Gault and Mike Richardson.

Now, If Da Bears Could Just Figure Out How To Draft a Quarterback.  --CootBear

Top Bears Radio Announcers-- Part 3: Brickhouse, Joniak, McConnell, Thayer and Larrivee

Continued from November 9, 2019.  To see the first two, click on announcers in the labels section below.

5.  JACK BRICKHOUSE  (1953-1976)

There is a deep affection for Jack Brickhouse among Chicago fans of any sport because of his longevity, but, football was not his forte.  But, the upbeat charm he brought didn't make up for mistakes in football announcing.

4.  JEFF JONIAK  (2001-PRESENT)

He came to the Bears with no experience, but he has worked hard to become a solid play-by-play man.

3.  JOE McCONNELL  (1977-1984)

When the Bears moved from WGN-AM  to WBBM-AM, general manager Jim Finks pushed hard for him to replace Brickhouse.  He had been doing Minnesota Vikings broadcasts.  He might have stayed with the Bears had WGN-AM not gotten the Bears back.

2.  TOM THAYER (1997-PRESENT)

Old No. 57 from the Bears Super Bowl XX Champs.  He knows his stuff and calls games with both his brains and heart.

1.  WAYNE LARRIVEE  (1985-1998)

Announced Chiefs games before coming to the Bears and then lefty to fulfill a life-long dream to call the Packers.  He was the voice of those Super Bowl XX Bears.  We still tune in the Packers on radio (we live right on the Illinois-Wisconsin border) just to hear that wonderful voice.

And, to think he left the Bears in a Big Marker area to go to the Packers in a small market area.  He's gotta love Da Pack.

--CootVee

Chicago Bears Top 10 Shutouts-- Part 1

1.  BEARS 73  REDSKINS 0 (1940)  Bill Osmanski's 68-yard touchdown run ignited one of the most dominant performances in the history of American sports.  This was the NFL Championship game.

2.  BEARS 24  RAMS 0  (1986)  Wilber Marshall's 52-yard fumble return touchdown in the snow at Soldier Field put the finishing touches on the NFC Championship game.  This was the '85 Bears.

3.  BEARS 44  COWBOYS 0  (1985)   The Bears had four interceptions, six sacks and two defensive scores and knocked out two quarterbacks in a stunning victory in a nationally televised game.  Hey, the '85 Bears!!

4.  BEARS 21   GIANTS 0  (1986)  Shaun Gayle's five-yard return of Sean Landetta's whiffed punt started the Bears' magnificent 1986 playoff run.  Hey, the '85 Bears!!

5.  BEARS 26  PACKERS  0  (2006)   Bernard Berrian's 49-yard touchdown started it and Devin Hester's 84-yard punt return ended it as the Bears opened a Super Bowl run in Lambeau Field.

--Cooter

Bears Get 49er Payback in 1985

From the Nov. 16, 2019, Chicago Sun-Times  "The next time, they brought an offense" by Mark Potash.

Thinkin' back to that great '85 Bears team.

After an upset victory over the redskins in the 1984 playoffs the Bears found they weren't ready yet for prime time when they were buried 23-0 by the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at candlestick Park.

They were particularly offended by a 49er comment:  "Next time, bring an offense."

The next time, they did bring an offense when they faced the 49ers again at Candlestick on October 13, 1985.  They were 5-0 by then, but had something to prove.  Walter Payton rushed for  132 yards and two touchdowns as the Bears gained 372 yards against the defending Super Bowl champions in a 26-10 victory.

"We remembered to pack our offense this time," left tackle Jimbo Covert said.  "Last time they embarrassed us, and they made it known they embarrassed us.  They tried to rub it in.They said some things we didn't really appreciate."

Said Walter Payton:  "They made some remarks that hurt us as a football team.  They said 'Bring your offense next time.'  Well we brought it today."

If I remember correctly, Mike Ditka got a DUI after the plane returned to Chicago and he drove home.

Payback, You Know.  --Cooter

That Great '85 Bears Team-- Part 2: Those Shutouts, That "D"

And you know that Coach Mike Ditka had to be really happy about this one, considering he had ended his playing career with the Cowboys and had been assistant head coach under Landry.

And, da Bears weren't done with that 44-0 shellacking of the Cowboys. A week later, they beat the Falcons 36-0 at Soldier Field --  the first Bear back-to-back shutouts since 1942.

The shutout of the Falcons capped a seven-game run in which the Bears defense allowed 30 points and scored 27 -- for a net of three points allowed.  And that doesn't include 39 points scored in that span on short fields the Bears got from takeaways.

The Bears nearly had three shutouts in a row, but a Steve Fuller fumble on a lateral to Willie Gault against the Lions in Week 10 led to a Lions field goal.  The modest 17-yard scoring drive was the only blemish in a 24-3 victory at Soldier Field.

Da Bears!!!  --CootBear

Well, Da Bears Is Out, But A Look Back to Some Better Times-- Part 1: Taking Care of the Cowboys in '85

The Chicago Bears have finished a very disappointing season 8-8, especially so since everyone had such high hopes after the previous 12-4 year.  And that coming after a whole lot of sub .500 years.

But,the Nov. 16, 2019, Chicago Sun-Times had a two-page spread on better times in Bear history.

" 'D'LIGHTFUL:  THIS TRULY WAS A ZERO-SUM GAME" by Mark Potash.

Shutout of Cowboys in 1985 among Bears' most memorable defensive performances.

This week in Bears history:  The '85 Bears pick up steam.

Truly, thoughts of the 1985 Bears and that Super Bowl XX victory always brings a smile and warm thoughts to Bear fans everywhere.

"Though the best was yet to come, the '85 Bears and their vaunted defense picked up steam 34 years ago this week with a stunning 44-0 shutout of the Cowboys at Texas Stadium."

And, they had been a bane to us for a whole lot of years.

"In fact, the Week 11 game was the highlight of one of the greatest defensive runs in NFL history  Defensive players Richard dent and Mike Richardson scored touchdowns on interception returns, and interceptions by Leslie Frazier and Ken Taylor led to short touchdown drives as the Bears (11-0) annihilated the playoff-bound Cowboys (7-4) before a national-television audience.

Better Times.  --CootBear

Ranking the 100 Best Bears-- Part 10: McMichael, Dent and Singletary

*  I've heard of him.  **  On the '85 Bears.


20..  Red Grange*

19.  Devin Hester*

18.  Steve McMichael**

17.  Stan Jones

16.  George Connor*

15.  Joe Stydahar

14.  Richard Dent**

13.  Danny Fortmann

12.  Mike Singletary**

11.  Mike Ditka**

So surprising that there would be so many of these 100 Best Bears who were on the 1985 Bears, Super Bowl XX Champions.

Sure enjoyed seeing the members of the 1985 squad out on the field before the Packer-Bear game last night.

'85 Bears.  Best Ever.  --CootBear

And the All-Time Best Bears Player? You Probably Knew All Along

Today, the Chicago Tribune arrived at its choice for all-time best Bears player.  You knew it and I knew it.  Walter Payton.  I just started really liking the Bears in 1974 so got to see the entire Payton saga.  When he had the ball, excitement was about to happen.

Opponent defensive players hated to see Payton running at them, with or without the ball, as they knew they were going to get a mighty hit.

Anyway, I will continue with the other Bears in the Top 100  as I am now up to #20.  I hope the Tribune puts this out in a magazine or book.  I'd sure buy one.  I've especially been enjoying reading about the old-timers.  That George Trafton was something else.

--DaBearDog

Ranking the 100 Best Bears Ever-- Part 9: Papa Bear

*  I've heard of them   **  On the '85 DaBears

30.  Ed Healey

29.  Lance Briggs*

28.  George Trafton*  He's the one I wrote about in the Decatur Staleys-Rock Island Independents rivalry.

27.  Joe Fortunato

26.  Olin Kreutz**

25.  George Halas**  Papa Bear

24.  Bill Hewitt

23.  Jay Hilgenberg**

22.  George McAfee*

21.  Jimbo Covert**

Ranking the 100 Best Bears Ever-- Part 8: Fencik and "Peanut"

*  Means I've heard of him  **  One of the '85 Bears, Super Bowl XX Champions.

40.  Luke Johnsos

39.  Gary Fencik **

38.  Charles Tillman*  "Peanut"  He could sure make you fumble.

37.  Ken Kavanaugh

36.  Rick Casares*

35.  Harlon Hill

34.  Paddy O'Driscoll*

33.  Ed Sprinkle

32.  George Musso*

31.  Link Lyman

--CootBear

Ranking the 100 Best Bears-- Part 7: " Double D" and Buffone

I am hoping that the Tribune will put these stories out in a magazine or book.

*  I've heard of the player   **  On the '85 Bears team.

50.  Larry Morris

49.  Dave Duerson **   The Double D.

48.  Doug Buffone*

47.  Matt Forte*

46.  Fred Williams

45.  Joe Kopcha

44.  Johnny Morris*

43.  Rosey Taylor

42.  Ray Bray

41.  Richie Pettibone*

Da Bears.  --DaCooter

Ranking the 100 Best Bears-- Part 6: Wondering Who the #1 Bear Is Going To Be?

From the August 9, 2019, Chicago Tribune.

The Tribune is now down to the Top Ten players.  

Just wondering who the #1 is going to be?

My money is on Walter Payton. Of course, on those 1985 Bears who won Super Bowl XX.

We should know by Wednesday or Thursday.

"Sweetness"   --DaCoot

Ranking the 100 Best Chicago Bears-- Part 5: Jim McMahon, Punky QB

Here's hoping the Chicago Tribune will put this out in book form.

*  means I have heard of them

60.  Willie Gallimore*

59.  Jim Osborne

58.  Mike Brown

57.  Neal Anderson*

56.  Jim McMahon** The Punky QB.  My favorite Bears quarterback.

55.  Dick Gordon*

54.  Wilber Marshall**

53.  Otis Wilson**

52.  Wally Chambers*

51.  Dick Barwegan

Have You Seen Any of Your Favorite Bears Yet?  --BearCoot

Ranking the 100 Best Chicago Bears-- Part 4: Keith Van Horne and Mike Hartenstine

* means I know who they are.

70.  George Wilson

69.  Tommie Harris*

68.  Keith Van Horne**

67.  Mike Hartenstine**

66.  Mike Pyle*

65.  Ed O'Bradovich*

64.  J.C. Caroline*

63.  Julius Pepper*

62.  Mark Bortz**

61.  Mark Carrier*

--DaBearCoot

Ranking the 100 Best-Ever Chicago Bears-- Part 2: The "Butt Head" and the Plank

* means I have heard of him.  Again, these also include recent and current Bears.  **  On the '85 Bears.

90.  Kevin Butler*  The "Butt Head"  All those field goals and a Univ. of Georgia grad as well.

89.  Beattie Feathers

88.  Alshon Jeffery*

87.  Lee Artoe

86.  Brandon Marshall*

85.  Kyle Long*

84.  Bill Wade*

83.  Zuck Carlson

82.  Doug Plank*  The 46 Defense

81.  Eddie Jackson*

Da Bears.  --DaBearsDog

Ranking the Best-Ever Chicago Bears-- Part 1: The "Refrigerator"

The Chicago Tribune has been running this series all summer long, one player a day with a half page on each with information and a picture.

I am taking this list from the August 9, 2019, edition "#28 George Trafton."

He is one of the first Bears from 1920-1921 and quite an interesting character whom I will write about in the future because of the real early NFL.

Anyway, here is the list of Bear players.  *  means I have heard of them.  These include present-day players as well.  **  On that great '85 Super Bowl XX team

100.  Patrick Mannelly

99.  William Perry** The "Refrigerator" and one of my all-time favorites.  I mean, you just had to love the "Fridge."

98.  Tom Thayer**

97.  Hugh Gallarneau

96.  Joey Sternamam

95.  Akiem Hicks*

94.  Gary Famiglietti

93.  Ed Brown

92.  Matt Suhey*

91.  Bill Karr

Da Bears.  --CootBear