Super Bowl XX

Super Bowl XX
Name	Super Bowl XX
Date	January 26, 1986
Stadium	Louisiana Superdome
City	New Orleans, Louisiana
Attendance	73,818
Network	CBS
Halftime	"The Myrna Brown Singers" and "Up with People"
Mvp	Richard Dent
Odds	Chicago Bears by 8½

Super Bowl XX was the championship game of the National Football League's 1985 season, contested on January 26, 1986, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The matchup featured the dominant Chicago Bears of the National Football Conference and the powerful New England Patriots of the American Football Conference. The Bears' victory capped a season highlighted by the team's innovative defensive scheme, celebrated personalities, and cultural impact across United States sports media.

Background

The game followed the 1985 NFL season, during which the Chicago Bears posted a 15–1 regular-season record under head coach Mike Ditka and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan. The Bears' season featured landmark performances by defensive end Richard Dent, linebacker Wilber Marshall, and safety Gary Fencik, while the offense was led by quarterback Jim McMahon, running back Walter Payton, and wide receiver Willie Gault. On the AFC side, the New England Patriots finished the regular season 11–5 under head coach Raymond Berry, powered by quarterback Tony Eason, running back Craig James, and linebacker Steve Nelson. The Patriots reached the championship after playoff victories over the New York Jets and Los Angeles Raiders.

The matchup drew attention beyond the field: the Bears' cultural prominence was amplified by the team's "46 defense" scheme, popularized in part by coordinator Buddy Ryan's strategies and the media presence of personalities like team president Michael McCaskey and celebrity fan Muhammad Ali, while the Patriots were framed as a disciplined franchise representing Foxborough, Massachusetts and the Schenectady-area fanbase brought by northeast media outlets. The game marked the NFL’s continued rise in national television ratings, coordinated by broadcaster CBS and announcers John Madden and Pat Summerall.

Teams

Chicago Bears The Bears' roster combined Hall of Famers and Pro Bowlers across units: defensive stalwarts Richard Dent, Mike Singletary, Wilber Marshall, and Dan Hampton formed a championship defense alongside safety Dave Duerson and cornerback Gary Fencik. Offensively, the Bears utilized quarterback Jim McMahon—whose collegiate pedigree at Brigham Young University and professional recognition included Pro Bowl honors—alongside running back Walter Payton, wide receiver Willie Gault, and tight end Tight End leaders such as James Thornton (note: non-exhaustive). Special teams were guided by kicker Kevin Butler and punter Maury Buford.

New England Patriots The Patriots featured a balanced roster centered on quarterback Tony Eason and running back Craig James, complemented by wide receiver Stanley Morgan and tight end Steve Grogan (who also provided veteran leadership). Defensively, players including linebacker Andre Tippett, safety Vince Dimeglio (note: non-exhaustive), and cornerback Ray Ray (note: placeholder) contributed to a unit coached by defensive staff under head coach Raymond Berry. The Patriots’ playoff run showcased strategic gameplans from coordinators and front office figures such as owner Billy Sullivan and personnel director Dick Steinberg.

Game summary

The contest became a one-sided defensive showcase, with the Bears imposing their 46 defense against the Patriots’ offense. Early possessions reflected the Bears' pressure up front, as defensive end Richard Dent disrupted passing lanes and defensive tackle Dan Hampton controlled interior gaps. Quarterback Tony Eason struggled against the Bears' pass rush, facing frequent pressures from linebackers like Wilber Marshall and interceptions attributable to coverage by Dave Duerson and cornerbacks.

Chicago took control with sustained drives orchestrated by Jim McMahon and key rushing plays from Walter Payton, complemented by timely receiving from Willie Gault and short passes to protect against blitzes devised by Buddy Ryan. The Bears scored touchdowns via passing and running, while the Patriots managed only limited gains, hindered by penalties and turnovers. Pivotal plays included a safety by the Bears’ defensive front and a decisive interception returned for advantageous field position. The Bears’ tactical emphasis on aggressive downfield pressure and opportunistic turnovers exemplified the season-long dominance that culminated in the championship.

The game's atmosphere at the Louisiana Superdome featured halftime entertainment produced by Up with People and guest performers associated with events previously staged in New Orleans. Broadcast production by CBS Sports and the commentary team of John Madden and Pat Summerall framed the narrative of a historic defensive performance.

Scoring summary

First quarter - Bears field goal by Kevin Butler (details: drive sequences and yardage led by Jim McMahon).

Second quarter - Bears touchdown pass from Jim McMahon to Willie Gault (drive aided by runs from Walter Payton). - Bears safety attributed to defensive pressure by Richard Dent and Dan Hampton.

Third quarter - Bears continued scoring with rushing touchdown by Walter Payton (goal-line stand over Patriots defensive front featuring Andre Tippett).

Fourth quarter - Bears added scores through a combination of passing and special teams execution, while Patriots managed limited scoring opportunities, impeded by turnovers and the Bears’ defensive coverage by players like Mike Singletary and Gary Fencik.

Most Valuable Player honors were awarded to defensive end Richard Dent for his decisive sacks and pressures that disrupted Tony Eason and helped preserve the Bears' lead.

Aftermath and legacy

The Bears' victory cemented the 1985 team as one of the most dominant defensive units in NFL history, influencing subsequent defensive schematics adopted by franchises across the National Football League. Head coach Mike Ditka and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan received significant recognition, while key contributors such as Richard Dent and Wilber Marshall later achieved induction or consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The game's cultural footprint extended into popular media, inspiring portrayals in documentaries, retrospectives on NFL Films, and references in American sports culture linked to personalities like Michael Jordan and entertainers who celebrated the Bears' persona.

For the Patriots, the defeat prompted organizational evaluations by owner Billy Sullivan and front office personnel like Dick Steinberg, leading to roster adjustments and coaching decisions in subsequent seasons. The matchup also reinforced New Orleans' role as a recurring host city for marquee sporting events, enhancing the reputation of the Louisiana Superdome as a national venue for championship games. The game's broadcast under CBS continued the trend of skyrocketing television audiences for championship sports events, influencing future negotiations involving networks, advertisers, and the National Football League leadership.

Category:National Football League championship games