Chicago Bears Flashback: The Legendary 46 Defense – “Da Squad” That Dominated the NFL

For Chicago Bears fans, few things evoke as much pride and nostalgia as the legendary 46 Defense—a scheme that revolutionized football and helped deliver the franchise’s first and only Super Bowl championship. Spearheaded by defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan and executed to perfection by a group of fierce, relentless, and downright terrifying defenders, the 1985 Chicago Bears defense remains one of the most dominant units in NFL history.

The Birth of the 46 Defense: A Game-Changer for the NFL

Named after safety Doug Plank’s jersey number (46), the defense was designed to overwhelm offenses with an aggressive, attack-first mentality. Ryan’s system brought an unprecedented level of pressure, stacking defenders at the line of scrimmage and daring quarterbacks to make quick, often ill-advised decisions. The results? A season of absolute carnage, where opposing offenses were bullied, battered, and broken by the relentless force of “Da Squad.”

This wasn’t just a defense—it was a movement, a mentality, a way of life that defined the Chicago Bears’ identity for years to come.

The Monsters of the Midway: Legends Who Defined Greatness

The 1985 Bears defense was loaded with legendary players, each bringing a unique brand of dominance to the field:

• Mike Singletary (MLB) – The heart and soul of the defense, “Samurai Mike” was a ferocious leader, reading plays before they happened and delivering bone-crushing hits.
• Richard Dent (DE) – The pass-rushing menace, Dent recorded 17 sacks in ‘85 and earned Super Bowl XX MVP honors.
• Dan Hampton (DT/DE) – A versatile, unblockable force in the trenches, Hampton’s presence made life miserable for offensive linemen.
• Steve McMichael (DT) – “Mongo” was as tough as they came, combining power and attitude to dominate inside.
• Otis Wilson (OLB) – A heat-seeking missile off the edge, Wilson was a nightmare for quarterbacks and running backs alike.
• Wilber Marshall (OLB) – The Swiss Army knife of the defense, Marshall had speed, power, and a knack for making game-changing plays.
• Gary Fencik & Dave Duerson (Safeties) – The enforcers in the secondary, delivering punishing hits while ensuring no deep passes got through.

This group didn’t just play defense—they dictated the entire game, striking fear into opponents before they even stepped onto the field.

The 1985 Season: A Historic Defensive Clinic

The Bears steamrolled through the NFL, finishing the regular season 15-1 while allowing just 198 total points (an absurd 12.4 per game). They recorded 64 sacks, forced 54 turnovers, and shut out two teams in the playoffs—before dismantling the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX.

During that playoff run, the Bears outscored opponents 91-10, proving beyond a doubt that their 46 Defense was untouchable.

Legacy: The Blueprint for Defensive Dominance

Even today, defensive coordinators look back at Buddy Ryan’s masterpiece for inspiration. The 46 Defense forced the NFL to rethink offensive strategies and led to the development of quicker passing schemes designed to counter the relentless pass rush.

For Bears fans, “Da Squad” will always be remembered as the standard of greatness—a group of warriors who defined what it meant to wear navy and orange. The echoes of “Bear Down, Chicago Bears” still ring loud whenever we think back to that legendary unit.

As the Bears continue their pursuit of another Lombardi Trophy, one thing is certain: the spirit of the 46 Defense will always live on in Chicago.