The only reason why the '85 Bears were so good defensively was because of Buddy Ryan. He was an excellent coach. RIP.
"If you listen to the fans, you'll be sitting up there with them."
Wilbur being part of that talent. They were disruptive to say the least. Then again their QB was sort of disruptive too.He called the schemes, naming the 46 defense after the number worn by strong safety Doug Plank, a head hunter of a SS who would line up on the line of scrimmage. The objective was to disrupt the line of scrimmage, stuff the run and dare teams to beat you through the air. But it was Jim Finks who drafted the talent that made it all possible. That was probably the best defense the NFL has seen, that season and the following one.
Wilbur being part of that talent. They were disruptive to say the least. Then again their QB was sort of disruptive too.
If people pass in 3's.....who is next in the sports world?
What a sad week, Summitt and Ryan in sports, Stanley and McCullough in music........
Man, that takes me back. How the heck any of those guys, much less ALL OF THEM, thought that song and video was a good idea I'll never know...
It was outlandish and yet that was one outlandish cast of characters. They really believed no one could beat them.
Except Marino on Monday night. Ditka and Ryan had to be separated in the lockerroom in Miami at halftime after Ryan told the Da Coach his offense sucked.
The Bears 46 defense of that era was the best defense I ever watched - better than the Viking, Cowboy and Steeler defenses of the '70s and better than any defense I've watched since. It was dominant. And violent.
Lawrence Taylor was the most dominant player I've ever watched, also of that era (I have only vague memories of Dick Butkus and Chuck Bednarik was before my time). It was amazing to watch teams scheme their entire offensive game plans around LT and have him dominate and create all kinds of havoc anyway.
How the 46 looked from the booth, the line stacked with people.
LT was the single most disruptive player I ever saw. He could take over games and teams had to special scheme him as they had never done a defensive player. That LT-led Giants team that followed the Bears in '86 was right up there in terms of defensive prowess and overall greatness.
You're right, that Giants' defense was rock-ribbed.
Looking at that photo you posted - look at the corner. He's in press man coverage and all by his lonesome. I guess that's why nobody runs that defense today. With the way they've changed the rules to favor scoring and the passing game, corners can't press the way they used to and the receiver would run right by him. If they cheat the safety over, that compromises run support. Oh, well. A different era.