By Darin The 1985 Chicago Bears were a freight train barreling toward football immortality. At 12-0, with a legendary “46 Defense” and a swagger that defined the decade, they were arguably the most dominant force the NFL had ever seen. The only obstacle standing between them and a shot at the second perfect season in league history was the team that owned the first: the Miami Dolphins.
On the night of December 2, 1985, the undefeated Bears strode into the steamy Orange Bowl for a monumental Monday Night Football clash. This wasn’t just a regular season game; it was a referendum on history, pitting the brute strength of the Bears’ defense against the surgical genius of Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino.
Marino Shreds the “46 Defense”
Marino delivered a performance for the ages. Against a defense that habitually crushed opponents, the Dolphins’ offense—guided by Marino’s quick release and precision passing—took immediate command. Miami jumped out to a stunning 31-10 halftime lead, neutralizing the Bears’ ferocious pass rush by operating efficiently and attacking the gaps in their aggressive scheme.
The Bears, featuring Hall of Famers like Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, and Walter Payton, fought back in the second half. However, the deficit proved insurmountable. The final score: Dolphins 38, Bears 24.
The victory was instantly cemented in NFL lore. Miami had not only defended their own 1972 undefeated season legacy, but they had also handed the vaunted 1985 Bears their sole defeat.
The Ultimate Spoiler
The loss didn’t derail Chicago; the Bears went on to dominate the playoffs and crush the Patriots in Super Bowl XX. However, the Monday night loss cemented the Dolphins’ role as the ultimate spoiler. For Miami fans, it was sweet validation. For the rest of the league, it was a spectacular reminder that even the most historically dominant streaks can be snapped by a perfect storm of motivation and talent. The night of December 2, 1985, remains one of the most memorable chapters in NFL history, a testament to what happens when an unstoppable force finally meets its match.
Nat Moore score 1985 03 Dec 1985, Tue News-Press (Fort Myers, Florida) Newspapers.com