Skip to main content
Advertising

ChicagoBears.com | The Official Website of the Chicago Bears

Historic Moments: Crushing defense

Jan. 5, 1986: Bears 21, N.Y. Giants 0. The New York Giants were supposed to have a chance in the NFC semifinal game. They didn't. The Bears won 21-0 with a defense as cold-hearted as the weather.

The Chicago Tribune headline the day after the game. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
1 / 16

The Chicago Tribune headline the day after the game. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

This muffed punt by Giants' Sean Landeta resulted in a Bears touchdown by Shaun Gayle. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
2 / 16

This muffed punt by Giants' Sean Landeta resulted in a Bears touchdown by Shaun Gayle. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) is wrapped up by Bears defensive end Richard Dent (95) during the first quarter. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
3 / 16

Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) is wrapped up by Bears defensive end Richard Dent (95) during the first quarter. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

Matt Suhey (26) leaps over New York Giants Harry Carson (53) as he carries the ball in the first quarter. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
4 / 16

Matt Suhey (26) leaps over New York Giants Harry Carson (53) as he carries the ball in the first quarter. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

Richard Dent sacks Giants quarterback Phil Simms during their game on Jan. 5, 1986 at Soldier Field. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
5 / 16

Richard Dent sacks Giants quarterback Phil Simms during their game on Jan. 5, 1986 at Soldier Field. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

Wilber Marshall (58), Richard Dent (95) and Mike Singletary (50) were key players on a Bears defense that posted back-to-back shutouts in the '86 playoffs. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
6 / 16

Wilber Marshall (58), Richard Dent (95) and Mike Singletary (50) were key players on a Bears defense that posted back-to-back shutouts in the '86 playoffs. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

Dan Hampton had one of the Bears' four sacks in the '86 playoff win over the Giants. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
7 / 16

Dan Hampton had one of the Bears' four sacks in the '86 playoff win over the Giants. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

Mike Singletary closes in on Giants quarteback Phil Simms, who was sacked six times. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
8 / 16

Mike Singletary closes in on Giants quarteback Phil Simms, who was sacked six times. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

New York Giants' quarterback Phil Simms (11) is brought down by Chicago Bears' Mike Singletary during the third quarter. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
9 / 16

New York Giants' quarterback Phil Simms (11) is brought down by Chicago Bears' Mike Singletary during the third quarter. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

Otis Wilson (left) and Dave Duerson celebrate at Soldier Field. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
10 / 16

Otis Wilson (left) and Dave Duerson celebrate at Soldier Field. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

Otis Wilson (left), Wilber Marshall were the outside linebackers on a Bears defense that held opponents scoreless in back-to-back playoff games in '86. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
11 / 16

Otis Wilson (left), Wilber Marshall were the outside linebackers on a Bears defense that held opponents scoreless in back-to-back playoff games in '86. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

New York Giants players try to block a kick. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
12 / 16

New York Giants players try to block a kick. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) loses control the ball as Chicago Bears' Wilbur Marshall (58) closes in on him. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
13 / 16

Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) loses control the ball as Chicago Bears' Wilbur Marshall (58) closes in on him. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

From right, quarterback Jim McMahon (9), coach Mike Ditka, and safety Gary Fencik (45) charge the field. The Bears glided into the Super Bowl with a 15-1 regular-season record and two shutout playoff victories. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
14 / 16

From right, quarterback Jim McMahon (9), coach Mike Ditka, and safety Gary Fencik (45) charge the field. The Bears glided into the Super Bowl with a 15-1 regular-season record and two shutout playoff victories. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

The front of the sports section of the Chicago Tribune headline the day after the game. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
15 / 16

The front of the sports section of the Chicago Tribune headline the day after the game. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

The front of the sports section of the Chicago Tribune headline the day after the game. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune
16 / 16

The front of the sports section of the Chicago Tribune headline the day after the game. Bears Historic Moments - Chicago Tribune

Advertising
This Ad will close in 3
Advertising

Related

gallery

Bears begin 2025 offseason program | Behind the Scenes

From the weight room to the practice fields, get an exclusive look inside Halas Hall during Phase 1 of the Bears' offseason program.
gallery

Players return to Halas Hall | Behind the Scenes

Take a look at Bears players arriving at Halas Hall for Phase 1 of the team's voluntary offseason program.
gallery

Bears' UK girls flag football league | Season 3

Members of the Bears organization, including running back Roschon Johnson, took a trip across the pond to help kick off the third season of the team's girls flag football league in the United Kingdom. The league has expanded to three cities for the 2025 season – Manchester, Birmingham and London.
gallery

Bears Mini Monsters Clinics in Spain

Members of the Bears organization, including linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, headed to Spain to conduct Mini Monsters clinics for a third consecutive year in Madrid, Valencia and Badalona to teach kids the importance of healthy eating, physical activity and proper hydration through fun, non-contact football drills.
Advertising