Fictitious match-up (obviously): 1976 Raiders vs. 1985 Bears

[saturdaysarebetter]

In this fictitious match-up (obviously), who wins: the 1976 Raiders vs. the 1985 Bears?

Things to ponder:
- Would the Raiders great offensive line provide an immobile Kenny Stabler enough time to throw against the Bears pass rush?

- Would the Bears be able to cover Dave Casper? Would Casper expose the open areas of the Bears defense when they sold out on rushing Stabler?

- Provided Stabler had time to throw, could the Bears cover Fred Biletnikoff and Cliff Branch?

- Would either team be able to sustain an offensive drive or would it be a game of big plays?

No doubt, a fierce hard-hitting game.

How do you break this one down and how do you see it turning out?

[Brian wolf]

Unlike many teams in 1985, the 1976 Raiders had RBs that could block and pick up the blitz. Branch would have been a handful, the same as Gault. Payton would be tough for the Raiders to stop. Tatum and Atkinson would have had to stop him before he got loose. I dont think the Bears linebackers can cover prime Casper.

[Retro Rider]

FWIW, NFL Films had the '76 Raiders beating the '85 Bears 28-17 during ESPN's NFL Dream Season back in 1989. Cliff Branch had 10 receptions for over 200 yards:

https://youtu.be/J1x81Lui81Y?is=tF3c_akecQWZRwEv

[saturdaysarebetter]

Thank you Retro. I knew the Raiders could do it!