Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

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?

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.

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

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