Thread: '00 Ravens D better than '85 Bears?

Originally Posted by Papa Bear

I know this is probably blasphemy, but I'm just getting sick of talking about the '85 Bears. lol

That's a good point PB but until we win another to brag on I'm afraid it's gonna hang on in our memories like a bad cold.

Originally Posted by Papa Bear

I know this is probably blasphemy, but I'm just getting sick of talking about the '85 Bears. lol

You're right. Let's talk about the '13 Bears who are gonna be the first team to go 19-0.

Just my .02 but there is no comparison because of the difference in eras. The rules were so much different that a comparison is super difficult.

With that said, I will take the Ravens D. If only because comparatively speaking they are ridiculously hamstrung by the rules that have been implemented over the last several years that have freed up the offense while forcing the defense to adjust. The havoc that the Bears wrought in 1985 would get them thrown out of any game in this century. Granted, those Bears were allowed to do that in 1985 and more power to them. However, if we are to compare the two defenses then we must consider the eras in which they played and the fact is the Ravens just aren't given the same latitude that the Bears had in 1985.

I guess the real questions are these...

1) Would the Ravens defense be able to adjust their game to be more aggressive and intimidating in order to survive in 1985's climate? The answer here is simple. ANY defense can turn up the aggression a notch to increase the intimidation & violence.

In my mind the real question becomes....

2) Could the 1985 Bears defense be just as effective while having to dial back their intensity, intimidation, & aggression? Can the Bears adjust to not being able to hit a defenseless receiver? Can the Bears pull up on a QB once the ball is out of his hand? Can the Bears make these adjustments while being the same force that they were in 1985? I am unsure. Intimidation was a HUGE part of that defense and if taken away I don't know if they are as effective.

We will never know. But it is fun to discuss the what ifs.