Looking Back: The 1989 Chicago Bears

by wiltfongjr on Jul 20, 2009 11:00 AM CDT Comment 30 comments

Twenty years ago. 1989. What were you doing? Were you even aware of our beloved Bears? Some of you weren't even born! There's always a big hoopla made over the 20^th anniversary of championship teams; I say why only look at the great teams? This year marks the 20^th Anniversary of the 1989 Chicago Bears. So I'll give them their due!

Before the season the popular, but injury prone punky QB known as McMahon was traded to the Chargers, leaving Mike Tomczak and Jim Harbaugh to battle it out for his job. Losing arguably one of the most popular players in Bears history was a tough blow and the Bears needed a strong start to the season to appease the fan base. Dual number one draft picks Donnell Woolford and Trace Armstrong gave the Bears some hope, and Da Coach, of course, would keep this team winning... wouldn't he?

What ever lingering hope us Bears fans had after the incredible 1985 season in thinking another Super Bowl was right around the corner, came to an abrupt end in 1989 with a 6-10 record. After winning their division five straight seasons and coming off a NFC Championship loss to the 49ers in 1988, the six win season was a reality check for many.

There were still many familiar faces from Super Bowl XX playing in Chicago, Richard Dent, Mike Singletary, William Perry, Steve McMichael, and Dan Hampton among the defenders, and Jimbo Covert, Mark Bortz, Tom Thayer, Keith Van Horne, and Jay Hilgenberg were still manning the trenches, but there were some new players making their names in Chicago. Neal Anderson was coming off his first of what would be 4 consecutive Pro Bowls. Brad Muster was primed to take over the starting fullback job from Matt Suhey. James "Robocop" Thornton was coming off a solid rookie year, causing Bears fans to thing ‘we've finally found the next great tight end'. And who can forget Tom Waddle making his Bears debut in the '89 season? (1 catch for 8 yards and 1 punt return for 2 yards)

Things started out so promising by winning their first 4 games. The Bears opened up with the defending AFC Champion Bengals coming to town, and saw Dan Hampton sack Boomer Esisaon twice, while Neal Anderson (21 carries for 146 yards) helped the Bears offense overcome a shaky game by Mike Tomczak for a 17-14 win. Week 2 the Bears intercepted Viking QB Wade Wilson 4 times and rolled up 28 fourth quarter points in winning 38-7. In week 3 the Bears lit up Detroit 47-27 behind Mike Tomczak's 302 yards and 2 TD, and 4 sacks by the Bears D. Then in week 4 rematch of 1988's Fog Bowl, the Bears picked off Randal Cunningham 4 times, sacked him 4 times (3 by Dent), and won 27-13.

Then a 3 game losing streak nullified what ever Bears buzz was surrounding the city. RB Lars Tate (who?) and QB Vinny Testaverde helped the Bucs win a shootout 42-35. Next up the Houston Oilers scored 14 unanswered fourth quarter points to come back and win 33-28, helped along by Tomczak's 4 ints. Then in week 7 the Bears traveled to Cleveland and got spanked 27-7, behind an efficient 22 of 29 for 281 yards by Bernie Kosar including a 97 yard TD to Webster Slaughter (8 for 186, TD). This was also the start of a QB controversy as Mike Ditka yanked Tomczak for Jim Harbaugh.

Week 8 brought the L.A. Rams to town; Jim Harbaugh got the start at QB and was a solid 10 of 13 for 157 yards passing with 31 yards on the ground and a TD. Bears back in the win column 20-10.

Week 9 and finally a trip to Green Bay to face the "Magic Man" (gag) Don Majkowski in what would have a very controversial ending. With less than a minute remaining in the game, fourth and goal from Chicago's 14 yard line, Majkowski scrambled, crossed the line of scrimmage, then threw a strike to Sterling Sharpe in the end zone. The referees correctly threw the flag (loss of down penalty, game over!), but some shadow of doubt crept into the Zebra's minds and they asked for an instant replay review. Play reversed, TD scored, Packers win. B.S. B.S. B.S.

The Bears and Packers were both now 5-4 just 1 game behind the 6-3 Vikings, and the NFC Central was still there for the taking.

Week 10 in Pittsburgh was easier than expected with a 20-0 win. The Bears defense held the Steelers to 216 total yards and picked up 6 turnovers and 4 sacks. With 6 games remaining everything was looking up for the Bears and their fans. Tampa Bay was coming to Chicago and the Bears were looking for payback. However, 4 turnovers later, and a late Donald Igwebuike field goal, and the Bears lose 31-32. The Bears let a McMahon like comeback by Mike Tomczak go for naught. He replaced Jim Harbaugh and threw three fourth quarter TD's on 6 of 7 passing for 156 yards.

Chicago's hopes died a slow and painful death, as they continued their losing ways by dropping the rest of the games on their schedule. They fell to .500 at the hands of the Redskins losing 38-14 and getting out gained 492 to 191. Then in week 13 the Vikings turned the tables and won 27-16 as Wade Wilson threw 2 TD's and had 260 yards passing. In week 14 the Bears faced a hot Lions team that would win 27-17, sacking Bears QB's 5 times and getting 2 TD and 120 yards rushing by rookie Barry Sanders. The hated Packers traveled to Chicago for the next to last game with the Bears still fuming over that B.S. call in week 9, they were ticked off and looking for retribution... but it wasn't their day as the Packers ran up over 450 yards and cruised to a 40-28 win.

The season finale and the defending champ 49ers were waiting for a final tune-up before their playoff run. I wonder why the Bears even showed up, dropping the contest 26-0. The Bears D tried to keep them in the game, getting 3 sacks and picking of Joe Montana, but the Chicago O couldn't get anything clicking. The 49ers would go on to defeat the Broncos 55-10 in the Super Bowl behind league and SB MVP Joe Montana.

The Bears were represented in the Pro Bowl in 1989 by running back Neal Anderson (274 rushes for 1,275 yards, 11 TD, & 50 receptions for 434 yards and 4 TD), center Jay Hilgenberg (when will Jay get some Hall Of Fame love for his 7 straight Pro Bowls?), and middle linebacker Mike Singletary (1 sack, countless tackles, and numerous bulging eyes).

What were some other notable 1989 moments?

A gallon of gas was .97 cents!

Batman was being played by Beetlejuice.

Kevin Costner made us believe there was more in Iowa than just corn.

The Simpsons first aired.

Arsenio Hall was relevant.

The Pistons swept the Lakers (Booo!!!).

‘Don't Worry Be Happy' was making America smile and forget their troubles.

Spike Lee wanted us to Do The Right Thing

1989 the number, another summer (get down)
Sound of the funky drummer

"Fight The Power" ~ Public Enemy

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Comments

Great post.

It was really interesting and showed me a few more players that I should brush up on. Great job! (Even though it was a little depressing – not just because of our losing season, but because gas was 97 cents. Lol.)

"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton

by HoneyBear on Jul 20, 2009 11:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I was one of those fans not born yet lol

Great read, I love learning about the teams that played before I was born

(Asshole Sr) "If you learn one thing here, NEVER pass out in Ohio."

by ThorCo on Jul 20, 2009 11:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

My first ever Bears game

was that Week 2 win against the Vikings. I truly doubt that I had a handle on what was going on. I was 5 years old.

---AC 00 00 00 - Believe

by mjk83 on Jul 20, 2009 11:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I was two, too. :)

by HoneyBear on Jul 20, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oops...

I thought this posted under GG. My bad…

by HoneyBear on Jul 21, 2009 7:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Was Two

and I bet most of my knowledge about the Bears came in the form of a Bears hat I had.

by GallopingGhost on Jul 20, 2009 11:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

God I feel old.

Thanks

If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.

by Just Dave on Jul 20, 2009 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How old do you feel?

I'm teaching fools some basic rules.- MR.T

by Ditkavsworld on Jul 21, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Old enough to not answer that question with a real answer.

If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.

by Just Dave on Jul 21, 2009 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ROFL.

Ok I won’t ask it again. Don’t forget to take your pills today gramps. :)

I'm teaching fools some basic rules.- MR.T

by Ditkavsworld on Jul 22, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Donnell Woolford

Top two kick returner on SNES Tecmo Bowl. I would routinely rank last in the NFL in offense because he would always take back between 12 and 16 kicks for touchdowns every season.

Of course, I was 3 in 1989, so it would be a couple more years before I was introduced to the awesomeness that was Tecmo Woolford.

Is Clint Hurdle fired yet? YES
Is John Paxson fired yet?
Is Ralph Friedgen fired yet?
Is Vinny Del Negro fired yet?
Is Dan O' Dowd fired yet?
Is Jerry Angelo fired yet?

by ES46NE10 on Jul 20, 2009 12:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Just a prelude to Da Coach getting fired

I choose not to remember anything that led to Wanny.

I'm teaching fools some basic rules.- MR.T

by Ditkavsworld on Jul 20, 2009 12:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

they did bounce back

in 1990 and 1991 the Bears went 11-5…

it was that 5-11 in 1992 that finally was the last hoorah for Da Coach

a sad time in Chicago…

on a happy note, in 1992 the Bears did beat the Steelers in the last home game for Mike Singletary!

by wiltfongjr on Jul 20, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I do remember some ups and downs in the early 90's

I think I remember watching Singletary’s last game, sent him out the proper way with a victory.

I'm teaching fools some basic rules.- MR.T

by Ditkavsworld on Jul 20, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

1989

I was 12 and I remember the Bears…. the posters on the wall, the “McMahon Head-band” (matched the Jordan arm-band), still singing the super bowl shuffle, and how the Bears to me, Chicago, and really the world became THE BEARS (guess I and a lot of others pronounce it “DA BEARSE”, but I just dont hear it no matter what my girlfriend and her east coast ears say) My fascination and love of sports was born with that team and all its characters and players, whom there were many I remember, more I forget, but always smile whenever I think back to it.

From a fan to a team…. THANKS !!!!!

by Chisportfan on Jul 20, 2009 2:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

tomczak

argh, that guy pissed me off. he lived down the street from my cousin in thornton and we used to throw stuff at his house. i’m pretty sure it was ’89 because we were sick of him already. maybe it was the year before, i guess he must have played some that year. we knew at 12 years old that we were headed for a looong season with him coming in as the starter.

god, how do you go 2-10 after a 4-0 start? i guess it was time for ditka to go.

by genetic on Jul 20, 2009 5:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I remember that year specifically!

I was 12 and this was around the time that I seriously started getting into the Bears. Not just rooting for the team but really paying attention to the game. I remember the Bears starting off 4-0, I also remember them losing to the Bucs for the second time on CBS and the broadcaster in total disbelief that it happened saying how much of a shock it was.

This was time in my young life that I truly learned to hate the Packers. I despised Don Majkowski and was so happy that they didn’t make the playoffs. By the way, I think people have really forgotten how good of a runningback Neal Anderson was. I remember there were always comparisons with James Brooks out in Cincy for who was the best all-around back in the league. That’s actually the player I think Matt Forte compares to right now.

by Dils on Jul 20, 2009 6:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

There's way more to Iowa than just corn.

There’s soybeans, pigs, cows…. seriously though, we feed the world. This article (and the ensuing posts) succeeded in accomplishing one thing. It made me feel really, really old. Thanks.

If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.

by Just Dave on Jul 20, 2009 8:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

lol

yep… I was in college in 1989… some of us are old.

by wiltfongjr on Jul 20, 2009 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Forte could be like Anderson

I remember the Bears playing the Lions in one of those great games of yesteryear and going into overtime, they line up Anderson as a wideout, first play in overtime a deep pass to the stud of a player TD game over dominas ominas lets go!

by payton#34 on Jul 20, 2009 8:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Neal Andersen. Most underrated Bears running back that side of Raymont Harris.

Ahhh Raymont. The only “Ultraback” who almost lived up to the moniker for one solid season.

If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.

by Just Dave on Jul 20, 2009 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Neal Anderson & Brad Muster

What a HB/FB combination we had there. Muster had great hands, too.

"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell

by Spongie on Jul 21, 2009 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How great were his hands? :-)

by rdent4hof on Jul 22, 2009 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

LOL! WRECK!

I'm teaching fools some basic rules.- MR.T

by Ditkavsworld on Jul 22, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glad you liked that.

by rdent4hof on Jul 22, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I did like.

funny is funny.

I'm teaching fools some basic rules.- MR.T

by Ditkavsworld on Jul 22, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spoken like a true comedian.

by rdent4hof on Jul 22, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now I do feel old...

I was finishing high school and debating whether or not to continue playing football myself. I also had started smoking (less than $1.00 per pack); just quit 3 months ago. I remember meeting Tomczak and Maury Buford(sp?) who came to practice at our high school field one afternoon. It was weird because Tomczak was just benched; somewhere about the time of that awful Majkowski game. It was kind of cool to see some Bears again, but a 2nd sting QB and a punter…well, not so much. When I was younger, Walter Payton and Alan Page both lived within walking distance of my house. This was before every overpaid sports guy moved to Lake Forest and other “elite” suburbs. Hell, now I’ve got 3 kids, a wife, and a mortgage…and its been about that long since the Bears did anything useful on offense (save one year by Kramer in the 90s).

Can I now refer to current players as “kids these days”?

by LostInSTL on Jul 21, 2009 7:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs