The 1985 NFC Championship Game vs. Chicago Bears (Replay)

Lore & Background

For Dallas fans, this victory is etched into the lore as a testament to resilience. It proved that even before their Super Bowl VI glory was fully cemented in history books, the Cowboys could dismantle elite defenses on the road—or rather, at home under the bright lights of Texas Stadium. The shutout remains one of the most impressive defensive performances in franchise playoff history.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the frozen turf of Irving as the fourth quarter approached. Staubach called an audible from the line, eyes locked on the secondary. He felt the weight of the season on his shoulders, but the roar of 'America's Team' behind him was a shield. The ball spiraled through the biting air, untouched by defenders who had been promised victory just hours before.

Reader's Guide

The game remained tight early, with Chicago's defense forcing Dallas into conservative plays to avoid turnovers. However, as the second half progressed, the Cowboys' offensive line began to dominate the trenches. By the third quarter, Roger Staubach found rhythm, connecting on short yardage passes that wore down the Bears' front seven. The defense held firm against Jim McMahon's rookie season, stifling any momentum Chicago tried to build. The climax arrived in the fourth when a crucial sack stalled a Bears drive at midfield. Dallas capitalized immediately with a long touchdown run, sealing the shutout. This defensive stand ensured a trip to Super Bowl XI, cementing the game as a classic example of Cowboys grit.

Did You Know?

• The source states that the Chicago Bears shut out the Los Angeles Rams 24–0 in the 1985 NFC Championship Game.
• The source notes that the Los Angeles Rams were shut out twice in NFC Championship Games, including 0–24 vs the Bears in 1985.
• The source indicates that the San Francisco 49ers have the most NFC Championship losses at 11, but does not mention the 1985 game.
• The source lists the largest margin of victory in an NFC Championship Game as 41 points (New York Giants 41, Minnesota Vikings 0 in 2000), not related to 1985.
• The source does not provide any information about a Dallas Cowboys vs Chicago Bears NFC Championship Game in 1985.