Chicago Bears: A Complete Hall of Fame Game Preview
By Erik Lambert
The Chicago Bears are set to participate in the Hall of Fame game this year in celebration of Brian Urlacher making it to Canton. On his first try, no less.
Few people are surprised the eight-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker made it in. He was one of the defining defenders of his era in the NFL. One of the two or three names mentioned first before anybody else. He helped carry the Bears to its second-most successful run of the Super Bowl era, making the playoffs four times, reaching two NFC championships and playing in Super Bowl XLI.
It’s interesting the Hall of Fame game should happen when he got in. The last time the Bears played in one, he would go on to win Defensive Player of the Years. It’s a rather fitting way to pay homage to his career. So what exactly should be expected from the team as they kick off their preseason down in Canton?
Here’s a complete breakdown of what’s happened, who to watch and hopes the team had as they prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens.
History
The last time the Bears played in the Hall of Fame “showcase” was 13 years ago in 2005. Lovie Smith was in his second year as head coach, hoping to turn things around after a difficult season in 2004. Chicago was playing the Miami Dolphins who ironically had just seen coach Dave Wannstedt depart the year before. The same man who’d coached the Bears for most of the 1990s. The game itself ended up being quite enjoyable.
Both teams traded shots in the first half and most of the 3rd quarter. Then the Dolphins seemed to strike the killing blow in the 4th, building a 24-13 lead off a pick-six of Bears rookie quarterback Kyle Orton. Undeterred, Orton led a touchdown drive on the next series to narrow the gap 24-20. Miami ended up missing a field goal on their next opportunity. With under two minutes left, the Bears scored again to take a 27-24 lead and the defense slammed the door shut with an interception not long after.
Fitting revenge on Miami who got to watch Dan Marino inducted that year while defensive end Richard Dent was passed over despite being a finalist.