The Pittsburgh Steelers have had many legendary teams throughout their history. During the 1970s, they boasted some of the greatest teams of all time, winning four Super Bowls in 1975, 1976, 1979, and 1980. These Steelers teams are undoubtedly among the greatest ever assembled, with the 1975 team often considered to have the best roster.
The team was led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw, along with star running backs Rocky Bleier and Franco Harris, and wide receiver Lynn Swann. Their defense was truly formidable, featuring heavy hitters like Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, L.C. Greenwood, Ernie Holmes, Dwight White, and Jack Ham. The strength of these rosters defined the Steelers' dominance throughout the 70s.
Another team often cited as the greatest ever is the 1985 Chicago Bears. Jimbo Covert, an offensive tackle and Hall of Famer from that dominant Bears team, recently appeared on the Joe Starkey Show on 93.7 The Fan. During his appearance, he was asked whether his 1985 Bears team was the greatest of all time.
"I think so. We got five Hall of Famers on that team, and I think if you look back at that team, I think that '85 team that year could have beat any team of all time. I know I'm talking in Pittsburgh. I grew up in Pittsburgh. I'm a huge Steeler fan still. And I think we would've played with any of those Steeler teams that won the Super Bowl, any of 'em.”
Covert was humble in his response, even admitting that he grew up as a Steelers fan. However, he confidently asserted that the 1985 Bears would have held their own against any of the Steelers teams from the 70s. Covert explained that their running back, Walter Payton, was a significant reason they could have defeated those legendary Steelers teams.
"Just because of the talent that we had on both sides of the ball, especially on the offensive and defensive lines. And we had the greatest player that ever lived running the football, and that made a big difference as well. So I mean, when you think back on that, it was a hell of a football team."
It's not surprising that Covert would feel this way about his team. During the 1985 season, the Bears had an extraordinary run, winning 15 games and losing just one. They dominated throughout the playoffs, starting with a 21-0 victory against the New York Giants in the Divisional Round. They continued their dominance with a 24-0 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the Conference Championship. The Bears capped off their incredible season with a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. It was a season of absolute domination for that Bears team.
Steelers' 1975 Team Facing Off Against The 1985 Bears Would Be Epic
The Steelers' playoff games in 1975 were a bit closer, but they still took care of business. When comparing who could win against the 1985 Bears, you have to consider the Steelers teams that won four Super Bowls in the 1970s. Many football fans would do just about anything to watch the 1975 Steelers face off against the 1985 Bears team.
Comparing eras is never easy, but it's always fun. It's something fans will always do, and in this case, it was something Covert was prompted to debate. No one really knows what would happen if the two teams faced off, but anytime you have Bradshaw, Harris, Lambert, and company, the Steelers team has a real good chance of winning.
Covert acknowledged the greatness of the Steelers teams while defending his own. His admiration for the Steelers doesn't diminish his belief in the 1985 Bears' capabilities. With Payton leading their offense and a defense that could shut down any opponent, the Bears of 1985 were a force to be reckoned with. Fans can only speculate, but the debate itself is a testament to the lasting impact of these legendary teams. Steeler Nation obviously would assume the Steelers would have beaten anyone in front of them.
