On November 4th, 1984, the Los Angeles Raiders faced off against the Chicago Bears in what is considered the most violent NFL game ever played. The game featured numerous injuries, including concussions, a lacerated kidney, and a broken thumb, with three quarterbacks being seriously hurt. The Bears dominated the game, winning 17-6, but the final score doesn't reflect the intensity and brutality of the contest. The game marked a turning point for both teams, with the Bears going on to become a dominant force in the NFL and the Raiders' dynasty coming to an end. The match is remembered as a testament to the physicality and toughness of the players in the 1980s, with Bears coach Mike Ditka calling it the most brutal game he'd ever seen.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The Los Angeles Raiders played the Chicago Bears on November 4th, 1984.
2. The game was considered the most violent in NFL history.
3. The Raiders had a 7-2 record at the time, while the Bears were 6-3.
4. The Bears won the game 17-6.
5. The Raiders lost their number one quarterback, Jim Plunkett, to injury in week six.
6. Mark Wilson replaced Plunkett as quarterback, but was injured twice during the game.
7. Wilson suffered a concussion and a broken thumb, but continued to play.
8. Raiders backup quarterback David Humm was also injured, suffering a couple of teeth knocked out and a knee injury.
9. Bears quarterback Jim McMahon was injured, suffering a lacerated kidney and spending two weeks in the hospital.
10. The game featured 9 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 2 fumbles.
11. The Bears' defense was ranked first in the NFL in yards allowed and third in points allowed.
12. The Raiders' defense was ranked third in the NFL in yards allowed and tenth in points allowed.
13. The game was played at Soldier Field in Chicago.
14. The Bears went on to win Super Bowl 20 the following year.
15. The Raiders' dynasty ended after the 1984 season, and they went 5-10 three years later.
16. Tom Flores was fired as the Raiders' coach five years after the game.
17. The game was considered one of the most brutal in NFL history, with several players suffering serious injuries.