Memory Lane - 1976 Chicago Bears Preview

The Bears haven’t had a winning season since 1967 when George Halas was head coach. The 1976 the Bears hired Jack Pardee as head coach. Pardee played fifteen years as linebacker, 1957-72, and the last half of his career under the coaching of George Allen. He took his experience and in 1975 lead the WFL Florida Blazers to a championship. Can he do the same for the Bears? Since Pardee took over only sixteen players remain from the roster he inherited.

George Halas in 1974 brought in GM Jim Finks, the architect of the Minnesota Vikings powerhouse. But so far, he hasn’t brought in a top caliber QB but to be fair, in Minnesota he had a bit more talent to use as trade bait.

In 1975 the Bears went through three QB and settled on rookie Bob Avellini. At RB, by the end of the year both positions were filled by rookies. Walter Payton (HOF) dealt with some injuries but managed 679 yds and Roland Harper put up 453 yds. WR’s are Bo Rather, Brian Baschnagel at TE’s Greg Latta and TE/P Bob Parsons.

Defensively, the D-line consists of Pro Bowler Wally Chambers, Mike Hartenstine and Richard Harris. The LB’s Waymond Bryant and Doug Buffone. The secondary needs some help with Virgil Livers being the top talent available.

1976 Draft additions: WR Brian Baschnagel, T Dan Jiggetts, LB Jerry Muckensturm.

1975 Rankings

Tot Yds Off: 24

Tot Yds Def: 17

Tot Pts Scored: 24

Tot Pts Against: 25

1975 Results

1976 Opening Day Roster

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