Every day of the 2015 Chicago Bears season, Chicago Sun-Times Sports will revisit its coverage 30 years ago during the 1985 Bears’ run to a Super Bowl title.
Hampton gives ranking to Marino over Eason
Dan Pompei
Originally published Jan. 19, 1986
Tony Eason is no Dan Marino, no matter how hard he tries.
That’s what Bears defensive tackle Dan Hampton said Friday.
“Tony is not going to be a Dan Marino,” Hampton said. “Marino’s got that great power and release. I don’t think Eason’s got that kind of arm.
“There’s only one Dan Marino and he’s my MVP of the ’80s.”
Hampton said New England tried to emulate Miami’s offense early in the season and learned it is more effective running first and passing later.
“Eason is a very complementary quarterback,” Hampton said. “He can get the ball to receivers and backs and do it all, but they’d be crazy to get away from their running game. That’s what got them to the Super Bowl.”
Hampton said he never felt as useless as against Marino in this season’s Bears-Dolphins game.
“Three or four times I made a clean pass rush and beat my man instantly. Before I could run seven steps to where he’s at, he throws the ball on an 18 yard out,” Hampton said.
“Now what good am I in that case?”
