1985 Bears Coverage: Rams discount Ryan's charges

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.

Rams discount Ryan’s charges

Brian Hewitt

Originally published Jan. 9, 1986

The Rams said yesterday they think Bear defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan is getting nervous.

Earlier this week Ryan charged the Rams’ offensive lineman with being notorious for holding. Then yesterday he reportedly insisted the Bears could count on several fumbles from Ram running back Eric Dickerson in Sunday’s NFC championship game at Soldier Field.

“Maybe Buddy Ryan knows something I don’t know,” said Dickerson. “They can try and strip the ball from me as much as they want. But the more they try, the more chance they have of missing tackles.”

For the record, Dickerson fumbled 10 times in 292 carries this season. The Rams lost seven of those fumbles. Last season Dickerson fumbled 15 times and lost 12. In 1983, his rookie year, he fumbled 13 times and lost 11. Against the Bears in 1984 he gained 149 yards on 28 carries and didn’t fumble once in the Rams’ 29-13 victory.

Asked about Ryan’s latest remarks, Ram coach John Robinson said: “I’m not willing to comment on what an assistant coach says. If you want something else, call the commissioner’s office or call Mike Ditka.”

The Rams have decided not to activate Pro Bowl center Doug Smith for Sunday’s game. Smith is suffering from a head injury that causes tingling in his arms and fingers. Tony Slaton will start at center.

Meanwhile, Ram cornerback Gary Green will take injured 49er cornerback Eric Wright’s place on the NFC Pro Bowl squad.