Bears 3-0, Dolphins 0-2 in HOF Game

The Chicago Bears  have enjoyed three prior visits to Canton, Ohio to play in the annual preseason classic.  The Bears are 3-0 in the Hall of Fame Game with wins coming in 1968, 1977, and most recently in 1990.

On the other hand, the Miami Dolphins  have been less fortunate when appearing in the Hall of Fame Game.  The team has lost both times it made the trip to Fawcett Stadium.

Aug. 3, 1968 – Bears 30, Cowboys 24
Chicago outlasted Dallas on a calm 83 degree day.  Future Hall of Famer Gale Sayers rushed 10 times for 28 yards, scored on a 47-yard TD pass play, and even attempted a pass.  Willie Dearion returned a punt 62 yards for the game-winning touchdown.  However, his effort wasn’t enough to land him a job as he never made an NFL roster.

July 30, 1977 – Bears 20, Jets 6
Linebacker Don Rives scored on a 38-yard interception return late in the third quarter to put the Bears in front for good.  Placekicker Bob Thomas connected on two field goals (41 and 49 yards) and tight end Greg Latta closed out the scoring on a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mike Phipps.

QB Jim Harbaugh (4) and the Bears shutout the Cleveland Browns in the 1990 HOF Game.

Aug. 4, 1990 – Bears 13, Browns 0
Chicago used the game to give its quarterbacks some practice under fire.  Jim Harbaugh connected on 6 of 8 passes for 97 yards.  Mike Tomczak took over and completed 9 of 16 passes including the game’s only touchdown, a 35-yard hookup with tight end James Coley in the third quarter.

Aug. 6, 2001 – Rams 17, Dolphins 10
The Dolphins opened the scoring on a two-yard scamper by running back Lamar Smith.  For the game, Smith carried seven times for 21 yards.  Four quarterbacks saw action for the Dolphins including Jay Fiedler (4 of 5 for 68 yards) and Ray Lucas (5 of 6 for 45 yards).