Tickets–None available. Sellout of 65,790.
TV-radio–WBBM-TV, Ch. 2, Tim Ryan and Johnny Morris. WGN (720), Wayne Larrivee, Dick Butkus, Jim Hart.
The game–Rematch of last year`s NFC semifinal. Bears` first of two against NFC East Division opponents.
Last game–Dec. 30, 1984, in RFK Stadium. Bears won 23-19 to advance to NFC championship game. QB Steve Fuller completed 9 of 15 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns, one of 75 yards to Willie Gault and one of 16 to Dennis McKinnon. Walter Payton threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Pat Dunsmore to break a 3-3 tie in the first quarter. The Bears` No. 1 defense sacked Washington QB Joe Theismann seven times.
The records–Redskins (1-2) lost to Cowboys 44-14, beat Oilers 16-13, lost to Eagles 19-6. Bears (3-0) beat Bucs 38-28, beat Patriots 20-7, beat Vikings 33-24.
What to watch–When the Redskins have the ball, quarterback Joe Theismann is having trouble hitting receivers Art Monk and Calvin Muhammad consistently. Single-back attack of either George Rogers or John Riggins is averaging 4.9 yards a carry but unable to set up big passing plays. Theismann has thrown only 2 touchdown passes and 7 interceptions. But the Redskins boast the same personnel that scored 26 points a game last year.
When the Bears have the ball, they will try to control first down with short passes or runs. If Redskins stack defenses to stop Walter Payton, QB Jim McMahon will cut loose to wide receivers Willie Gault and Dennis McKinnon. Redskins will be the best defense the Bears have faced and the Bears are shaky on the offensive line because of injuries.
Key matchups–Bears` offensive left tackle Andy Frederick vs. Redskins`
defensive right end Dexter Manley. If Bears` regular Jimbo Covert is unable to go because of back spasms that hospitalized him for three days, Frederick will face Redskins` leading sacker Manley.
— Bears` offensive right guard Tom Thayer vs. Redskins` defensive left tackle Dave Butz. Thayer subs for injured Kurt Becker against 300-pounder Butz.
— Bears` wide receiver Willie Gault vs. Redskins` cornerback Darrell Green. Two of the fastest men in football could match up, although Green also will face Dennis McKinnon and Gault will line up across from Vernon Dean.
— Redskins` wide receiver Art Monk vs. Bears` cornerback Mike Richardson. Monk is averaging less than 10 yards a catch, but Theismann will try to beat Richardson deep.
— Redskins` right guard Ken Huff vs. Bears` defensive tackle Steve McMichael. Redskins blamed injury to Huff during playoff game for running problems.
Key injuries–Redskins: LB Mel Kaufman (neck) probable. Bears: G Kurt Becker (knee) doubtful; SS Dave Duerson (groin), OT Jimbo Covert (back) both questionable.
