The Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals. Two NFL teams, forever linked by history.
In fact, this is the oldest rivalry in the entire National Football League, stretching all the way back to 1920. That’s a lot of football!
This article provides a statistical overview of the Bears-Cardinals rivalry, diving into the historical context and key matchups that have defined this enduring NFL tradition. We’ll explore the Chicago Bears vs Arizona Cardinals stats to see who has the edge.
A Historical Overview of the Rivalry
The Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals have a long and storied history, dating all the way back to the early days of professional football. Let’s take a look at some of the key moments and turning points in this rivalry.
Early Years and “The Battle of Chicago”
Believe it or not, both of these teams once called Chicago home. The rivalry started back in 1920 when they were both Chicago-based teams. For almost 40 years, their matchups were known as “The Battle of Chicago.” The very first game between them was November 28, 1920, and the Cardinals edged out a 7-6 victory.
Impact of Team Relocations
When the Cardinals moved to St. Louis in 1959 and then to Arizona in 1988, the rivalry lost some of its heat. The relocations changed how often the teams played each other, and it also affected their positions in the league.
Key Moments in the Rivalry
There have been some memorable moments in this rivalry. One that stands out is Ernie Nevers’ incredible 40-point game back in 1929. More recently, who can forget the 2006 Monday Night Football game and Dennis Green’s, shall we say, passionate post-game speech?
Chicago Bears vs. Arizona Cardinals: Head-to-Head Statistical Comparison
Let’s dive into the numbers and see how these two storied franchises stack up against each other over the years.
Overall Record
The Chicago Bears hold a significant lead in the all-time series, with a record of 60 wins, 30 losses, and 6 ties. That’s out of a total of 96 meetings between these two teams.
Regular Season vs. Playoff Games
The vast majority of these games have been regular-season matchups. While both teams have had their share of ups and downs, the Bears have consistently outperformed the Cardinals over the long haul. It’s worth noting whether any of those 96 games were playoff games. [Editor’s note: research and insert playoff game info here]
Significant Wins and Losses
Looking at the extremes, the Chicago Bears’ largest victory came in 1941, with a dominant 53-7 score. The Arizona Cardinals, on the other hand, recorded their biggest win in 1955, defeating the Bears 53-14.
The longest win streaks in this rivalry belong to the Bears, with a 7-game run from 1940 to 1943, and the Cardinals, with a 4-game streak from 1950 to 1952. As of today, the Cardinals are currently riding a 1-game win streak against the Bears, dating back to 2024.
Statistical data availability and coverage
If you’re looking for stats on the Bears vs. Cardinals game, here’s a rundown of what’s generally available.
Player statistics
- Player game data: available since 1933
- Scoring stats (TD, XP, FG): complete since 1920
- Yardage and attempts stats: nearly complete since 1933
Team statistics
- Team game data: available since 1920
- Before 1940: only wins, losses, points for, and points allowed are available
- Scoring stats (TD, XP, FG): complete since 1920
- Yardage and attempts stats: nearly complete since 1933
Advanced statistics
Keep in mind that most advanced stats only go back to 2018.
Players Who Have Played for Both the Bears and Cardinals
The Bears and Cardinals have been around for a long time, so naturally, some players have worn both uniforms. These connections add another layer to the rivalry, as fans might remember a player fondly from one team, only to see them suit up for the other.
One notable example is quarterback Josh McCown. McCown had two separate stints with the Bears (2011 and 2013-2014), providing veteran leadership and even starting a few games. He also spent time with the Cardinals in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Another player who played for both teams is running back Marion Grice. The Cardinals drafted Grice in 2014, and he later joined the Bears practice squad in 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is favored to win the Bears-Cardinals game?
As of right now, it’s tough to say definitively who’s favored. Early predictions often fluctuate based on player injuries, team performance in recent weeks, and even weather conditions. Check reliable sports news outlets closer to game day for the most up-to-date odds and analysis.
Who is the Arizona Cardinals’ biggest rival?
The Cardinals have a few teams they consider rivals, but the Seattle Seahawks probably top the list. Their NFC West divisional matchups are always hard-fought, and the history between the two teams makes for intense games.
How many Super Bowls have the Chicago Bears been to?
The Chicago Bears have made it to the Super Bowl twice. They famously won Super Bowl XX in 1986 against the New England Patriots and lost Super Bowl XLI in 2007 against the Indianapolis Colts. Bears fans are always hoping for another trip!
What is the Cardinals’ record vs. the Bears?
Historically, the Chicago Bears have dominated the series against the Arizona Cardinals. The Bears hold a decided advantage in the all-time record, but it’s worth remembering that past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Each game is a new opportunity for either team to come out on top.
Wrapping Up
The Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals have the oldest rivalry in the NFL. Through the decades, the teams have delivered statistical highs and lows and more than a few memorable moments.
Even though both teams have relocated and the league itself looks very different than it once did, the Bears-Cardinals rivalry endures. Football fans look forward to this matchup, and it’s likely to continue for many years to come.