The 1985 Chicago Bears defense is often regarded as the defense. Thirty-four years after they roamed the fields of the NFL, they remain remembered, via movies, books and everything in-between. However, there may be a new defense ready to take the crown as the NFL's greatest ever.

Mike Ditka, the coach of the famed '85 Bears, believes Chicago's 2019 defense may be better than his, that eventually won a Super Bowl.

“Well, I haven’t seen a defense much better ever,” Ditka said, via the Sun-Times. “They are well coached. This season the defense is as good, maybe better than 1985.”

What makes the 2019 defense so good, in Ditka's eyes? It starts with No. 52.

“It is not a one-man defense, but you have to point out Khalil Mack has such an impact,” Ditka said. “What makes Mack special is he has what we call a quick twitch … he has strength … he has great anticipation of the snap of the ball.”

As Ditka notes, the Bears don't boast a one-man defense. There are stars, excelling youth contributors and valuable bench members littered across the defensive line, linebacking corps and secondary.

Despite losing starters and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in the offseason, the Bears defense hasn't skipped a beat under new DC Chuck Pagano. Nor have they particularly missed the talent. Through four games, Chicago ranks No. 2 in the NFL in points per game (11.5) and sacks (17) and is No. 1 in turnover differential (six).

However, though Ditka may believe the 2019 defense can be better than the 1985 one, most won't perceive the two in the same light until a Super Bowl is won.