pulled it out in their typical fashion, however, trouncing the world champs by a score of 34–19 behind a remarkable performance by Tomczak who completed 20 of 34 passes for 292 yards. Dennis McKinnon delighted the Soldier Field crowd that night by returning a punt 94 yards for a touchdown, it was the longest TD Punt return in the NFL in 1987. The Bears, it appeared were back. The club won their second game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 20, then the strike of 1987 was called, forcing the cancellation of all NFL games the week of September 27. Scabs During the first days of the strike, the league pondered what to do, as most teams' players were deeply divided over whether to strike or not. This was not 1982, everyone learned, as the league decided to hire replacement players (referred to as "scabs" and "spare Bears"), as cancelling half the season was not an option. Mike Ditka decided to make his feelings public about the strike, as he fully backed management on the work-stoppage. He referred to the spare players as his "real" players, a move which angered the true Bears out on strike and forced the team to spend the night in Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium before their first game, to avoid crossing the pickets. This turned out to be a wound not healed easily or quickly in the months to come. Defensive end Steve Trimble was the last Bear to wear #40 as the number was later retired in honor of Gale Sayers. The scabs held their foes to 29 points in three games, and posted a 2-1 record. Chicago Spare Bears After the league decided to use replacement players during the NFLPA strike, the following team was assembled, and was given the name "Spare Bears" by the Chicago Tribune's writer Don Pierson. The players were also known as "The Impostors of the Midway", "Bearlys" and "Chicago Bares". No regular players crossed during the strike. Notable scabs Sean Payton (quarterback) – coached the New Orleans Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV. Tommy Barnhardt (punter) – had a 14-year career with several teams. Mark Rodenhauser (center / long snapper) - kept on the team as a long snapper for the 1987 season. Had a 12-year career with seven teams. Lorenzo Lynch (defensive back) – had an 11-year career with 17 career interceptions. John Wojciechowski (offensive lineman)