On December 29 1963, Chicago were crowned NFL champions for the eighth time, their top-ranked defense pressuring Y. A. Tittle into five interceptions as they beat the New York Giants 14–10. San Diego's one-sided victory in the AFL title game a week later led to some speculation as to whether they might be a match for the Bears. Gillman declared that his team wouldn't disgrace themselves in such an encounter, though the Los Angeles Times noted that Chicago would represent a substantial step up in difficulty from the Patriots.