2005 Chicago Bears season
| 2005 Chicago Bears season | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Head coach | Lovie Smith |
| General manager | Jerry Angelo |
| Owner | The McCaskey Family |
| Home field | Soldier Field |
| Results | |
| Record | 11–5 |
| Division place | 1st NFC North |
| Playoff finish | Lost Divisional Playoffs (Panthers) 29–21 |
The 2005 Chicago Bears season was their 86th regular season and 24th post-season completed in the National Football League. The club posted an 11–5 record, earning them their first NFC North title and the second seed in the NFC for the playoffs.
The season started off with the club trying to rebound from a 5–11 season under now coach Lovie Smith. Smith, in his first year with the Bears, had been eager to lead his young team to a Super Bowl, but a preseason injury to starting quarterback Rex Grossman spelled disaster for the Bears.
The 2005 Bears began the season on a negative note, winning only one of their first four games. Despite their poor passing game, the Bears managed to win eight consecutive games, through perseverance on defense and a solid running game. The Bears eventually clinched a playoff berth on Christmas Day against the Green Bay Packers. However, in their first playoff game in almost four years, the Carolina Panthers upset the Bears, 29–21.
Hopeful expectations were crushed as quarterback Rex Grossman's ankle was broken in the 2nd preseason game against the St. Louis Rams. Backup quarterback Chad Hutchinson was benched and cut after struggling heavily in the next two preseason games against the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills. The Bears then turned to rookie Kyle Orton to lead their offense.
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