| 2005 Chicago Bears season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | The McCaskey Family |
| General manager | Jerry Angelo |
| Head coach | Lovie Smith |
| Home field | Soldier Field |
| Results | |
| Record | 11–5 |
| Division place | 1st NFC North |
| Playoff finish | Lost Divisional Playoffs (vs. Panthers) 21–29 |
| Pro Bowlers | C Olin Kreutz DT Tommie Harris MLB Brian Urlacher LB Lance Briggs CB Nathan Vasher SS Mike Brown |
| AP All-Pros | 6
|
The 2005 season was the Chicago Bears' 86th season in the National Football League (NFL), and the second under head coach Lovie Smith. The team improved to an 11–5 record from a 5–11 record in 2004, earning them their first playoff berth and NFC North title since 2001 and the second seed in the NFC for the playoffs.
The season started off with the team 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.[1]
The 2005 Bears started the season slowly, winning only one of their first four games. Despite their poor passing game, the Bears won 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 four years the Carolina Panthers upset the Bears, 29–21.
This season is notable for Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher winning Defensive Player of the Year. He was the first Bear to earn the award since 1988 when Mike Singletary won.