The 2005 Chicago Bears season was their 86th regular season and 24th post-season completed in the National Football League. The club posted a 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 sophomore coach Lovie Smith. Smith was 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 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 a perseverant defense and 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.
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—David Mamet, U.S. screenwriter, and Brian DePalma. Jimmy Malone (Sean Connery)
“As an eagle stirs up its nest, and hovers over its young; as it spreads its wings, takes them up, and bears them aloft on its pinions, the LORD alone guided him...”
—Bible: Hebrew, Deuteronomy 32:11,12.
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—Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl Chesterfield (1694–1773)