Cincinnati Bengals Record 2005:  11 Wins and 5 Losses

After a strong finish in 2004 the Bengals hit the field with a new focus and a renewed optimism that the team could finally be a playoff contender again.  The team got off to a strong start winning their first four games.  Carson Palmer showed he could handle his role as starting Quarterback.  Palmer started the season strong and never looked back.  Carson Palmer would end the 2005 season with a solid 3836 yards passing season and 32 touchdown passes.

Receiving many of Carson Palmer's passes was Chad Johnson who racked up 1,432 yards in receiving and 9 touchdown catches many of which were followed by unique celebrations that made him a regular star on the spots highlight shows. After splitting two road games the Bengals faced their first test of the season when they hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7, a test the Bengals would fail as the Steelers won the game 21-13.

The Bengals would recover to win the next two before facing the unbeaten Indianapolis Colts, in an offensive showcase of two of the best QBs in the NFL. Palmer would nearly match Peyton Manning throw for throw before the Colts ended up winning the game 45-37. Following a 42-29 win over the Baltimore Ravens, the Bengals faced the Steelers again this time in Pittsburgh, where the Bengals offense continued to fly behind Carson Palmer who had 3 TD passes and 227 yards passing in an impressive 38-31 win that gave the Bengals first place in the AFC North at 9 wins and 3 losses.

The Bengals would not relinquish first place winning the next two games to clinch the division with two weeks to go in the season. After clinching the division the Bengals played cautiously and dropped their final two games to finish with an 11-5 record. Facing the Steelers again in the playoffs Paul Brown Stadium was in a festival like atmosphere for the first Bengals playoff game in 15 years. However, the early joy would be wiped out on the Bengals second play from scrimmage as Carson Palmer is injured by a hit to the knee by Kimo von Oelhoffen while completing a 66-yard pass to Chris Henry. Despite the loss of Palmer the Bengals still got off to a strong start leading 10-0 after the 1st Quarter behind back up Jon Kitna.  The Bengals would still lead by 10 points late in the 2nd Quarter before the Steelers climbed with in field goal at 17-14.

While the x-rays on Palmer revealed the devastating news that he would need major reconstructive knee surgery the Steelers defense stiffened and shutdown the Bengals the rest of the way as they went on to win the game going away 31-17, launching a historic Super Bowl run completely on the road. The Bengals would have to regroup for 2006 as Carson Palmer faced a long road to recovery ahead to be ready for some point during the upcoming season.

Despite the way the season ended, the 2005 Bengals season marked a glimmer of hope for Bengals fans.  There were many individual performances that stuck out in the 2005 season.
Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh set Bengals records for most receptions (175) and receiving yards (2388) by a Wide Receiving duo.

The Cincinnati Bengals set a team and franchise records for least  fumbles in a season (6), least sacks allowed (21), and turnover differential (+24), while tying club marks for takeaways (44), fewest giveaways (20), and road wins in a season (6). Cincinnati also posted 31 interceptions, the second-highest total in team history.
Chad Johnson the Bengals top receiver  claimed his third straight AFC receiving yards title.  He also broke his own Bengals team record for receiving yards with 1432 total receiving yards.  Carson Palmer put himself on the map and into Bengals history with a franchise best mark of 32 touchdown passes while posting the first 100+ passer rating in Bengals history (101.1).   Rudi Johnson had 1458 rushing yards, breaking the Cincinnati Bengal single-season rushing mark he set the previous season (1454)
On the Defensive side of the ball, Deltha O'Neal set a team record with a career-high 10 interceptions, breaking the mark previously held by Ken Riley (9). Odell Thurman a rookie Linebacker tied the club record for interceptions in a season that had previously been set by rookie Tommy Casanova in his first year as a Bengal 1972.
Individually, five Bengals earned Pro Bowl berths including T Willie Anderson, K Shayne Graham, WR Chad Johnson, QB Carson Palmer, and CB Deltha O'Neal.

Scored 421 points (26.3/g), 4th of 32 in the NFL.
Allowed 350 points (21.9/g), 22nd.
Differential of 71 points (4.4/g), 10th.

(Offensive Tackle Willie Anderson was selected for the Pro Bowl)
(Wide Receiver Chad Johnson was selected for the Pro Bowl)
(Quarterback Carson Palmer selected for the Pro Bowl)
(Cornerback Deltha O’Neal was selected for the Pro Bowl)
(Kicker Shayne Graham was selected to the Pro Bowl)