2004 NFL season

American football season March 2026 the American football season in the United States the Gaelic football season in Ireland 2004 National Football League (Ireland) November 2013 2004 New England Patriots September 9, 2004 – January 2, 2005 January 8, 2005 New England Patriots Pittsburgh Steelers Philadelphia Eagles Atlanta Falcons XXXIX February 6, 2005 ALLTEL Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida February 13, 2005 The 2004 NFL season was the 85th regular season of the National Football League (NFL). With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 9, 2004, to January 2, 2005. Hurricanes forced the rescheduling of two Miami Dolphins home games: the game against the Tennessee Titans was moved up one day to Saturday, September 11 to avoid oncoming Hurricane Ivan, while the game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, September 26 was moved back 7½ hours to miss the eye of Hurricane Jeanne. The playoffs began on January 8, and eventually the New England Patriots repeated as NFL champions when they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24–21 in Super Bowl XXXIX at ALLTEL Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida on February 6. It would mark the last time a team won back-to-back Super Bowls until 2023 (that team being the Kansas City Chiefs). Transactions February 24, 2004, The Washington Redskins released Bruce Smith, the NFL's all-time sack leader, saving $6.5 million in salary cap space.https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1743218 Redskins cut four, including Smith February 24, 2004 ESPN Sports January 22, 2009 October 14, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181014053121/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1743218 live Draft The 2004 NFL draft was held from April 24 to 25, 2004, at New York City's Theater at Madison Square Garden. With the first pick, the San Diego Chargers selected quarterback Eli Manning from the University of Mississippi. Referee changes Ron Blum returned to line judge (where he officiated Super Bowl XXIV and Super Bowl XXVI), and Bill Vinovich was promoted to take his place as referee. Midway through the season, Johnny Grier, the NFL's first African-American referee, suffered a leg injury that forced him to retire, and became an officiating supervisor for the NFL the following season. He was permanently replaced by the back judge on his crew, Scott Green, who had previous experience as a referee in NFL Europe. Rule changes Due to several incidents during the previous year, officials are authorized to penalize excessive celebration. The 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will be marked off from the spot at the end of the previous play or, after a score, on the ensuing kickoff. If the infraction is ruled flagrant by the officials, the player(s) are ejected. Timeouts can be called by head coaches. The league's jersey numbering system was modified to allow wide receivers wear numbers 10–19, in addition to 80–89. A punt or missed field goal that is untouched by the receiving team is immediately dead once it touches either the end zone or any member of the kicking team in the end zone. Previously, a punt or missed field goal that lands in the end zone before being controlled by the kicking team could be picked up by a member of the receiving team and immediately run the other way. Teams will be awarded a third instant replay challenge if their first two are successful. Previously, teams were only limited to two regardless of what occurred during the game. The one-bar facemask was outlawed. The few remaining players who still used the one-bar facemask at the time were allowed to continue to use the style for the remainder of their career under a grandfather clause. (Scott Player was the last player to wear the one-bar facemask in 2007). 2004 deaths Pat Tillman former safety for the Arizona Cardinals was killed in a friendly fire incident during the war in Afghanistan. Reggie White former defensive end for the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Carolina Panthers unexpectedly died on December 26, 2004, just seven days after his 43rd birthday from complications of sleep apnea. Notable Retirements Ricky Williams Bruce Smith Keith Hamilton Ed McCaffrey Shannon Sharpe Bill Romanowski John Randle Rod Woodson Kevin Donnalley Joe Johnson Frank Wycheck Mo Lewis Larry Centers Frank Sanders Neil O'Donnell John Mobley Michael Bates Sam Garnes Adam Meadows Dave Szott John Jett Hunter Goodwin Lincoln Kennedy Steve Beuerlein Jimmy Spencer Darren Woodson Barret Robbins Jamie Nails Todd Perry Tim Ruddy Mark Dixon Alex Van Pelt Robert Porcher (after week 8) Darrell Russell Clyde Simmons Final regular season standings Conference standings Playoffs 2004–05 NFL playoffs Pittsburgh Steelers North New England Patriots East Indianapolis Colts South San Diego Chargers West New York Jets Denver Broncos Philadelphia Eagles East Atlanta Falcons South Green Bay Packers North Seattle Seahawks West St. Louis Rams Minnesota Vikings 2004 The Miami Dolphins were the first team to be eliminated from the playoff race, having reached a 1–9 record by week 11.https://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/11/winless-oakland-raiders-eliminated USA Today The Oakland Raiders are officially eliminated from playoff contention Chris Strauss November 16, 2014 April 7, 2022 April 8, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220408031244/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/11/winless-oakland-raiders-eliminated live Bracket Milestones The following teams and players set all-time NFL records during the season: RecordPlayer/teamDate/opponentPrevious record holder2005 NFL Record and Fact Book 2005 NFL 978-1-932994-36-0 Records Longest interception return Ed Reed, Baltimore (106 yards) November 7, vs Cleveland Tied by 2 players (103) Most touchdown passes, season Peyton Manning, Indianapolis (49) N/A Dan Marino, Miami, 1984 (48) Highest passer rating, season Peyton Manning, Indianapolis (121.1) Steve Young, San Francisco, 1994 (112.8) Most interception return yards gained, season Ed Reed, Baltimore (358) Charlie McNeil, San Diego, 1961 (349) Most first downs by a team, season Kansas City (398) Miami, 1994 (387) Most consecutive games won New England (21) October 24, vs. N.Y. Jets Chicago, 1933–34 (17) Most passing touchdowns by a team, season Indianapolis (51) N/A Miami, 1984 (49) The Colts led the NFL with 522 points scored. The Colts tallied more points in the first half of each of their games of the 2004 NFL season (277 points) than seven other NFL teams managed in the entire season.Numbelievable! 35 Michael X. Ferraro John Veneziano Triumph Books Chicago 2007 978-1-57243-990-0 Despite throwing for 49 touchdown passes, Peyton Manning attempted fewer than 500 passes for the first time in his NFL career.Numbelievable! 146 Michael X. Ferraro John Veneziano Triumph Books Chicago 2007 978-1-57243-990-0 The San Francisco 49ers' record 420 consecutive scoring games that had started in Week 5 of the 1977 season ended in Week 3 of the season. Statistical leaders Team Points scoredIndianapolis Colts (522)Total yards gainedKansas City Chiefs (6,695)Yards rushingAtlanta Falcons (2,672)Yards passingIndianapolis Colts (4,623)Fewest points allowedPittsburgh Steelers (251)Fewest total yards allowedPittsburgh Steelers (4,134)Fewest rushing yards allowedPittsburgh Steelers (1,299)Fewest passing yards allowedTampa Bay Buccaneers (2,579) thumb|Playoff chasers the New York Jets against Miami in 2004, week 8 MNF Individual ScoringAdam Vinatieri, New England (141 points)TouchdownsShaun Alexander, Seattle (20 TDs)Most field goals madeAdam Vinatieri, New England (31 FGs)PassingDaunte Culpepper, Minnesota (4717 yards)Passing TouchdownsPeyton Manning, Indianapolis (49 TDs)Passer RatingPeyton Manning, Indianapolis (121.1 rating)RushingCurtis Martin, New York Jets (1,697 yards)Rushing TouchdownsLaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego (17 TDs)ReceptionsTony Gonzalez, Kansas City (102)Receiving yardsMuhsin Muhammad, Carolina (1,405)Punt returnsEddie Drummond, Detroit (13.2 average yards)Kickoff returnsWillie Ponder, New York Giants (26.9 average yards)InterceptionsEd Reed, Baltimore (9)PuntingShane Lechler, Oakland (46.7 average yards)SacksDwight Freeney, Indianapolis (16) Awards Most Valuable PlayerPeyton Manning, quarterback, IndianapolisCoach of the YearMarty Schottenheimer, San DiegoOffensive Player of the YearPeyton Manning, quarterback, IndianapolisDefensive Player of the YearEd Reed, Strong Safety, BaltimoreOffensive Rookie of the YearBen Roethlisberger, quarterback, PittsburghDefensive Rookie of the YearJonathan Vilma, linebacker, New York JetsNFL Comeback Player of the YearDrew Brees, quarterback, San DiegoWalter Payton NFL Man of the YearWarrick Dunn, running back, AtlantaSuper Bowl Most Valuable PlayerDeion Branch, wide receiver, New England Head coach/front office changes Head coach Team Departing coach Interim coach Incoming coach Reason for leaving Notes Arizona Cardinals Dave McGinnis Dennis Green Fired After spending two seasons as an analyst for ESPN, Green was hired as head coach by the Arizona Cardinals on January 7, 2004. Atlanta Falcons Dan Reeves Wade Phillips Jim L. Mora Reeves was fired after winning just three of the first thirteen games of the 2003 season, with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips serving as interim coach for the last three games.https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1682856 Reeves beats owner to the punch December 10, 2003 ESPN.com January 1, 2022 March 31, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080331132901/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1682856 live Mora was previously the 49ers' defensive coordinator from 1999 until 2003.Hill Clarence E. Jr. Mora, Falcons prove they were a ready-made fit https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88772385/mora-falcons-prove-they-were-a/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram January 20, 2005 12D Newspapers.com November 11, 2021 November 12, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211112013449/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/88772385/mora-falcons-prove-they-were-a/ live Buffalo Bills Gregg Williams Mike Mularkey After three seasons in which the team compiled records of 3–13, 8–8, and 6–10 under his leadership, Williams' contract was allowed to expire after the 2003 season. Mularkey served as the Steelers offensive coordinator for the past three seasons. Chicago Bears Dick Jauron Lovie Smith Jauron coached the Bears for five seasons (1999–2003), finishing with a 35–45 regular season record and one playoff appearance.Dick Jauron Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/JaurDi0.htm Pro Football Reference February 10, 2025 en September 4, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110904082935/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/JaurDi0.htm live Smith was the defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams for three seasons under head coach Mike Martz. While in St. Louis, Smith improved the Rams' defense from giving up a league-worst 29.4 points per game in 2000, to an average of 17.1 points per game in 2001. Upon arriving in Chicago, Smith stated he had three goals: beat the Green Bay Packers, win the NFC North, and win a Super Bowl. New York Giants Jim Fassel Tom Coughlin On December 17, 2003, with two games remaining in what became a 4-12 season and knowing that the team was near certain to let him go at its conclusion, Fassel announced he would resign after the season.Exploring the legacy of former coach Jim Fassel https://www.giants.com/news/exploring-the-legacy-of-former-coach-jim-fassel-14929627 giants.com https://web.archive.org/web/20210418114048/https://www.giants.com/news/exploring-the-legacy-of-former-coach-jim-fassel-14929627 April 18, 2021 February 16, 2015 After being out of football in 2003, former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin was hired to replace Fassel as head coach of the Giants in January 2004. Oakland Raiders Bill Callahan American football coach Norv Turner Callahan was fired by Raiders owner Al Davis on January 1, 2004, after a lackluster 4–12 season.Raiders Officially Fire Callahan https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jan-01-sp-nflrep1-story.html Los Angeles Times 29 January 2020 January 2004 December 11, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241211185343/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jan-01-sp-nflrep1-story.html live Turner was offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins in 2002 and 2003. Washington Redskins Steve Spurrier Joe Gibbs Resigned Spurrier resigned on December 30, 2003, choosing to walk away from $15 million still owed to him over the remaining three years of his contract. In January 2004, Gibbs accepted an offer from Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to return to the team. In the eleven years since Gibbs retired as the Redskins head coach, many NFL owners had approached Gibbs hoping to lure him out of his retirement of managing his NASCAR racing team, but to no avail. At his press conference, Gibbs stated that even though he enjoyed NASCAR, he had also missed coaching in the NFL. Gibbs left his racing team in the hands of his eldest son, J. D., while his other son, Coy, joined him as an assistant with the Redskins. Front office Team Departing executive Incoming executive Reason for leaving Notes Atlanta Falcons Dan Reeves Rich McKay Fired On December 12, 2003, McKay and the Buccaneers came to an agreement that would see McKay leave the organization with the freedom to join any team he wanted with no compensation required. On December 15, 2003, McKay became president and general manager of the Falcons. Miami Dolphins Eddie Jones American football executive Rick Spielman Retired Spielman was promoted from senior vice president of football operations after the 2003 season to replace the retiring Jones. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rich McKay Bruce Allen American football Mutual agreement Following the 2003 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave McKay permission to leave the team as his relationship with Super Bowl XXXVII-winning coach Jon Gruden had deteriorated.Balog Tom Bucs give McKay permission to leave Sarasota Herald-Tribune 2003-12-13 https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2003/12/13/bucs-give-mckay-permission-to-leave/28779180007/ 2026-04-24 January 11, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240111130616/https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2003/12/13/bucs-give-mckay-permission-to-leave/28779180007/ live The Glazer family hired Raiders senior executive Bruce Allen to replace McKay, as Allen had previously worked with Gruden in Oakland. Stadium changes Carolina Panthers: Ericsson Stadium was renamed Bank of America Stadium after Bank of America acquired the naming rights. Minnesota Vikings: The AstroTurf at the Metrodome was replaced with a new FieldTurf field. Oakland Raiders: Network Associates Coliseum was renamed McAfee Coliseum to reflect naming right holder, Network Associates, changing its name to McAfee. San Francisco 49ers: Monster Cable acquired the naming rights to Candlestick Park, renaming it merely to "Monster Park" without any qualifier. This eventually results in confusion among fans who erroneously think the name instead refers to Monster.com or Monster Energy.http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2005/11/28/tidbits1.html Jim Gardner Fans unclear on main Monster in 49ers lineup San Francisco Business Times November 28, 2005 October 28, 2020 April 17, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201028172257/https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2005/11/28/tidbits1.html live Seattle Seahawks: Seahawks Stadium was renamed Qwest Field after telecommunications carrier Qwest acquired the naming rights. New uniforms The Atlanta Falcons switched the primary and alternate jerseys, making the red ones the primary and the black ones the alternate. The Baltimore Ravens added black third alternative uniforms. The Cincinnati Bengals introduced new uniforms, featuring black jerseys with orange tiger-striped sleeves, white jerseys with black tiger striped sleeves, and orange third alternate uniforms. A new logo featuring an orange "B" with black tiger stripes was also unveiled. The Chicago Bears added orange third alternate uniforms. The Indianapolis Colts switched from blue face masks and white shoes to gray facemasks and black shoes The Jacksonville Jaguars made modification to their white uniforms, changing the teal number with black and gold trim to black numbers with gold and teal trim. Also introduced were new black pants with the Jaguars logo on hip. The New York Giants added red third alternate uniforms. The San Diego Chargers returned to navy pants with their white jerseys. Television This was the seventh year under the league's eight-year broadcast contracts with ABC, CBS, Fox, and ESPN to televise Monday Night Football, the AFC package, the NFC package, and Sunday Night Football, respectively. At CBS, Jim Nantz and Greg Gumbel swapped roles. Nantz replaced Gumbel as CBS's lead play-by-play announcer while Gumbel took Nantz's hosting duties on The NFL Today. Shannon Sharpe also joined The NFL Today as an analyst, replacing Deion Sanders who was let go due to salary disputes, and returned to playing with the Baltimore Ravens from 2004-2005. Former quarterback Steve Beuerlein joined CBS as a color commentator following his retirement after the 2003 NFL season and worked the #7 broadcast team. As well as Dan Dierdorf doing play by play for the first time since the 1980’s for the Titans Dolphins matchup week 1 with Todd Blackledge as the game was moved to Saturday due to Hurricane Ivan. ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Patrick missed the first few broadcasts to recover from heart bypass surgery. Pat Summerall filled in those weeks for Patrick. Starting this season CBS, Fox, ABC, and ESPN started broadcasting regular season games in High Definition. CBS would do select games weekly, while Fox, ABC, and ESPN broadcast every game weekly. Notes External links Football Outsiders 2004 Team Efficiency Ratings References NFL Record and Fact Book (1-932994-36-X) NFL History 2001– (Last accessed October 17, 2005) Total Football: The Official Encyclopedia of the National Football League (0-06-270174-6) Celebration penalty among rules changes (Last accessed October 17, 2005) 2004 National Football League