2004 San Francisco 49ers season

American football team season August 2023 March 2026 San Francisco 49ers 2004 2–14 4th NFC West Denise DeBartolo York and John York Terry Donahue Dennis Erickson Monster Park Did not qualify LS Brian Jennings File:49ers98_06.png 49ers seasons The 2004 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 55th in the National Football League (NFL), the 59th overall and their second and final under head coach Dennis Erickson, as he was fired after the season. The 49ers attempted to improve on their 7–9 output from the previous season, but the 49ers finished the season at 2–14, both wins coming against division-rival Arizona Cardinals in overtime by the same score. The 49ers earned the #1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft, where they selected quarterback Alex Smith, who would play for the team for eight seasons. The season marked changes for the 49ers, who lost three key members of the 2003 team. Quarterback Jeff Garcia was released in the off-season and later signed with the Cleveland Browns, running back Garrison Hearst went to the Denver Broncos, and controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens went to the Philadelphia Eagles, where they lost to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Offseason NFL draft 2004 NFL draft 2004 San Francisco 49ers 1 31 Rashaun Woods Wide receiver Oklahoma State yes 2 46 Justin Smiley Guard Alabama yes 2 58 Shawntae Spencer Cornerback Pittsburgh yes 3 77 Derrick Hamilton Wide receiver Clemson yes 4 104 Isaac Sopoaga Defensive tackle Hawaii yes 4 127 Richard Seigler Linebacker Oregon State yes 6 188 Andy Lee Punter Pittsburgh yes yes 6 198 Keith Lewis Safety Oregon yes 7 217 Cody Pickett Quarterback Washington yes 7 226 Christian Ferrara Defensive tackle Syracuse no https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/2004_draft.htm 2004 San Francisco 49ers draftees Pro-Football-Reference.com November 14, 2014 Roster 2004 San Francisco 49ers 53 11 8 13 Tim Rattay 11 Brandon Doman  7 Ken Dorsey  3 Cody Pickett 32 Kevan Barlow 40 Fred Beasley FB 43 Maurice Hicks 22 Terry Jackson 83 Arnaz Battle 89 Curtis Conway 10 P. J. Fleck 88 Derrick Hamilton 85 Brandon Lloyd 84 Cedrick Wilson 81 Rashaun Woods 44 Steve Bush 82 Eric Johnson 49 Aaron Walker 75 Jerome Davis OT 78 Scott Gragg OT 52 Brock Gutierrez C 77 Kwame Harris OT 66 Eric Heitmann G 69 Kyle Kosier G 68 Rob Murphy C 67 Scott Peters C 65 Justin Smiley G 91 Anthony Adams DT 93 Tony Brown DT 93 Chris Cooper DT 93 Josh Cooper DE 95 John Engelberger DE 71 Corey Smith DE 64 Daleroy Stewart DT 99 Andrew Williams DE 97 Bryant Young DT 51 Saleem Rasheed OLB 54 Richard Seigler OLB 50 Derek Smith OLB 53 Jeff Ulbrich MLB 59 Ray Wells OLB 55 Jamie Winborn OLB 20 Mike Adams S 35 Dwaine Carpenter CB 27 Joselio Hanson CB 38 Ronnie Heard FS 28 Keith Lewis SS 33 Tony Parrish SS 31 Rayshun Reed CB 36 Shawntae Spencer CB 23 Jimmy Williams CB 86 Brian Jennings LS  4 Andy Lee P  2 Todd Peterson K 96 Andre Carter DE (IR) 7px 41 Jasen Isom FB (IR) 7px 18 James Jordan WR (IR) 7px 56 Brandon Moore LB (IR) 7px 62 Jeremy Newberry C (IR) 7px 98 Julian Peterson LB (IR) 7px 29 Ahmed Plummer CB (IR) 7px 13 Tim Rattay QB (IR) 7px 24 Mike Rumph CB (IR) 7px 90 Isaac Sopoaga DT (IR) 7px 94 Brandon Whiting DE (IR) 7px 15 Bosley Allen WR 76 Thomas Herrion G 63 Norm Katnik C 74 Tim Provost OT 25 Ken Simonton RB 57 Max Yates LB 48 Richard Yancey y S 47 Doug Zeigler TE Preseason Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue NFL.comrecap 1 August 14, 2004 Oakland Raiders L 30–33 0–1 Monster Park Recap 2 August 21, 2004 at Chicago Bears L 13–20 0–2 Soldier Field Recap 3 August 27, 2004 at Minnesota Vikings L 10–23 0–3 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Recap 4 September 2, 2004 San Diego Chargers L 15–31 0–4 Monster Park Recap Regular season Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue NFL.comrecap 1 September 12 Atlanta Falcons L 19–21 0–1 Monster Park Recap 2 September 19 at New Orleans Saints L 27–30 0–2 Louisiana Superdome Recap 3 September 26 at Seattle Seahawks L 0–34 0–3 Qwest Field Recap 4 October 3 St. Louis Rams L 14–24 0–4 Monster Park Recap 5 October 10 Arizona Cardinals W 31–28 (OT) 1–4 Monster Park Recap 6 October 17 at New York Jets L 14–22 1–5 Giants Stadium Recap 7Bye 8 October 31 at Chicago Bears L 13–23 1–6 Soldier Field Recap 9 November 7 Seattle Seahawks L 27–42 1–7 Monster Park Recap 10 November 14 Carolina Panthers L 27–37 1–8 Monster Park Recap 11 November 21 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 3–35 1–9 Raymond James Stadium Recap 12 November 28 Miami Dolphins L 17–24 1–10 Monster Park Recap 13 December 5 at St. Louis Rams L 6–16 1–11 Edward Jones Dome Recap 14 December 12 at Arizona Cardinals W 31–28 (OT) 2–11 Sun Devil Stadium Recap 15 December 18, 2004 Washington Redskins L 16–26 2–12 Monster Park Recap 16 December 26 Buffalo Bills L 7–41 2–13 Monster Park Recap 17 January 2, 2005 at New England Patriots L 7–21 2–14 Gillette Stadium Recap Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. Game summaries Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 1: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers Sunday, September 12, 2004 San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point, San Francisco, California 68 °F °C or (Partly Cloudy) Tony Corrente Falcons 7 7 0 7 49ers 0 3 3 13 1st Quarter ATL – Alge Crumpler 15-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick) ATL 7–0 2nd Quarter ATL – Warrick Dunn 2-yard rush (Jay Feely kick) ATL 14–0 SF – Todd Peterson 23-yard field goal ATL 14–3 3rd Quarter SF – Todd Peterson 32-yard field goal 14–6 4th Quarter ATL – Warrick Dunn 9-yard rush (Jay Feely kick) ATL 21–6 SF – Cedrick Wilson 8-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Todd Peterson kick) ATL 21–13 SF – Eric Johnson 16-yard pass from Tim Rattay (pass failed) ATL 21–19 FOX Curt Menefee & Tim Green 1:15 PST The 49ers opened the season at home against the Falcons. The game was statistically dominated by the 49ers, but they were required to make a fourth quarter comeback. The 49ers had an opportunity to tie the game, but a two-point conversion pass attempt from Tim Rattay fell harmlessly to the ground. The loss had the 49ers open the season at 0–1. Week 2: at New Orleans Saints San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 2: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints Sunday, September 19, 2004 Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana Played indoors (domed stadium) 49ers 3 14 3 7 Saints 10 10 3 7 1st Quarter SF – Todd Peterson 30-yard field goal SF 3–0 NO – Joe Horn 8-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (John Carney kick) NO 7–3 NO – John Carney 32-yard field goal NO 10–3 2nd Quarter SF – Kevan Barlow 10-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) TIED 10–10 NO – Jerome Pathon 37-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (John Carney kick) NO 17–10 NO – John Carney 36-yard field goal NO 20–10 SF – Kevan Barlow 1-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) NO 20–17 3rd Quarter NO – John Carney 37-yard field goal NO 23–17 SF – Todd Peterson 33-yard field goal NO 23–20 4th Quarter SF – Jamal Robertson 1-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) SF 27–23 NO – Donté Stallworth 16-yard pass from Aaron Brooks (John Carney kick) NO 30–27 FOX Kenny Albert & Brian Baldinger 12:00PM CST In a high-scoring battle, in which both teams scored during all four quarters, the Saints bested the 49ers by a three-point differential. The 49ers took an early lead with a 30-yard field goal by Todd Peterson, but after the Saints scored, the 49ers played catch-up the rest of the game. With this close loss, the 49ers dropped to 0–2 on the season. Week 3: at Seattle Seahawks San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 3: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks Sunday, September 26, 2004 Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington 49ers 0 0 0 0 Seahawks 17 7 10 0 1st Quarter SEA – Josh Brown 35-yard field goal SEA 3–0 SEA – Shaun Alexander 1-yard rush (Josh Brown kick) SEA 10–0 SEA – Shaun Alexander 3-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick) 17–0 2nd Quarter SEA – Shaun Alexander 1-yard rush (Josh Brown kick) 24–0 3rd Quarter SEA – Itula Mili 1-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick) 31–0 SEA – Josh Brown 28-yard field goal SEA 34–0 1:15PM PST Ron Pitts & Tim Ryan FOX The 49ers suffered a 34–0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in week 3. It was the first shutout of a 49ers team since the Atlanta Falcons handed them a 7–0 loss in week 4 of the 1977 season (they were also shut out in week 1 that season by the Pittsburgh Steelers). This remains the longest such streak in the NFL.http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/team/scoring NFL Records 2008-09-28 2009-12-01 https://web.archive.org/web/20091201115816/http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/team/scoring dead While the Seahawks scored several field goals and touchdowns, the 49ers could only manage nine first downs and turned the ball over four times (two interceptions and two lost fumbles). With the loss, the 49ers fell to 0–3. thumb|270px|The Seahawks on the way to a touchdown in their week 3 shutout of San Francisco, September 26, 2004 Week 4: vs. St. Louis Rams San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 4: St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers Sunday, October 3, 2004 Monster Park, San Francisco, California 62 °F °C 1 or (Partly Cloudy) Rams 14 10 0 0 49ers 0 0 0 14 1st Quarter STL – Joey Goodspeed 2-yard rush (Jeff Wilkins kick) STL 7–0 STL – Shaun McDonald 6-yard pass from Marc Bulger (Jeff Wilkins kick) STL 14–0 2nd Quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 20-yard field goal STL 17–0 STL – Steven Jackson 2-yard rush (Jeff Wilkins kick) 24–0 4th Quarter SF – Curtis Conway 9-yard pass from Tim Rattay (pass failed) STL 24–7 SF – Rashaun Woods 18-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Curtis Conway pass from Tim Rattay) STL 24–14 5:30PM PST Pat Summerall, Joe Theismann, Paul Maguire & Suzy Kolber ESPN Again the 49ers struggled, not putting any points on the board until the fourth quarter. Despite Tim Rattay throwing for 299 yards and the team gaining more first downs than the Rams, St. Louis' defense held fast, preventing the 49ers from scoring until the fourth quarter. The loss meant the 49ers started the season at 0–4. Week 5: vs. Arizona Cardinals San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 5: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers Sunday, October 10, 2004 Monster Park, San Francisco, California 74 °F °C 1 or (Sunny) Cardinals 0 14 0 14 0 49ers 0 6 6 16 3 2nd Quarter AZ – Freddie Jones 16-yard pass from Josh McCown (Neil Rackers kick) AZ 7–0 SF – Todd Peterson 37-yard field goal AZ 7–3 AZ – Troy Hambrick 2-yard pass from Josh McCown (Neil Rackers kick) AZ 14–3 SF – Todd Peterson 42-yard field goal AZ 14–6 3rd Quarter SF – Arnaz Battle 71-yard punt return (pass failed) AZ 14–12 4th Quarter AZ – Emmitt Smith 10-yard rush (Neil Rackers kick) AZ 21–12 AZ – Larry Fitzgerald 24-yard pass from Josh McCown (Neil Rackers kick) AZ 28–12 SF – Eric Johnson 6-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Tim Rattay run)AZ 28–20 SF – Brandon Lloyd 23-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Brandon Lloyd pass from Tim Rattay) TIED 28–28 Overtime SF – Todd Peterson 32-yard field goal SF 31–28 1:15PM PST Ron Pitts & Tim Ryan FOX The 49ers finally won their first game of the season in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. After a scoreless first quarter, the Cardinals took a 16-point lead 28–12. In the fourth quarter, the 49ers scored 16 unanswered points (two touchdowns with two accompanying two-point conversions) to tie the game as regulation ended. In the overtime period, the 49ers' kicker Todd Peterson sent a 32-yard kick through the uprights, giving the 49ers their first victory of the season. Now in the win column, the 49ers were 1–4. Week 6: at New York Jets San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 6: San Francisco 49ers at New York Jets Sunday, October 17, 2004 Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey 49ers 7 7 0 0 Jets 0 3 6 13 1st Quarter SF – Brandon Lloyd 33-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Todd Peterson kick) SF 7–0 2nd Quarter SF – Kevan Barlow 2-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) SF 14–0 NYJ – Doug Brien 43-yard field goal SF 14–3 3rd Quarter NYJ – LaMont Jordan 17-yard rush SF 14–9 4th Quarter NYJ – Curtis Martin 1-yard rush (pass failed) NYJ 15–14 NYJ – Curtis Martin 9-yard rush (Doug Brien kick) NYJ 22–14 1:00PM EST FOX Sam Rosen & Bill Maas It seemed the 49ers would obtain their second straight victory when they secured a 14-point lead before halftime. However, the 49ers' defense fell apart after the half and the Jets scored 22 unanswered points and forced two turnovers to secure the win. With the 49ers' loss, they fell to 1–5 heading into their bye week. Week 8: at Chicago Bears San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 8: San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears Sunday, October 31, 2004 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois 49ers 10 3 0 0 Bears 7 6 0 10 1st Quarter CHI – Bernard Berrian 49-yard pass from Craig Krenzel (Paul Edinger kick) CHI 7–0 SF – Dwaine Carpenter 80-yard fumble return (Todd Peterson kick) TIED 7–7 SF – Todd Peterson 48-yard field goal SF 10–7 2nd Quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 52-yard field goal TIED 10–10 SF – Todd Peterson 51-yard field goal SF 13–10 CHI – Paul Edinger 45-yard field goal TIED 13–13 4th Quarter CHI – Paul Edinger 27-yard field goal CHI 16–13 CHI – Nathan Vasher 71-yard interception return (Paul Edinger kick) CHI 23–13 7:30PM CST ESPN Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann, Paul Maguire & Suzy Kolber Coming out of their bye, the 49ers took an early lead, this time 10–7, however, they were shut out in the second half. Despite three turnovers, the Bears came away with the victory. Between the two teams, five field goals were scored, including two from longer than 50 yards. The loss dropped the 49ers to 1–6 on the season. Week 9: vs. Seattle Seahawks San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 9: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers Sunday, November 7, 2004 Monster Park, San Francisco, California 60 °F °C 1 or (Partly Cloudy) Seahawks 7 14 14 7 49ers 14 3 7 3 1st Quarter SF – Kevan Barlow 3-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) SF 7–0 SEA – Darrell Jackson 33-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick) TIED 7–7 SF – Curtis Conway 28-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Todd Peterson kick) SF 14–7 2nd Quarter SEA – Shaun Alexander 1-yard rush (Josh Brown kick) TIED 14–14 SEA – Shaun Alexander 4-yard rush (Josh Brown kick) SEA 21–14 SF – Todd Peterson 27-yard field goal SEA 21–17 3rd Quarter SF – Brandon Lloyd 39-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Todd Peterson kick) SF 24–21 SEA – Koren Robinson 25-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick) SEA 28–24 SEA – Darrell Jackson 39-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick) SEA 35–24 4th Quarter SF – Todd Peterson 30-yard field goal SEA 35–27 SEA – Anthony Simmons 23-yard interception return (Josh Brown kick) SEA 42–27 1:00PM PST Curt Menefee & Tim Green FOX In another high-scoring affair, the Seahawks clinched a season sweep over the 49ers using their high-powered offense. The game was back-and-forth until the Seahawks gained a lead at 28–24 that they would not relinquish, beating the 49ers in nearly every statistical category. Their third straight loss dropped the 49ers to 1–7. Week 10: vs. Carolina Panthers San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 10: Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers Sunday, November 14, 2004 Monster Park, San Francisco, California 63 °F °C 1 or (Mostly Cloudy) Panthers 0 3 17 17 49ers 10 7 3 7 1st Quarter SF – Kevan Barlow 1-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) SF 7–0 SF – Todd Peterson 28-yard field goal SF 10–0 2nd Quarter SF – Kevan Barlow 3-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) SF 17–0 CAR – John Kasay 37-yard field goal SF 17–3 3rd Quarter CAR – John Kasay 25-yard field goal SF 17–6 CAR – Brandon Bennett 1-yard rush (Todd Sauerbrun kick) SF 17–13 CAR – Muhsin Muhammad 40-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (Todd Sauerbrun kick) CAR 20–17 SF – Todd Peterson 46-yard field goal TIED 20–20 4th Quarter SF – Brandon Lloyd 30-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Todd Peterson kick) SF 27–20 CAR – Muhsin Muhammad 4-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (Todd Sauerbrun kick) TIED 27–27 CAR – Todd Sauerbrun 34-yard field goal CAR 30–27 CAR – Muhsin Muhammad 26-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (Todd Sauerbrun kick) CAR 37–27 1:15PM PST Thom Brennaman, J.C. Pearson & Glen Kuiper FOX It appeared the 49ers would snap their three-game losing streak when they took at 17–0 lead, however, the Panthers were able to slowly creep back into the game. Several field goals and touchdowns later, the game was tied at 27 and the Panthers scored a final field goal to come away with the win, 30–27. The loss dropped the 49ers to 1–8 and completed their second four-game losing streak of the season. Week 11: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 11: San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, November 21, 2004 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida 49ers 0 0 3 0 Buccaneers 7 14 7 7 1st Quarter TB – Michael Pittman 14-yard rush (Martin Gramatica kick) TB 7–0 2nd Quarter TB – Joe Jurevicius 9-yard pass from Brian Griese (Martin Gramatica kick) TB 14–0 TB – Joe Jurevicius 42-yard pass from Brian Griese (Martin Gramatica kick) TB 21–0 3rd Quarter TB – Michael Pittman 6-yard rush (Martin Gramatica kick)TB 28–0 SF – Todd Peterson 47-yard field goal TB 28–3 4th Quarter TB – Torrie Cox 55-yard interception return (Martin Gramatica kick) 35–3 1:00PM EST Ron Pitts & Tim Ryan FOX The 49ers didn't have a chance in this lopsided game, falling to the Buccaneers 35–3. With an output of only 197 total yards, the 49ers' lone field goal came off the foot of kicker Todd Peterson from 47 yards out. Their fifth consecutive loss brought the 49ers down to 1–9 (0-4 against the NFC South). Week 12: vs. Miami Dolphins San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 12: Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers Sunday, November 28, 2004 Monster Park, San Francisco, California 55 °F °C 1 or (Sunny) Dolphins 7 0 0 17 49ers 0 3 0 14 1st Quarter MIA – Chris Chambers 25-yard pass from A. J. Feeley (Olindo Mare kick) MIA 7–0 2nd Quarter SF – Todd Peterson 19-yard field goal MIA 7–3 4th Quarter SF – Derek Smith 46-yard fumble return (Todd Peterson kick) SF 10–7 MIA – Randy McMichael 15-yard pass from A. J. Feeley (Olindo Mare kick) MIA 14–10 MIA – Olindo Mare 50-yard field goal MIA 17–10 MIA – Derrick Pope 1-yard fumble return (Olindo Mare kick) MIA 24–10 SF – Maurice Hicks 1-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) MIA 24–17 1:15PM PST Brad Sham & Richard Baldinger CBS Looking to snap their five-game losing streak, the 49ers were, statistically, the better team, but three turnovers doomed their chances. The 49ers led at one point, 10–7, but the Dolphins regained the lead in the fourth quarter and the 49ers came away with another loss, 24–17. This loss was their sixth in succession and tenth of the season. Week 13: at St. Louis Rams San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 13: San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams Sunday, December 5, 2004 Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri Played indoors (domed stadium) 49ers 3 0 3 0 Rams 3 10 0 3 1st Quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 29-yard field goal STL 3–0 SF – Todd Peterson 51-yard field goal TIED 3–3 2nd Quarter STL – Torry Holt 22-yard pass from Chris Chandler (Jeff Wilkins kick) STL 10–3 STL – Jeff Wilkins 52-yard field goal STL 13–3 3rd Quarter SF – Todd Peterson 40-yard field goal STL 13–6 4th Quarter STL – Jeff Wilkins 52-yard field goal STL 16–6 Curt Menefee & Tim Green FOX 12:00PM CST In a low-scoring contest, the 49ers lost to the division rival Rams by a score of 16–6. The 49ers were limited to only nine first downs in the game and could only manage two field goals, one of which was from 51 yards. This game marked the 49ers' seventh consecutive loss as they fell to 1–11 and they were swept by the Rams for the first time since 2001. Week 14: at Arizona Cardinals San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 14: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals Sunday, December 12, 2004 Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona 49ers 7 14 7 0 3 Cardinals 0 3 7 18 0 1st Quarter SF – Brandon Lloyd 5-yard pass from Ken Dorsey (Todd Peterson kick) SF 7–0 2nd Quarter SF – Cedrick Wilson 19-yard pass from Ken Dorsey (Todd Peterson kick) SF 14–0 SF – Maurice Hicks 1-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) SF 21–0 AZ – Neil Rackers 44-yard field goal SF 21–3 3rd Quarter SF – Cedrick Wilson 27-yard pass from Ken Dorsey (Todd Peterson kick) SF 28–3 AZ – Obafemi Ayanbadejo 4-yard rush (Neil Rackers kick) SF 28–10 4th Quarter AZ – Obafemi Ayanbadejo 1-yard rush (Neil Rackers kick) SF 28–17 AZ – Emmitt Smith 8-yard rush (Josh McCown run) SF 28–25 AZ – Neil Rackers 22-yard field goal TIED 28–28 Overtime SF – Todd Peterson 31-yard field goal SF 31–28 2:15PM MST Dan Miller & Dave Wannstedt FOX In an overtime game, the 49ers managed to snap their seven-game losing streak by outdueling the Arizona Cardinals, 31–28. The 49ers seemingly had this game already wrapped up when they took a 28-3 lead, but the Cardinals fought back and scored 18 points in the fourth quarter to force overtime. A 31-yard field goal by Todd Peterson sealed the victory for the 49ers. Breaking their seven-game losing streak, the 49ers improved to 2–11. At this point of the season, the 49ers were 2–0 against the Cardinals and 0–11 against the rest of the league (They finished 2-4 against the NFC West). Week 15: vs. Washington Redskins San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 15: Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers Saturday, December 18, 2004 Monster Park, San Francisco, California 55 °F 1 or, sunny Redskins 7 16 3 0 49ers 7 2 0 7 1st Quarter WAS – Robert Royal 12-yard pass from Patrick Ramsey (Jeff Chandler kick) WAS 7–0 SF – Brandon Lloyd 17-yard pass from Ken Dorsey (Todd Peterson kick) TIED 7–7 2nd Quarter WAS – Jeff Chandler 49-yard field goal WAS 10–7 WAS – Jeff Chandler 25-yard field goal WAS 13–7 WAS – Jeff Chandler 20-yard field goal WAS 16–7 SF – Tom Tupa punts no gain, safety.Penalty on Tom Tupa: Illegal Kick (declined) WAS 16–9 WAS – Antonio Pierce 78-yard interception return (Jeff Chandler kick) WAS 23–9 3rd Quarter WAS – Jeff Chandler 26-yard field goal WAS 26–9 4th Quarter SF – Curtis Conway 11-yard pass from Ken Dorsey (Todd Peterson kick) WAS 26–16 2:00PM PST Kenny Albert & Brian Baldinger FOX The 49ers failed in their attempt to string together two victories, losing this contest 26–16 to the Redskins. The 49ers never led, but they did score a rare safety in the second quarter. Statistically, it was a close game, both teams posting similar yardage and first downs, however, four interceptions by 49ers quarterback Ken Dorsey sealed the loss and dropped the team to 2–12. Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 16: Buffalo Bills at San Francisco 49ers Monster Park, San Francisco, California Sunday, December 26, 2004 53 °F 1 or Bills 0 17 10 14 49ers 0 0 0 7 2nd Quarter BUF – Willis McGahee 3-yard rush (Rian Lindell kick) BUF – Rian Lindell 23-yard field goal BUF – Lee Evans 8-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (Rian Lindell kick) 3rd Quarter BUF – Rian Lindell 31-yard field goal BUF – Willis McGahee 1-yard rush (Rian Lindell kick) 4th Quarter BUF – Lee Evans 33-yard pass from Shane Matthews (Rian Lindell kick) BUF – Shaud Williams 27-yard rush (Rian Lindell kick) SF – Kevan Barlow 1-yard rush (Todd Peterson kick) 1:00PM PST Don Criqui & Steve Tasker CBS In a blowout, the Bills dominated the 49ers 41–7. While the Bills managed to score in the double-digits in three of the four-quarters, the 49ers only managed a single touchdown in the final minutes of the game. This was the second consecutive game in which the 49ers had four turnovers (this time three interceptions and one fumble) and the Bills were able to roll up over twice as many total yards as the 49ers. With the loss, the 49ers fell to 2–13 going into the final game of the season. Week 17: at New England Patriots San Francisco 49ers 2004 2; text-align:center collapsed Week 17: San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots Sunday, January 2, 2005 Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts 49ers 7 0 0 0 Patriots 0 7 7 7 1st Quarter SF – Steve Bush 4-yard pass from Ken Dorsey (Todd Peterson kick) 2nd Quarter NE – Mike Vrabel 1-yard pass from Tom Brady (Adam Vinatieri kick) 3rd Quarter NE – Deion Branch 8-yard pass from Tom Brady (Adam Vinatieri kick) 4th Quarter NE – Corey Dillon 6-yard rush (Adam Vinatieri kick) 1:00PM EST Curt Menefee & Tim Green FOX Hoping to end their miserable season with a win, the 49ers flew to Gillette Stadium to play a Patriots team that was looking for the second seed in the AFC playoffs. In a game in which one touchdown was scored each quarter, the 49ers lost to the New England Patriots 21–7. The 49ers struck first, but the Patriots defense held them to that single touchdown. Both teams were riddled with mistakes, both turnovers and penalties; however, the Patriots were able to capitalize on the 49ers' errors. The 49ers closed their season at 2–14 on a three-game losing streak (0-4 against the AFC East), giving the team the first overall pick in the 2005 draft. Standings Notes "note" References Category:San Francisco 49ers seasons San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers season San Francisco 49ers season