2004 San Francisco 49ers season

Last updated

2004 San Francisco 49ers season
Owner Denise DeBartolo York and John York
General manager Terry Donahue
Head coach Dennis Erickson
Offensive coordinator Ted Tollner
Defensive coordinator Willy Robinson
Home field Monster Park
Results
Record2–14
Division place4th NFC West
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers LS Brian Jennings

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.

Contents

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 2001 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 San Francisco 49ers draft
RoundPickPlayerPositionCollegeNotes
131 Rashaun Woods   Wide receiver Oklahoma State
246 Justin Smiley   Guard Alabama
258 Shawntae Spencer   Cornerback Pittsburgh
377 Derrick Hamilton  Wide receiver Clemson
4104 Isaac Sopoaga   Defensive tackle Hawaii
4127 Richard Seigler   Linebacker Oregon State
6188 Andy Lee  *  Punter Pittsburgh
6198 Keith Lewis   Safety Oregon
7217 Cody Pickett   Quarterback Washington
7226Christian Ferrara Defensive tackle Syracuse
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

[1]

Roster

2004 San Francisco 49ers final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
53 active, 11 inactive, 8 practice squad

Preseason

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueNFL.com
recap
1August 14 Oakland Raiders L 30–330–1 Monster Park Recap
2August 21at Chicago Bears L 13–200–2 Soldier Field Recap
3August 27at Minnesota Vikings L 10–230–3 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Recap
4September 2 San Diego Chargers L 15–310–4Monster Park Recap

Regular season

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueNFL.com
recap
1September 12 Atlanta Falcons L 19–210–1 Monster Park Recap
2September 19at New Orleans Saints L 27–300–2 Louisiana Superdome Recap
3September 26at Seattle Seahawks L 0–340–3 Qwest Field Recap
4October 3 St. Louis Rams L 14–240–4Monster Park Recap
5October 10 Arizona Cardinals W 31–28 (OT)1–4Monster Park Recap
6October 17at New York Jets L 14–221–5 Giants Stadium Recap
7 Bye
8October 31at Chicago Bears L 13–231–6 Soldier Field Recap
9November 7 Seattle Seahawks L 27–421–7Monster Park Recap
10November 14 Carolina Panthers L 27–371–8Monster Park Recap
11November 21at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 3–351–9 Raymond James Stadium Recap
12November 28 Miami Dolphins L 17–241–10Monster Park Recap
13December 5at St. Louis Rams L 6–161–11 Edward Jones Dome Recap
14December 12at Arizona Cardinals W 31–28 (OT)2–11 Sun Devil Stadium Recap
15December 18 Washington Redskins L 16–262–12Monster Park Recap
16December 26 Buffalo Bills L 7–412–13Monster Park Recap
17January 2, 2005at New England Patriots L 7–212–14 Gillette Stadium Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 1: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers
Period1234Total
Falcons770721
49ers0331319

at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point, San Francisco, California

  • Date: Sunday, September 12, 2004
  • Game time: 1:15 PST
  • Game weather: 68 °F or 20 °C (Partly Cloudy)
  • TV announcers (FOX): Curt Menefee & Tim Green
Game information
1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

  • SF – Todd Peterson 32-yard field goal 14–6

4th Quarter

  • ATL – Warrick Dunn 9-yard rush (Jay Feely kick) ATL 21–3
  • 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

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

Week 2: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints
Period1234Total
49ers3143727
Saints10103730

at Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: Sunday, September 19, 2004
  • Game time: 12:00PM CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (domed stadium)
  • TV announcers (FOX): Kenny Albert & Brian Baldinger
Game information
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

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

Week 3: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Period1234Total
49ers00000
Seahawks17710034

at Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington

  • Date: Sunday, September 26, 2004
  • Game time: 1:15PM PST
  • TV announcers (FOX): Ron Pitts & Tim Ryan
Game information
1st Quarter

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

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. [2] 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.

The Seahawks on the way to a touchdown in their week 3 shutout of San Francisco, September 26, 2004 2004 Seahawks 49ers NFL.jpg
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

Week 4: St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers
Period1234Total
Rams14100024
49ers0001414

at Monster Park, San Francisco, California

  • Date: Sunday, October 3, 2004
  • Game time: 5:30PM PST
  • Game weather: 62 °F or 16.7 °C (Partly Cloudy)
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Pat Summerall, Joe Theismann, Paul Maguire & Suzy Kolber
Game information
1st Quarter

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

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

Week 5: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
Period1234OTTotal
Cardinals014014028
49ers06616331

at Monster Park, San Francisco, California

  • Date: Sunday, October 10, 2004
  • Game time: 1:15PM PST
  • Game weather: 74 °F or 23.3 °C (Sunny)
  • TV announcers (FOX): Ron Pitts & Tim Ryan
Game information
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

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

Week 6: San Francisco 49ers at New York Jets
Period1234Total
49ers770014
Jets0361322

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: Sunday, October 17, 2004
  • Game time: 1:00PM EST
  • TV announcers (FOX): Sam Rosen & Bill Maas
Game information
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

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

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

Week 8: San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears
Period1234Total
49ers1030013
Bears7601023

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: Sunday, October 31, 2004
  • Game time: 7:30PM CST
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann, Paul Maguire & Suzy Kolber
Game information
1st Quarter

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

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

Week 9: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Period1234Total
Seahawks71414742
49ers1437327

at Monster Park, San Francisco, California

  • Date: Sunday, November 7, 2004
  • Game time: 1:00PM PST
  • Game weather: 60 °F or 15.6 °C (Partly Cloudy)
  • TV announcers (FOX): Curt Menefee & Tim Green
Game information
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

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

Week 10: Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers
Period1234Total
Panthers03171737
49ers1073727

at Monster Park, San Francisco, California

  • Date: Sunday, November 14, 2004
  • Game time: 1:15PM PST
  • Game weather: 63 °F or 17.2 °C (Mostly Cloudy)
  • TV announcers (FOX): Thom Brennaman, J.C. Pearson & Glen Kuiper
Game information
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

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

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

Week 11: San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Period1234Total
49ers00303
Buccaneers7147735

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: Sunday, November 21, 2004
  • Game time: 1:00PM EST
  • TV announcers (FOX): Ron Pitts & Tim Ryan
Game information
1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

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

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.

Week 12: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 12: Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers
Period1234Total
Dolphins7001724
49ers0301417

at Monster Park, San Francisco, California

  • Date: Sunday, November 28, 2004
  • Game time: 1:15PM PST
  • Game weather: 55 °F or 12.8 °C (Sunny)
  • TV announcers (CBS): Brad Sham & Richard Baldinger
Game information
1st Quarter

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

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

Week 13: San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams
Period1234Total
49ers30306
Rams3100316

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

  • Date: Sunday, December 5, 2004
  • Game time: 12:00PM CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (domed stadium)
  • TV announcers (FOX): Curt Menefee & Tim Green
Game information
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

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

Week 14: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals
Period1234OTTotal
49ers71470331
Cardinals03718028

at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

  • Date: Sunday, December 12, 2004
  • Game time: 2:15PM MST
  • TV announcers (FOX): Dan Miller & Dave Wannstedt
Game information
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

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 twenty-one point 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.

Week 15: vs. Washington Redskins

Week 15: Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers
Period1234Total
Redskins7163026
49ers720716

at Monster Park, San Francisco, California

  • Date: Saturday, December 18, 2004
  • Game time: 2:00PM PST
  • Game weather: 55 °F or 12.8 °C, sunny
  • TV announcers (FOX): Kenny Albert & Brian Baldinger
Game information
1st Quarter

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. [note 1] 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

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

Week 16: Buffalo Bills at San Francisco 49ers
Period1234Total
Bills017101441
49ers00077

at Sunday, December 26, 2004

Game information
2nd Quarter

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)

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

Week 17: San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots
Period1234Total
49ers70007
Patriots077721

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: Sunday, January 2, 2005
  • Game time: 1:00PM EST
  • TV announcers (FOX): Curt Menefee & Tim Green
Game information
1st Quarter
  • SF – Steve Bush 4-yard pass from Ken Dorsey (Todd Peterson kick)

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

  • NE – Deion Branch 8-yard pass from Tom Brady (Adam Vinatieri kick)

4th Quarter

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, giving the team the first overall pick in the 2005 draft.

Standings

NFC West
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(4) Seattle Seahawks 970.5633–38–4371373W2
(5) St. Louis Rams 880.5005–17–5319392W2
Arizona Cardinals 6100.3752–45–7284322W1
San Francisco 49ers 2140.1252–42–10259452L3
#TeamDivisionWLTPCTDIVCONFSOSSOVSTK
Division leaders
1 Philadelphia Eagles East1330.8136–011–1.453.409L2
2 Atlanta Falcons South1150.6884–28–4.420.432L2
3 Green Bay Packers North1060.6255–19–3.457.419W2
4 Seattle Seahawks West970.5633–38–4.445.368W2
Wild cards
5 [lower-alpha 1] St. Louis Rams West880.5005–17–5.488.438W2
6 [lower-alpha 1] [lower-alpha 2] Minnesota Vikings North880.5003–35–7.480.406L2
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 [lower-alpha 1] [lower-alpha 2] New Orleans Saints South880.5003–36–6.465.427W4
8 Carolina Panthers South790.4383–36–6.496.366L1
9 [lower-alpha 3] Detroit Lions North6100.3752–45–7.496.417L2
10 [lower-alpha 3] Arizona Cardinals West6100.3752–45–7.461.417W1
11 [lower-alpha 3] [lower-alpha 4] New York Giants East6100.3753–35–7.516.417W1
12 [lower-alpha 3] [lower-alpha 4] [lower-alpha 5] Dallas Cowboys East6100.3752–45–7.516.375L1
13 [lower-alpha 3] [lower-alpha 4] [lower-alpha 5] Washington Redskins East6100.3751–56–6.477.333W1
14 [lower-alpha 6] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South5110.3132–44–8.477.413L4
15 [lower-alpha 6] Chicago Bears North5110.3132–44–8.465.388L4
16 San Francisco 49ers West2140.1252–42–10.488.375L3
Tiebreakers [lower-alpha 7]
  1. 1 2 3 St. Louis clinched the NFC #5 seed instead of Minnesota or New Orleans based on better conference record (7–5 to Minnesota’s 5–7 to New Orleans’ 6–6).
  2. 1 2 Minnesota clinched the NFC #6 seed instead of New Orleans based on head-to-head victory.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Detroit finished ahead of Arizona and New York Giants based upon head-to-head record (2–0 versus Arizona’s 1–1 and New York Giants’ 0–2). Division tiebreak was initially used to eliminate Dallas and Washington.
  4. 1 2 3 New York Giants finished ahead of Dallas and Washington in the NFC East based on better head-to-head record (3–1 to Dallas‘ 2–2 to Washington’s 1–3).
  5. 1 2 Dallas finished ahead of Washington in the NFC East based on head-to-head sweep.
  6. 1 2 Tampa Bay finished ahead of Chicago based upon head-to-head victory.
  7. When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.

Notes

  1. Penalty on Tom Tupa: Illegal Kick (declined)

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The 2005 Seattle Seahawks season was the franchise's 30th season in the National Football League (NFL), their fourth playing their home games at Qwest Field and their seventh season under head coach Mike Holmgren. They won the National Football Conference (NFC) Championship Game and played in Super Bowl XL, which they lost 21–10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Seahawks compiled a 13–3 record in the regular season, easily winning the NFC West and earning the NFC top seed, thus clinching home field advantage in the NFC playoffs for the first time in franchise history. There, they beat the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers to win the George Halas Trophy, and advance to their first ever Super Bowl. Combining the regular season and postseason, the Seahawks finished with a perfect 10–0 record at Qwest Field. The 2005 team was widely considered the best team in club history until the Super Bowl XLVIII championship. The 2005 season was also the team's 30th anniversary season in the NFL. The Seahawks were the only NFC team from the 2004 playoffs to qualify for the 2005 playoffs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 San Francisco 49ers season</span> NFL team season

The 2007 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 62nd season, and 58th in the National Football League (NFL). They ended their season with a disappointing record of 5–11 in 2007, failing to improve upon their 7–9 record from 2006. The 49ers offense struggled all season long—starting quarterback Alex Smith injured his shoulder early in the season, and newly promoted offensive coordinator Jim Hostler was the subject of much scrutiny and criticism regarding his play calling. Hostler was fired following the season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2004 Seattle Seahawks season</span> 29th season in franchise history

The 2004 Seattle Seahawks season was the franchise's 29th season in the National Football League (NFL), the third season in Qwest Field and the 6th under head coach Mike Holmgren. Finishing the season at 9–7, the Seahawks were unable to replicate the year they had prior.

The 2003 Seattle Seahawks season was the franchise's 28th season in the National Football League (NFL), the second season in Seahawks Stadium and the 5th under head coach Mike Holmgren. After going 31–33 in his first four years as head coach, the Seahawks went undefeated at home for the first time in franchise history and improved to 10–6, thus making the NFC playoffs as a wild card team, the first of fifteen playoff appearances over the next twenty seasons, and their first playoff berth since 1999. However, the team fell 33–27 to the Green Bay Packers in the opening round due to an interception returned for a touchdown by Green Bay's Al Harris in overtime. Following the season, Hall of Fame defensive tackle John Randle retired after 14 seasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2002 Seattle Seahawks season</span> 27th season in franchise history; first in CenturyLink Stadium and reallocation to NFC West

The 2002 Seattle Seahawks season was the franchise's 27th season in the National Football League (NFL), the first season in Qwest Field and the fourth under head coach Mike Holmgren. The Seahawks returned to the NFC West for the first time since their inaugural season of 1976, as part of the realignment that occurred when the Houston Texans joined the NFL as the 32nd team. The Seahawks opened their new stadium, Seahawks Stadium, on the site of their former stadium, the Kingdome.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 Seattle Seahawks season</span> 33rd season in franchise history; final one with coach Mike Holmgren

The 2008 Seattle Seahawks season was the franchise's 33rd season in the National Football League (NFL), the seventh season in Qwest Field, and the tenth and final under head coach Mike Holmgren. The Seahawks' streak of four consecutive NFC West divisional championships was broken, as they fell to a 4–12 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 San Francisco 49ers season</span> NFL team season

The 2008 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 59th in the National Football League (NFL), their 63rd overall, and their fourth and final under the head coach Mike Nolan. The team improved on their 5–11 record from the 2007 season, and ended the season with a 7–9 record. They failed to reach the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. It was the final season that the 49ers wore their 1996 dark red uniforms. With the 49ers offense struggling the previous season, offensive coordinator Jim Hostler was fired and replaced by Mike Martz. In addition, Scot McCloughan was promoted from vice president of player personnel to general manager. Mike Nolan was terminated after a 29–17 loss to the New York Giants in Week 8.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2003 San Francisco 49ers season</span> NFL team season

The 2003 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 57th season in the National Football League (NFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 San Francisco 49ers season</span> 65th season in franchise history

The 2010 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 65th season, their 61st in the National Football League (NFL), and the third year with Mike Singletary as the head coach. The 49ers were looking to build upon their 8–8 season in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 San Francisco 49ers season</span> NFL team season

The 2011 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 66th season overall, and 62nd in the National Football League (NFL). It was the first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke. The 49ers rebounded from their disappointing 2010 season to end their streak of eight consecutive non-winning seasons. After defeating the St. Louis Rams in week 13 and attaining a 10–2 record, the team clinched the NFC West and made their first playoff appearance since 2002. The 49ers ended the regular season with a 13–3 record, their best since 1997, and earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs. In the Divisional Playoffs they defeated the New Orleans Saints 36–32 and were in the NFC Championship for the first time since 1997, where they lost to the eventual eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants in overtime by a score of 20–17, coming just short of returning to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 Arizona Cardinals season</span> NFL team season

The 2011 season was the Arizona Cardinals' 92nd in the National Football League (NFL), their 24th in Arizona and their fifth under head coach Ken Whisenhunt. This was going to be the Cardinals first season with new starting quarterback Kevin Kolb, but he was injured and replaced by John Skelton. Despite a 1-6 start the Cardinals managed to win 7 out of 9 games, including a stunning upset against the San Francisco 49ers in week 14. The team improved on their 5–11 record from the 2010 season, but missed the playoffs for a second consecutive season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 St. Louis Rams season</span> NFL team season

The 2012 season was the St. Louis Rams' 75th in the National Football League (NFL), their 18th in St. Louis and their first under head coach Jeff Fisher. Finishing at 7–8–1, they improved on their 2–14 record from 2011. In Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers, the game ended in a 24–24 tie, the first since the 2008 NFL season. It was Sam Bradford's second and final full season as the Rams starting quarterback as two torn ACLs sidelined him for much of the next season and the entire 2014 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2013 San Francisco 49ers season</span> NFL team season

The 2013 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 64th in the National Football League (NFL), 68th overall and third under the head coach/general manager tandem of Jim Harbaugh and Trent Baalke. This marked the first season since 2004 that quarterback Alex Smith was not on the roster as he joined the Kansas City Chiefs. This was the 49ers' final season playing their home games at Candlestick Park before moving into Levi's Stadium for the 2014 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 San Francisco 49ers season</span> NFL team season

The 2014 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 65th in the National Football League (NFL), the 69th overall, and the fourth and final under the head coach/general manager tandem of Jim Harbaugh and Trent Baalke. It also marked the 49ers' inaugural season playing their home games at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 San Francisco 49ers season</span> NFL team season

The 2015 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 66th in the National Football League (NFL), the 70th overall, second playing their home games at Levi's Stadium, and the only season under head coach Jim Tomsula. They were attempting to make history as the first Super Bowl host team to play the Super Bowl on their own home field, but they failed to improve on their 8–8 record from 2014, and ended with a 5–11 record to miss the playoffs for the second season in a row and suffered their first losing season and last place finish since 2010 and 2005 respectively, and marked the 31st consecutive year in which the Super Bowl did not include the team in whose region the game was being played, a feat that was not achieved since themselves in 1984 until the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers broke the streak five years later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Seattle Seahawks season</span> 40th season in franchise history

The 2015 season was the Seattle Seahawks' 40th in the National Football League (NFL) and their sixth under head coach Pete Carroll.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 San Francisco 49ers season</span> NFL team season

The 2017 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 68th in the National Football League (NFL), their 72nd overall, their fourth playing their home games at Levi's Stadium and their first under the head coach/general manager tandem of Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 San Francisco 49ers season</span> NFL team season

The 2018 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 69th in the National Football League (NFL), their 73rd overall, their fifth playing their home games at Levi's Stadium and their second under the head coach/general manager tandem of Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 San Francisco 49ers season</span> 74th season in franchise history; seventh Super Bowl appearance

The 2019 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 70th in the National Football League (NFL), their 74th overall and their third under the head coach-general manager tandem of Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch. They finished their 2019 season with a 13–3 record, their best finish since 2011. Starting the season 8–0 for the first time since 1990, the 49ers surpassed their win totals from the 2016, 2017, and 2018 seasons combined. The 49ers were the second straight NFC West team to start 8–0, with the other being the 2018 Rams. With a Week 11 win over the Arizona Cardinals, the 49ers clinched their first winning season since 2013. Despite a loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15, the 49ers clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2013 with a Los Angeles Rams loss. The 49ers beat the Cardinals for the first time since 2014, won in Seattle for the first time since 2011, and beat the Panthers in the regular season for the first time since 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Seattle Seahawks season</span> 45th season in franchise history

The 2020 season was the Seattle Seahawks' 45th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 11th season under head coach Pete Carroll. With a win over the Washington Football Team in Week 15, the Seahawks made the playoffs for the third consecutive year. With a Week 17 win over the San Francisco 49ers, they improved upon their 11–5 record from the previous season. For the first time in franchise history, the Seahawks started 5–0. After a Week 16 win over the Los Angeles Rams, the Seahawks clinched the NFC West title for the first time since 2016.

References

  1. "2004 San Francisco 49ers draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  2. "NFL Records". Archived from the original on December 1, 2009. Retrieved September 28, 2008.
  3. "2004 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved April 6, 2024.