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2004 San Francisco 49ers season

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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.

2004 San Francisco 49ers season
OwnerDenise DeBartolo York and John York
General managerTerry Donahue
Head coachDennis Erickson
Offensive coordinatorTed Tollner
Defensive coordinatorWilly Robinson
Home fieldMonster Park
Results
Record2–14
Division place4th NFC West
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersLS Brian Jennings

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

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NFL draft

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Main article: 2004 NFL draft
2004 San Francisco 49ers draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 31 Rashaun Woods  Wide receiver Oklahoma State
2 46 Justin Smiley  Guard Alabama
2 58 Shawntae Spencer  Cornerback Pittsburgh
3 77 Derrick Hamilton  Wide receiver Clemson
4 104 Isaac Sopoaga  Defensive tackle Hawaii
4 127 Richard Seigler  Linebacker Oregon State
6 188 Andy Lee *  Punter Pittsburgh
6 198 Keith Lewis  Safety Oregon
7 217 Cody Pickett  Quarterback Washington
7 226 Christian Ferrara  Defensive tackle Syracuse
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

[1]

Roster

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2004 San Francisco 49ers roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

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

Preseason

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Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue NFL.com
recap
1 August 14 Oakland Raiders L 30–33 0–1 Monster Park Recap
2 August 21 at Chicago Bears L 13–20 0–2 Soldier Field Recap
3 August 27 at Minnesota Vikings L 10–23 0–3 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Recap
4 September 2 San Diego Chargers L 15–31 0–4 Monster Park Recap

Regular season

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Schedule

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Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue NFL.com
recap
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
7 Bye
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 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

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Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons

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Week 1: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Falcons 7 7 0721
49ers 0 3 31319

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

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Week 2: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 3 14 3727
Saints 10 10 3730

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

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Week 3: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 0 0 000
Seahawks 17 7 10034

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

Week 4: vs. St. Louis Rams

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Week 4: St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 14 10 0024
49ers 0 0 01414

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

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Week 5: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Cardinals 0 14 014028
49ers 0 6 616331

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

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Week 6: San Francisco 49ers at New York Jets
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 7 7 0014
Jets 0 3 61322

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

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Week 8: San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 10 3 0013
Bears 7 6 01023

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

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Week 9: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 7 14 14742
49ers 14 3 7327

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

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Week 10: Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 0 3 171737
49ers 10 7 3727

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

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Week 11: San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 0 0 303
Buccaneers 7 14 7735

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

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Week 12: Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 7 0 01724
49ers 0 3 01417

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

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Week 13: San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 3 0 306
Rams 3 10 0316

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

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Week 14: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
49ers 7 14 70331
Cardinals 0 3 718028

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

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Week 15: Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 7 16 3026
49ers 7 2 0716

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

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Week 16: Buffalo Bills at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bills 0 17 101441
49ers 0 0 077

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

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Week 17: San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 7 0 007
Patriots 0 7 7721

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

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NFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Seattle Seahawks 9 7 0 .563 3–3 8–4 371 373 W2
(5) St. Louis Rams 8 8 0 .500 5–1 7–5 319 392 W2
Arizona Cardinals 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 284 322 W1
San Francisco 49ers 2 14 0 .125 2–4 2–10 259 452 L3
NFC[3]
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1 Philadelphia Eagles East 13 3 0 .813 6–0 11–1 .453 .409 L2
2 Atlanta Falcons South 11 5 0 .688 4–2 8–4 .420 .432 L2
3 Green Bay Packers North 10 6 0 .625 5–1 9–3 .457 .419 W2
4 Seattle Seahawks West 9 7 0 .563 3–3 8–4 .445 .368 W2
Wild cards
5[a] St. Louis Rams West 8 8 0 .500 5–1 7–5 .488 .438 W2
6[a][b] Minnesota Vikings North 8 8 0 .500 3–3 5–7 .480 .406 L2
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[a][b] New Orleans Saints South 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 .465 .427 W4
8 Carolina Panthers South 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 .496 .366 L1
9[c] Detroit Lions North 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 .496 .417 L2
10[c] Arizona Cardinals West 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 .461 .417 W1
11[c][d] New York Giants East 6 10 0 .375 3–3 5–7 .516 .417 W1
12[c][d][e] Dallas Cowboys East 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 .516 .375 L1
13[c][d][e] Washington Redskins East 6 10 0 .375 1–5 6–6 .477 .333 W1
14[f] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 5 11 0 .313 2–4 4–8 .477 .413 L4
15[f] Chicago Bears North 5 11 0 .313 2–4 4–8 .465 .388 L4
16 San Francisco 49ers West 2 14 0 .125 2–4 2–10 .488 .375 L3
Tiebreakers[g]
  1. ^ a b c 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. ^ a b Minnesota clinched the NFC #6 seed instead of New Orleans based on head-to-head victory.
  3. ^ a b c d e 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. ^ a b c 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. ^ a b Dallas finished ahead of Washington in the NFC East based on head-to-head sweep.
  6. ^ a b 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

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

References

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  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.
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