2004 San Francisco 49ers season

Offseason

NFL draft

Main article: 2004 NFL draft

Roster

• Tim Rattay

• Brandon Doman

• Ken Dorsey

• Cody Pickett

• Kevan Barlow

• Fred Beasley FB

• Maurice Hicks

• Terry Jackson

• Arnaz Battle

• Curtis Conway

• P. J. Fleck

• Derrick Hamilton

• Brandon Lloyd

• Cedrick Wilson

• Rashaun Woods

• Steve Bush

• Eric Johnson

• Aaron Walker

• Jerome Davis T

• Scott Gragg T

• Brock Gutierrez C

• Kwame Harris T

• Eric Heitmann G

• Kyle Kosier G/T

• Rob Murphy C/G

• Scott Peters C/G

• Justin Smiley G

• Anthony Adams DT

• Tony Brown DT/DE

• Chris Cooper DT

• Josh Cooper DE

• John Engelberger DE

• Corey Smith DE

• Daleroy Stewart DT

• Andrew Williams DE

• Bryant Young DT

• Saleem Rasheed OLB

• Richard Seigler OLB

• Derek Smith OLB

• Jeff Ulbrich MLB

• Ray Wells OLB

• Jamie Winborn OLB

• Mike Adams CB/S

• Dwaine Carpenter CB

• Joselio Hanson CB

• Ronnie Heard FS

• Keith Lewis SS

• Tony Parrish SS

• Rayshun Reed CB

• Shawntae Spencer CB

• Jimmy Williams CB/FS

• Brian Jennings LS

• Andy Lee P

• Todd Peterson K

• Andre Carter DE (IR) [[Image:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

• Jasen Isom FB (IR) [[Image:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

• James Jordan WR (IR) [[Image:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

• Brandon Moore LB (IR) [[Image:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

• Jeremy Newberry C (IR) [[Image:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

• Julian Peterson LB (IR) [[Image:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

• Ahmed Plummer CB (IR) [[Image:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

• Tim Rattay QB (IR) [[Image:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

• Mike Rumph CB (IR) [[Image:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

• Isaac Sopoaga DT (IR) [[Image:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

• Brandon Whiting DE (IR) [[Image:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

• Bosley Allen WR

• Thomas Herrion G

• Norm Katnik C

• Tim Provost T

• Ken Simonton RB

• Max Yates LB

• Doug Zeigler TE

Preseason

Regular season

Schedule

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons

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

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

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

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

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

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. 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.

Week 4: vs. St. Louis Rams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

References

References

1. "2004 San Francisco 49ers draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
2. "NFL Records".