2004 National League Championship Series, Game summaries, Game 6
Again, the Cardinals responded when Édgar Rentería hit a two-run single scoring Albert Pujols and Scott Rolen in the bottom of the inning. Mike Lamb's home run in the fourth cut the Cardinals' lead to 4−3. In the top of the ninth inning Bagwell hit a two-out single off Jason Isringhausen, scoring Morgan Ensberg for the tying run. The game went into extra innings and ended when Jim Edmonds, who hit 42 home runs in the regular season, hit a walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the 12th off Dan Miceli, sending the series to a Game 7 showdown.


2004 National League Championship Series, Game summaries, Game 7
Thursday, October 21, 2004 at Busch Stadium (II) in St. Louis, Missouri


2004 National League Championship Series, Game summaries, Game 7
The final, deciding Game 7 started off with Astros' leadoff man Craig Biggio smacking a home run in the game's first at-bat off Cardinals' starter Jeff Suppan to make it 1–0. The Astros' threat continued in the second by putting two men on, but, thanks to a tremendous catch by center fielder Jim Edmonds, the Cardinals were able to get out of the inning unscathed. In the third, however, the Astros made it 2–0 with Carlos Beltrán, who walked and stole second, scoring on Jeff Bagwell's sacrifice fly aided by Edmonds's error.


2004 National League Championship Series, Game summaries, Game 7
The Cardinals cut it to 2−1 in the bottom of the inning when Tony Womack hit a leadoff double, moved to third on a groundout, and scored on Jeff Suppan's bunt groundout. Then in the sixth Albert Pujols doubled to score Roger Cedeno from third to tie the game and Scott Rolen put the Redbirds ahead with a two-run home run off Roger Clemens. St. Louis added another run in the eighth off Roy Oswalt when pinch hitter Marlon Anderson hit a leadoff double, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt, and scored on Larry Walker's single. Jason Isringhausen shut down Houston in the ninth to win the Cardinals their first National League pennant in 17 years.


2004 National League Division Series
The 2004 National League Division Series (NLDS), the opening round of the 2004 National League playoffs, began on Tuesday, October 5, and ended on Monday, October 11, with the champions of the three NL divisions—along with a "wild card" team—participating in two best-of-five series. They were:


2004 National League Division Series
The National League division and wild card races were some of the most exciting in the wild-card era, as the National League West came down to the final weekend of the season, while there were as many as four teams trying for a post-season berth via the wild card the last week of the season, as well.


2004 National League Division Series
The St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros went on to meet in the NL Championship Series (NLCS). The Cardinals became the National League champion, and lost to the American League champion Boston Red Sox in the 2004 World Series.


2004 National League Division Series, St. Louis vs. Los Angeles, Game 1
Odalis Pérez faced Woody Williams in Game 1. Albert Pujols got the Cardinals started with a two-out solo homer to make it 1–0 in the first. Then in the third, Perez reached his limit after surrendering five two-out runs. Larry Walker's solo homer made it 2–0. Pujols singled and Scott Rolen walked before Édgar Rentería doubled in both, then Jim Edmonds's two-run homer made it 6–0 Cardinals. In the fourth, Mike Matheny homered off Elmer Dessens to make it 7–0.


2004 National League Division Series, St. Louis vs. Los Angeles, Game 1
The Dodgers got on the board in the fifth on back-to-back two-out doubles by Cesar Izturis and Jayson Werth, then added another run next inning when Adrian Beltre hit a leadoff single and scored on Alex Cora's two-out triple. The Cardinals added to their lead on Larry Walker's leadoff home run in the seventh off Giovanni Carrara. Kiko Calero and Ray King followed Williams' six solid innings with a perfect seventh and eighth. Jason Isringhausen closed out the game after allowing a home run to Tom Wilson in the ninth.


2004 National League Division Series, St. Louis vs. Los Angeles, Game 2
Jeff Weaver faced Jason Marquis in Game 2. Jayson Werth homered in the first to make it 1–0 Dodgers, but in the second, with runners on first and second and one out, Weaver's error on a pickoff attempt allowed Edgar Renteria to score and Reggie Sanders to go to second. One out later, Tony Womack's triple and Larry Walker's double scored a run each, giving the Cardinals a 3–1 lead. However, back-to-back homers by Shawn Green and Milton Bradley to lead off the top of the fourth tied the game. Marquis was removed in favor of Cal Eldred.


2004 National League Division Series, St. Louis vs. Los Angeles, Game 2
With Weaver still pitching in the fifth and runners on first and second and two outs, Renteria's RBI single put the Cardinals back in front 4–3. After Sanders was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Mike Matheny's two-run single made it 6–3 Cardinals. Matheny would also come through in the seventh with another two-run single off Giovanni Carrara. The Cardinals' solid bullpen held the Dodgers as they cruised to another 8–3 win.


2004 National League Division Series, St. Louis vs. Los Angeles, Game 3
With time running out, the Dodgers called on José Lima for Game 3. Opposing him would be Matt Morris. Both pitchers kept the game quiet until the third. The Dodgers would take the lead for only the second time in the series with a two-run bases-loaded double by Steve Finley. Then Shawn Green followed with a leadoff homer in the fourth. Lima would keep the Cardinals silent all night and Green would homer once again in the sixth to make it 4–0. Lima would pitch a complete-game five-hit shutout to give the Dodgers their first postseason win since the clinching Game 5 of the 1988 World Series.


2004 National League Division Series, St. Louis vs. Los Angeles, Game 4
All the momentum the Dodgers might have had disappeared in Game 4. Jeff Suppan faced Odalis Pérez and Jayson Werth struck first against Suppan with a one-out homer in the first to make it 1–0 Dodgers, but Reggie Sanders homered as well to tie the game in the second. Then with two on via two walks, Édgar Rentería gave the Cardinals the lead with an RBI single in the third, but the Dodgers tied the game on a sacrifice fly by Adrián Beltré.


2004 National League Division Series, St. Louis vs. Los Angeles, Game 4
However, Wilson Álvarez faced Albert Pujols with two men on in the fourth and surrender a three-run homer to give the Cardinals a commanding 5–2 lead. Then Pujols singled home Larry Walker off Yhency Brazoban to give the Cardinals a 6–2 lead in the seventh. That marked the end for the Dodgers as Alex Cora struck out against Jason Isringhausen to end the series in the ninth.


2004 National League Division Series, St. Louis vs. Los Angeles, Composite line score
2004 NLDS (3–1): St. Louis Cardinals over Los Angeles Dodgers


2004 National League Division Series, Atlanta vs. Houston, Game 1
Roger Clemens faced Jaret Wright in Game 1. The Braves loaded the bases in the bottom of the first on an error and two walks before Johnny Estrada's sacrifice fly put them up 1–0. Wright cruised through the first two innings but ran into trouble in the third. Brad Ausmus's leadoff homer tied the game and after two quick outs, Carlos Beltrán singled. Jeff Bagwell followed with an RBI double. Then Lance Berkman homered to put the Astros up 4–1. In the fifth, the Astros got two more on Beltrán's two-run homer.


2004 National League Division Series, Atlanta vs. Houston, Game 1
Kevin Gryboski relieved Wright and allowed a single to Jeff Bagwell and one out later, Jeff Kent's RBI single made it 7–1 Astros. In the bottom of the inning, Andruw Jones's two-out home run made it 7–2 Astros. The Braves scored their last run in the sixth when Rafael Furcal hit a leadoff triple and scored on a groundout by Marcus Giles. The Astros added to their lead in the seventh on an RBI single by Morgan Ensberg off Juan Cruz and the ninth on Jason Lane's leadoff home run off Chris Reitsma. Mike Gallo pitched a scoreless bottom of the ninth as the Astros' 9–3 win gave them a 1–0 series lead.


2004 National League Division Series, Atlanta vs. Houston, Game 2
The Astros jumped off to an early 2–0 lead off Braves starter Mike Hampton on homers by Jeff Bagwell in the first and Raul Chavez in the third. Hampton would leave in the seventh with an injured arm. In the seventh, Astros starter Roy Oswalt, who was working on a shutout, began to falter as he allowed a pinch-hit double to DeWayne Wise. Then Rafael Furcal would single him home to make it 2–1. In a bizarre incident, the Astros' bullpen phone stopped working and someone had to check the status of their relievers.


2004 National League Division Series, Atlanta vs. Houston, Game 2
It caused a delay that Braves manager Bobby Cox protested. This occurred after Oswalt gave up his only run of the game. The bullpen would save the inning and the game remained 2–1 until the bottom of the eighth, when Adam LaRoche tied the game with an RBI double off Brad Lidge with the Astros five outs away from taking a commanding 2–0 lead in the series. As the game moved to extra innings, Charles Thomas singled with one out in the bottom of the 11th off Dan Miceli. After Eli Marrero struck out, Thomas stole second, then Rafael Furcal – well aware that once the Braves were eliminated he was going to jail – hit the game-winning two-run home run to tie the series at one game apiece.


2004 National League Division Series, Atlanta vs. Houston, Game 3
John Thomson faced Brandon Backe in Game 3. Thomson would leave the game in the first with a strained muscle on his left side after surrendering a double and a walk with one out. Paul Byrd came on in relief and got out of the inning, but, in the third, Carlos Beltrán put the Astros on top with a two-run homer. In the fourth, the Braves issued their response with a homer from Johnny Estrada. Andruw Jones then doubled and, after an intentional walk, scored on Byrd's RBI single to tie the game.


2004 National League Division Series, Atlanta vs. Houston, Game 3
In the bottom of the fifth, Lance Berkman walked with two outs before scoring on Jeff Kent's RBI double off the scoreboard, then Morgan Ensberg's RBI single made it 4–2 Astros and Byrd was gone. Against Antonio Alfonseca in the bottom of the sixth, the Astros put two men on and Alfonseca would leave in favor of Tom Martin, who allowed an RBI single to Lance Berkman. After Jeff Kent walked to load the bases, Ensberg's two-run double made it 7–2.


2004 National League Division Series, Atlanta vs. Houston, Game 3
They scored one more run when Brad Ausmus walked to lead off the seventh, moved to second on a wild pitch by Chris Reitsma, then to third on a ground out before scoring on a Mike Lamb sacrifice fly. The Braves put their first two men on in the eighth off Russ Springer and, after two strikeouts, Andruw Jones hit a three-run homer to cut the lead in half, but Brad Lidge pitched a perfect ninth for the save as the Astros' 8–5 win left them one win away from the NLCS.


2004 National League Division Series, Atlanta vs. Houston, Game 4
With their backs to the wall in Game 4, the Braves sent Russ Ortiz to the mound to face Roger Clemens. Three consecutive leadoff singles in the second put the Braves up 1–0, then Adam LaRoche's double play with runners on second and third made it 2–0 Braves. In the bottom of the inning, the Astros loaded the bases on two singles and a walk before Clemens's sacrifice fly cut the Braves' lead to 2–1. Then Craig Biggio hit a three-run homer to give the Astros a 4–2 lead.


2004 National League Division Series, Atlanta vs. Houston, Game 4
Carlos Beltrán doubled and scored on Jeff Bagwell's single to make it 5–2 Astros. Behind Clemens, the Astros were closing in on their first-ever postseason series win, but Clemens left the game in favor of Chad Qualls, who gave up a three-run homer to Adam LaRoche to tie the game in the sixth. The Braves took the lead in the ninth off Russ Springer when Rafael Furcal was hit by a pitch with two outs, stole second and scored on J. D. Drew's single. The Astros got two one-out singles in the bottom of the inning off John Smoltz, but Jeff Kent grounded into the game-ending double play to force a Game 5 in Atlanta.


2004 National League Division Series, Atlanta vs. Houston, Game 5
Roy Oswalt took on Jaret Wright in the clinching Game 5. In the top of the second, a leadoff single was followed by a double before Morgan Ensberg's ground out and Jose Vizcaino's sacrifice fly scored a run each. Then Carlos Beltrán homered in the third to make it 3–0 Astros, but the Braves cut the lead to one on a pair of homers by Rafael Furcal, in what turned out to be his last game before going to jail, and Johnny Estrada in the fifth. Beltrán's second homer in the sixth, however, made it 4–2.


2004 National League Division Series, Atlanta vs. Houston, Game 5
When Chris Reitsma took the mound in the seventh, the Astros were able to put the series away with a five-run explosion. Vizcaino hit a leadoff single, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on Craig Biggio's two-out single. Biggio scored on Beltrán's single before Jeff Bagwell's two-run homer's made it 8–2. Tom Martin relieved Reitsma and allowed a double to Lance Berkman, who scored on Jeff Kent's single. The Braves scored their last run of the series in the bottom of the inning on Johnny Estrada's RBI single off Mike Gallo.


2004 National League Division Series, Atlanta vs. Houston, Game 5
The Astros added to their lead in the eighth off Juan Cruz when Ensberg hit a leadoff double and scored on Jason Lane's two-out single. After Biggio doubled, Beltrán's two-run single made it 12–3. Dan Wheeler would come on to shut the door on the Braves in the ninth. Chipper Jones's flyout to left gave the Astros the win in Game 5 and gave them their first-ever postseason series win. After multiple losses to the Braves in the playoffs, the Astros won the right to play in the NLCS for the first time since 1986.


2004 National Pro Fastpitch season
The 2004 National Pro Fastpitch season was the first season of professional softball under the name National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) for  the only professional women's fastpitch softball league in the United States. From 1997 to 2002, NPF operated under the names Women's Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL). Each year, the playoff teams battle for the Cowles Cup.


2004 National Pro Fastpitch season, Milestones and events
The 2004 season was the culmination of years of work to relaunch the Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL) as a new league. In November 2002 the new name for WPSL - National Pro Fastpitch - was announced, along with a 2003 tour and league play beginning in 2004.


2004 National Pro Fastpitch season, Milestones and events
NPF initially announced a league roster of teams in Akron, Ohio (Akron Racers), Denver, Colo.(Colorado Altitude), Houston and San Antonio, Texas (Texas Thunder and San Antonio Armadillos), Sacramento, Calif. (California Sunbirds), Tucson, Ariz. (Arizona Heat), Lowell, Mass. (New England Riptide), and Parsippany, NJ (NY/NJ Juggernaut). The Racers were the only NPF team that also played in the WPSL. NPF conducted its first player drafts with these eight teams.


2004 National Pro Fastpitch season, Milestones and events
In March 2004, NPF released its inaugural schedule for 2004 and did not include the Armadillos and the Altitude. Reports allowed for the possibility of both teams joining the league in 2005 or later, but it never came to be.


2004 National Pro Fastpitch season, Milestones and events
NPF officially launched its first season on June 1, 2004, with three games: the Akron Racers at the Texas Thunder, the Arizona Heat visiting the California Sunbirds, and the New England Riptide at the New York/New Jersey Juggernaut.


2004 National Pro Fastpitch season, Player acquisition, College draft
NPF held tryouts and its first drafts at the 2003 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Convention, at the Del Lago Resort, in Montgomery, Texas December 3–6, 2003.


2004 National Pro Fastpitch season, Player acquisition, College draft
On December 6 at the 2004 NPF Draft, the eight NPF teams selected players in a four-round Elite Draft and a six-round College Senior Draft. San Antonio selected Michigan State first baseman, and Indiana assistant coach Stacey Phillips with the first overall selection in the Elite Draft. In the College Senior Draft Iyhia McMichael of Mississippi State was selected first by the Akron Racers.


2004 National Pro Fastpitch season, Player acquisition, College draft
After the decision was made to launch the 2004 season without the Colorado Altitude and San Antonio Armadillos, a Supplemental Draft was held to allocate players whose rights were held by Colorado and San Antonio.


2004 National Pro Fastpitch season, Player acquisition, Notable transactions
The Juggernaut signed Michele Smith, a two-time Olympic gold medal pitcher (1996 and 2000), and five-time Japan Pro League MVP. The Racers brought on board  Danielle Henderson, a member of the 2000 gold medal Olympic team.


2004 National Pro Fastpitch season, NPF Championship
The 2004 NPF Championship Series was held at Firestone Stadium in Akron, Ohio August 25-9. The top four teams qualified and were seeded based on the final standings. The Racers won the tiebreaker over the Riptide based on winning the head-to-head season series 8-4. All series were planned to be best-of-three games, but that changed when rain cancelled the game 1 of the final on August 28. A single winner-take-all game was played on August 29.


2004 National Pro Fastpitch season, NPF All-Star Teams
The 2004 NPF All-Star Series was held July 13 and 14 at Don E. Porter Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, OK. The East All-Star team included players from NY/NJ Juggernaut, the New England Riptide, and the Akron Racers and was managed by the Racers' Judy Martino. The West All-Star team included players from California Sunbirds, the Arizona Heat, and the Texas Thunder and was managed by the Thunder's Wayne Daigle.


2004 National Pro Fastpitch season, NPF All-Star Teams
The USA Olympic softball team played a doubleheader against each NPF All-Star Team on July 13. The Olympians swept the games beating the East 5-0, and edging the West 5-3 in 9 innings. The West All-Stars beat the East by a score of 1-0 on July 14. Nancy Evans was named the Most Valuable Player.


2004 National Provincial Championship
The National Provincial Championship, or NPC, was the predecessor to the current Air New Zealand Cup and Heartland Championship in New Zealand rugby. 2004 was the 29th year of the National Provincial Championship, Canterbury were the winners of Division 1, Nelson Bays were the winners of Division 2, while Poverty Bay were the winners of Division 3.


2004 National Provincial Championship, Ranfurly Shield
As the holders of the Ranfurly Shield from the end of 2003, Auckland were the Ranfurly Shield holders in 2004 and started with its first defence against Poverty Bay in Auckland. Auckland won this match and defended it successfully once and lost its third defence of the season to Bay of Plenty. With the unions first ever Ranfurly Shield win, Bay of Plenty won its first ever defence of the shield before losing it to Canterbury who successfully defeated its following challengers to keep the shield for the summer of 2004 and into the 2005 season.


2004 National Soccer League Grand Final
The 2004 National Soccer League Grand Final was held on 4 April 2004 between Parramatta Power and Perth Glory at Parramatta Stadium. Parramatta Power had gained home-ground advantage by beating Perth Glory in the major semi final, while Perth earned their place with a win over Adelaide United in the preliminary final. Perth won the match 1–0, with Nik Mrdja scoring a golden goal in extra time.


2004 National Soccer League Grand Final, Background
The Australian Soccer Association (ASA) had decided that this would be the last National Soccer League season ahead of the launch of the provisionally-named Australian Premier League (APL) in 2005.


2004 National Soccer League Grand Final, Route to the final
The two teams were the clear standouts with Perth finishing the season first and Parramatta six points behind. As the top two teams, they earned the right to advance to the second week of the finals series. In the major semi-final, held over two legs at Parramatta Stadium and Perth Oval, Parramatta defeated Perth 6–2 on aggregate to advance to the grand final. Perth defeated Adelaide United in the preliminary final 5–0 at Subiaco Oval to earn the right to face the Power again. After initially suggesting that they might relinquish home-ground advantage to the Glory, the Power eventually decided to host the grand final at Parramatta.


2004 National Soccer League Grand Final, Match, Summary
The match took place in heavy rain which led to a smaller than expected crowd and affected the pitch.


2004 National Soccer League Grand Final, Match, Summary
Perth had the first real chance on goal in the 14th minute with Damian Mori having a shot from within the six-yard box saved by Clint Bolton, the Power goalkeeper. A Peter Zorbas cross after 23 minutes was spilt by Perth goalkeeper Jason Petkovic, however Power forward Ante Milicic was unable to capitalise. A promising Glory attack was thwarted in the 29th minute with a ball in the penalty area stopping in the mud near the line.


2004 National Soccer League Grand Final, Match, Summary
With conditions improving in the second half, Power midfielder Ahmad Elrich put in a cross to Milicic who shot wide. Shortly after, Mori again missed from just outside the six-yard box with only the keeper between him and the goal. In the 74th minute, Power forward Sasho Petrovski shot the ball wide after doing to move past his opponent.


2004 National Soccer League Grand Final, Match, Summary
With regulation time expiring, the teams began extra time with the Golden goal rule in effect. Mori missed a clear chance to win the grand final five minutes into extra time after Peter Zorbas slipped while trying to clear the ball from the penalty area.


2004 National Soccer League Grand Final, Match, Summary
Nik Mrdja, who had been an 82nd minute substitute for striker Bobby Despotovski, ended the match eight minutes into the first period of extra time with a low shot past Power goalkeeper Bolton.


2004 National Soccer League Grand Final, Post match
Power midfielder Ahmad Elrich was presented the Joe Marston Medal for best player of the grand final by Joe Marston.


2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards
The 39th National Society of Film Critics Awards, given on 9 January 2005, honored the best in film for 2004. (see 2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards nominees).


2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards, Winners, Best Picture
1. Million Dollar Baby (50)2. Sideways (44)3. Before Sunset (28)


2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards, Winners, Best Director
1. Zhang Yimou – House of Flying Daggers (Shi mian mai fu) and Hero (Ying xiong) (33)2. Alexander Payne – Sideways (31)3. Clint Eastwood – Million Dollar Baby (30)


2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards, Winners, Best Actor
1. Jamie Foxx – Ray and Collateral (31)2. Paul Giamatti – Sideways (29)3. Clint Eastwood – Million Dollar Baby (26)


2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards, Winners, Best Actress
1. Imelda Staunton – Vera Drake (TIE) (52)1. Hilary Swank – Million Dollar Baby (TIE) (52)3. Julie Delpy – Before Sunset (40)


2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards, Winners, Best Supporting Actor
1. Thomas Haden Church – Sideways (55)2. Morgan Freeman – Million Dollar Baby (54)3. Peter Sarsgaard – Kinsey (19)


2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards, Winners, Best Supporting Actress
1. Virginia Madsen – Sideways (58)2. Cate Blanchett – The Aviator and Coffee and Cigarettes (37)3. Laura Linney – Kinsey (18)


2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards, Winners, Best Screenplay
1. Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor – Sideways (60)2. Charlie Kaufman – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (55)3. Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke – Before Sunset (29)


2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards, Winners, Best Cinematography
1. Zhao Xiaoding – House of Flying Daggers (Shi mian mai fu) (39)2. Christopher Doyle – Hero (Ying xiong) (31)3. Dion Beebe and Paul Cameron – Collateral (18)


2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards, Winners, Best Foreign Language Film
1. Moolaadé (29)2. House of Flying Daggers (Shi mian mai fu) (27)3. Notre musique (15)


2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards, Winners, Best Non-Fiction Film
1. Tarnation (27)2. The Story of the Weeping Camel (Die Geschichte vom weinenden Kamel) (25)3. Bright Leaves (16)


2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards nominees
List of the 2004 National Society of Film Critics Awards nominees:


2004 Nationwide Tour
The 2004 Nationwide Tour season ran from February 5 to October 31. The season consisted of 31 official money golf tournaments; five of which were played outside of the United States. The top 20 players on the year-end money list earned their PGA Tour card for 2005.


2004 Nationwide Tour, Schedule
The number in parentheses after winners' names show the player's total number of wins on the Nationwide Tour including that event. No one accumulates many wins on the Nationwide Tour because success at this level soon leads to promotion to the PGA Tour.


2004 Nationwide Tour graduates
This is a list of players who graduated from the Nationwide Tour in 2004. The top 20 players on the Nationwide Tour's money list in 2004 earned their PGA Tour card for 2005.


2004 Nationwide Tour graduates
*PGA Tour rookie for 2005. T = TiedGreen background indicates the player retained his PGA Tour card for 2006 (finished inside the top 125). Yellow background indicates the player did not retain his PGA Tour card for 2006, but retained conditional status (finished between 126–150). Red background indicates the player did not retain his PGA Tour card for 2006 (finished outside the top 150).


2004 Nauruan parliamentary election
Parliamentary elections were held in Nauru on 23 October 2004. Non -partisan followers of Ludwig Scotty won a majority, and he was elected President by the parliament (the Nauruan president is effectively a Prime Minister as he is also an MP, as is the case in South Africa and Botswana).


2004 Navy Midshipmen football team
The 2004 Navy Midshipmen football team represented the United States Naval Academy (USNA) as an independent during the 2004 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team was led by third-year head coach Paul Johnson. The Midshipmen finished the regular season with a 9–2 record, the first time since the 1963 season that Navy had won nine or more games in a season. Wins over Army and the Air Force Falcons secured Navy's second consecutive Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. Navy secured a berth in the 2004 Emerald Bowl when the Pacific-10 Conference did not have enough teams to fill its bowl obligations.


2004 Navy Midshipmen football team
The other tie-in was with the Mountain West Conference (MWC), and the Midshipmen ended up playing the New Mexico Lobos. They won the game with a score of 34–19, finishing with a 14-minute, 26-play drive that set the record for the longest drive in a college football game. The win gave the Midshipmen a final record of 10–2, the first time since the 1905 season that the Midshipmen finished with ten or more wins.


2004 Nazran raid
The Nazran raid was a large-scale raid carried out in the Republic of Ingushetia, Russia on the night of June 21–22, 2004, by a group of mostly Chechen and Ingush militants led by the Chechen commander Shamil Basayev. Basayev's main goal, besides capturing a large cache of weapons, was a show of strength.


2004 Nazran raid, Attacks
The overnight attacks targeted 15 government buildings in the former Ingush capital and the largest city, Nazran, and three settlements located on the Baku-Rostov highway that crosses the republic from east to west (Karabulak, Sleptsovskaya  and Yandare). The targets of simultaneous attacks included the Interior Ministry (MVD) headquarters with an arms depot, an FSB border guard unit, the municipal police headquarters, barracks of the OMON special police, police stations and checkpoints.


2004 Nazran raid, Attacks
The attackers also tried but failed to free 50 prisoners from a temporary jail and dispersed at 3 a.m., before a column of federal army troops managed to reach Nazran just after dawn at 4 a.m. One Russian military convoy was also ambushed en route from North Ossetia and suffered casualties.


2004 Nazran raid, Attacks
Witnesses to the attacks told Russian media that most of the attackers spoke the Ingush language and wore masks and camouflage uniforms similar to those worn by the Russian police. The rebels patrolled Nazran, setting roadblocks and stopping motorists, asking to see their documents. Any law enforcement officials they encountered were then shot and killed, with exception of traffic policemen who were spared. The raid lasted nearly five hours, and the raiders withdrew almost unscathed and with two truckloads with 1,177 seized firearms. The Interior Ministry building and Nazran train station were burned down. Ingush officials said the rebels took some 20 hostages, mostly traffic police officers.


2004 Nazran raid, Attacks
The day before the attack, Chechen separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov, speaking for RFE/RL, claimed rebels are "going to switch to offensive warfare". In July 2004, Maskhadov publicly accepted responsibility for the attack and promised more similar attacks.


2004 Nazran raid, Casualties
According to the official figures, 92 people were killed in the raid, including at least 47 police officials, a number later revised downward to 98. The final toll included 27 civilians, 26 policemen (24 Ingush and two Chechen), 10 special forces servicemen, nine soldiers (six Russian and three Ingush), eight FSB agents, five employees of the local prosecutor's office, at least two guerrillas and three unidentified people. About 106 people were injured, including 51 members of government forces.


2004 Nazran raid, Casualties
The largest group of the dead were local police and other law enforcement officials, whom the rebels said they killed for collaborating with Russian security services in kidnappings and killings of Ingush civilians suspected of sympathizing with the rebels. The killed officials included the republic's acting Interior Minister Abukar Kostoyev, his deputy Zyaudin Kotiyev, Nazran city prosecutor Mukharbek Buzurtanov and Nazran district prosecutor Bilan Oziyev.


2004 Nazran raid, Casualties
A number of civilians, including the Ingush health minister and a local UN worker, were killed in the crossfire. Only two dead rebels were found in the morning after attack, but the rebel Kavkaz Center website said the attackers lost six men killed. The KC statement also said that over 120 "servants of Russia" were killed in the attack and 30 policemen were captured.


2004 Nazran raid, Aftermath
Army General Vyacheslav Tikhomirov, the Russian Deputy Interior Minister and the commander of Russia's Internal Troops (VV), decided to resign after Federal Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev blamed them for the high number of deaths. After Tikhomirov's resignation, the VV remained without a head for a month.


2004 Nazran raid, Aftermath
Some 30 suspected rebels, mostly Ingush, were arrested in the next two months over their part in the Nazran raid. Several days after the September 2004 Beslan school siege, Deputy Prosecutor General of Russia Vladimir Kolesnikov said 10 of the weapons stolen in Nazran were used in the Beslan attack. One of the demands of Beslan terrorists was also the release of the raid suspects. In 2005, 13 of them were convicted and sentenced to 8–25 years in prison.


2004 Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council election
The third election to the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council was held on 10 June 2004. It was preceded by the 1999 election and followed by the 2008 election. On the same day there were elections to the other 21 local authorities in Wales and community councils in Wales.


2004 Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council election, Overview
All council seats were up for election. These were the second elections held following local government reorganisation. Labour retained its majority.


2004 Nebelhorn Trophy
The 2004 Nebelhorn Trophy took place between September 2 and 5, 2004 at the Eislaufzentrum. The compulsory dance was the Rhumba. It is an international senior-level figure skating competition organized by the Deutsche Eislauf-Union and held annually in Oberstdorf, Germany. The competition is named after the Nebelhorn, a nearby mountain.


2004 Nebelhorn Trophy
It was one of the first international senior competitions of the season. Skaters were entered by their respective national federations, rather than receiving individual invitations as in the Grand Prix of Figure Skating, and competed in four disciplines: men's singles, ladies' singles, pair skating, and ice dance. The Fritz-Geiger-Memorial Trophy was presented to the country with the highest placements across all disciplines.


2004 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team
The 2004 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the 2004 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team was coached by Bill Callahan and played their home games in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.


2004 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, After the season
Nebraska finished tied for 3rd place in the Big 12 North Division and tied for 7th conference-wide, with a final record of 5-6 (3-5), its first losing season since 1961. Head Coach Bill Callahan's overall career record was established at 5-6 (.455) and 3-5 (.375) in conference. Nebraska did not play in a bowl game for the first time since 1968, ending their consecutive bowl streak at 35.


2004 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, After the season, NFL and pro players
The following Nebraska players who participated in the 2004 season later moved on to the next level and joined a professional or semi-pro team as draftees or free agents.


2004 Nepal riots
The 2004 Nepal riots were a series of riots between 31 August to 6 September 2004. Thousands of people rioted in cities and towns across Nepal, which saw looting, arson, as well as imposed curfew and the deaths of two people.


2004 Nepal riots
The protests started in Kathmandu, Nepal, following the Nepal hostage crisis. On 19 August 2004, twelve Nepalis were kidnapped in Iraq by Ansa al-Sunna, and on 31 August, it was confirmed that the twelve Nepalis were murdered. Several violent clashes with police followed the crisis, along with vandalism of Kantipur Publications, Kantipur Television, Space Time Network, and Channel Nepal. The Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies was reported to have lost about billions of Nepali Rupees (NPR), and  various companies also lost about 750 million NPR in damages.


2004 Nepal riots, Background
On 19 August 2004, the Ansa al-Sunna website posted that they had taken twelve Nepalis hostage in Iraq and the group did not mention any demands nor gave any schedule for negotiations. The next day, the website showed a video of the Nepalis begging for their lives and they blamed, Pralhad Giri of Moonlight Consultants, for their abduction; the media was aired by various Nepali channels. On 23 August, the Government of Nepal made a plead via the Al Jazeera television channel, however, Nepali diplomats were unable to contact the kidnappers. The Nepali government also wrote to the Iraqi government, nevertheless, on 31 August at 6 pm, television channels broadcast pictures of the dead bodies of 12 Nepalis. This was later confirmed by the Qatari Government.


2004 Nepal riots, Riots
The first demonstrations began shortly after television channels broadcast pictures of the dead bodies. At 6 pm, 20 people showed up at Maitidevi, Kathmandu, and they started to knock down signs of "labour recruitment agencies". Later at Ghanta Ghar, the protester threw rocks at a mosque, later the rioters grew more than 150 people.


2004 Nepal riots, Riots
On 1 September, rioters appeared in various areas including, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur. The same day at 7:30 am, about 100 people shouted a rallying cry against "Islamic terrorists" and threw rocks at a mosque near Ghanta Ghar, and some protesters climbed to the roof, but, deployed police force took control of the place. The rioters also targeted Kantipur Publications, Kantipur Television, Space Time Network, and Channel Nepal; their employees were harassed, attacked by rocks, and their vehicles were burned. Jame Masjid in Kathmandu was tried to set on fire however this was intervened by the police. More than hundreds of copies of the Koran, an Islamic holy book, were "thrown on to the street and burnt". International airlines from Islamic countries were also vandalised, including Qatar Airways, Saudia, Kuwait Airways, and Pakistan International Airlines.


2004 Nepal riots, Riots
At noon, the government announced it would impose a curfew around the Ring Road, Butwal, and Birtamod from 2:00 pm. At 1 pm, the protestors clash with the security guards near the Egyptian Embassy, Pulchok, and one is killed and three injured after they open fire. Half an hour later, near Ratna Park, three people were injured and one later dies at the hospital. The riots cool down after the curfew was deployed at 2 pm. It was estimated that there were more than 20,000 rioters on 1 September. Areas outside of the capital saw huge protests including in Birtamod, and Butwal.


2004 Nepal riots, Riots
On 2 September, Home Ministry reported that the situation was under control. On 4 September, the curfew was eased and many people were seen outside shopping for food and essential goods. The curfew was officially ended on Monday, 6 September.


2004 Nepal riots, Effects
The Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies was criticised and vandalized by rioters for failing to "protect hundreds of manpower agencies during the rampage". It was estimated that vandalism cost them billions of Nepali rupees as the protesters destroyed more than 300,000 passports "deposited with manpower agencies". The company told the government that they would not send anyone aboard for work until the government provides them with compensation and guaranteed the security of its employees. International airlines including Qatar Airways, Pakistan International Airlines, and Air Sahara stopped their flights to Kathmandu due to riots. Nepali Times estimated that various companies lost 750 million Nepalese rupees (NPR) in damages.


2004 Nepal riots, Reactions
King Gyanendra and Queen Komal expressed their "condolences to the family and relatives of the people killed by Iraqi militants". It was reported that they were "shocked and grieved" by the cruel acts made by Jamaat Ansar al-Sunna. On 1 September, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba gave a nationwide speech on Radio Nepal and he called for "restraint". Deuba stated he would also provide 1 million Nepalese rupees to victims' family, and proclaimed 2 September to be a national day of mourning.


2004 Nepal riots, Reactions
It was also condemned by Indian Prime Minister: Manmohan Singh, United States Secretary of State: Colin Powell, Minister of External Affairs: Natwar Singh, Jack Straw, Pope John Paul II, governments of Bangladesh and Japan. The Kathmandu Post called the militants "terrorists who have camouflaged themselves in the masks of Islam".


2004 Nevada Democratic presidential caucuses
The 2004 Nevada Democratic presidential caucuses took place on February 14, 2004 as part of the 2004 United States Democratic presidential primaries. The delegate allocation is Proportional. The candidates were awarded delegates in proportion to the percentage of votes received and the caucus was open to registered Democrats only. A total of 20 delegates are awarded proportionally. A 15 percent threshold was required to receive delegates. Frontrunner John Kerry won the primary with Governor Howard Dean coming in a distant second. Kerry won the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, but lost the general election to incumbent George W. Bush.


2004 Nevada Wolf Pack football team
The 2004 Nevada Wolf Pack football team represented the University of Nevada, Reno during the 2004 NCAA Division I-A football season. Nevada competed as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The Wolf Pack were led by Chris Ault in his 20th overall and 1st straight season since taking over as head coach for the third time. They played their home games at Mackay Stadium.


2004 Nevada Wolf Pack football team, Previous season
The Wolf Pack finished the 2003 season 6–6 and 4–4 in WAC play to finish in fifth place. Despite being bowl eligible, they were not invited to a bowl game. Head coach Chris Tormey was replaced by Chris Ault.


2004 New Brunswick municipal elections
Municipal elections in the Canadian province of New Brunswick were held on May 10, 2004. All 104 municipalities in New Brunswick elected mayors and councillors. Also held on that day were elections for regional health boards and district education councils.


2004 New Brunswick municipal elections
These elections marked the end of three-year terms for elected municipal offices. Beginning in 2004, officials began to serve four-year terms, meaning the next elections will be held in 2008.


2004 New Brunswick municipal elections, Summary
In each of the province's three major cities, the mayoral races were won by non-incumbents:


2004 New Brunswick municipal elections, Summary
A small number of major communities had mayors return to their positions:


2004 New Brunswick municipal elections, Races in major centres
Below are the results of the mayoral races in selected cities and towns across the province:


2004 New Brunswick municipal elections, Races in major centres, Moncton, Elected to City Council
Moncton elects two councillors at-large, and two from each of four wards.


2004 New Brunswick municipal elections, Races in major centres, Saint John, Elected to Common Council
Saint John elects 10 councillors at large. Elected candidates only are listed below.


2004 New Caledonian legislative election
Legislative elections for the Congress were held in New Caledonia on 9 May 2004. Although the Rally for Caledonia in the Republic and Future Together both won 16 seats, Future Together's Marie-Noëlle Thémereau became President.


2004 New England Grand Prix
The 2004 New England Grand Prix was the third race for the 2004 American Le Mans Series season held at Lime Rock Park. It took place on July 5, 2004.


2004 New England Grand Prix, Official results
Class winners in bold. Cars failing to complete 70% of winner's distance marked as Not Classified (NC).


2004 New England Patriots season
The 2004 New England Patriots season was the franchise's 35th season in the National Football League, the 45th overall and the 5th under head coach Bill Belichick. They finished with their second consecutive 14–2 record before advancing to and winning Super Bowl XXXIX, their third Super Bowl victory in four years, and their last until 2014. They are, as of the present, the last team to repeat as NFL Champions and only the second to win 3 Super Bowls in a 4-year span (the other being the Dallas Cowboys from the 1992 to 1995 seasons). As of 2020, this is the most recent time the defending Super Bowl champions have defended their title.


2004 New England Patriots season
Following a Super Bowl win in 2003, the Patriots looked to improve their running game in the offseason. They replaced Antowain Smith with longtime but disgruntled Cincinnati Bengals running back Corey Dillon, who was acquired in a trade days before the 2004 NFL Draft; Dillon would rush for a career-high 1,635 yards in 2004. Winning their first six games of the season, the Patriots set the NFL record for consecutive regular season victories (18), which was later broken by the 2006–2008 Patriots (21), and consecutive regular season and playoff victories (21) before losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 31.


2004 New England Patriots season
In that game, Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law was lost for the season with a foot injury. Combined with the loss of other starting cornerback Tyrone Poole two weeks earlier, the Patriots were forced to complete the regular season and playoffs by using second-year cornerback Asante Samuel, undrafted free agent Randall Gay, and longtime Patriots wide receiver Troy Brown at cornerback, among others.


2004 New England Patriots season
With a 14–2 record and the second seed in the AFC playoffs, the Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts at home in the playoffs for the second-straight year, holding the Colts' top offense to three points. The Patriots then defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road, 41–27, in the AFC Championship Game. Prior to the Patriots' matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX, Eagles wide receiver Freddie Mitchell said he did not know the names of the Patriots' defensive backs, which was taken as a sign of disrespect by the Patriots' "replacement" secondary. The Patriots would go on to defeat the Eagles 24–21 in their second straight Super Bowl victory and third championship in four seasons, leading to many labeling the Patriots of the era a sports dynasty.


2004 New England Patriots season, Opening training camp roster
At the time of the first public training camp practice at Gillette Stadium on July 29, they had the NFL maximum of 80 players signed to their roster. The Patriots received seven roster exemptions for the NFL Europe allocations of Rohan Davey, Jamil Soriano, Chas Gessner, Lawrence Flugence, Scott Farley, Buck Rasmussen, and David Pruce. Additionally, the Patriots allocated safety Jason Perry and cornerback Michael Hall to NFL Europe and received roster exemptions for them, but those players were waived before the start of training camp. Finally, rookie Benjamin Watson had not yet signed a contract by the start of camp and did not count against the roster limit.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 1: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Opening the NFL season on a Thursday night with a rematch of the previous season's AFC Championship Game, the Patriots began the game with a heavy reliance on throwing the ball. This led to an opening-drive field goal by Adam Vinatieri and a 3–0 lead. Indianapolis then drove inside the Patriots red zone, but the drive ended with no points when Peyton Manning was intercepted by Tedy Bruschi at the New England 1-yard line.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 1: vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Patriots responded by turning to their running game with the newly acquired Corey Dillon carrying the ball a number of times on the Patriots next several drives. After Mike Vanderjagt hit his record 42nd consecutive field goal to tie the game,  the teams fired up their offenses in the second quarter, with Edgerrin James carrying much of the workload for the Colts. Indianapolis led 17–13 at the half.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 1: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Tom Brady answered with touchdown passes to David Patten and Daniel Graham in the third quarter. Meanwhile, James fumbled twice in the red zone to take away scoring chances, and while James was very effective rushing the ball, the turnovers would prove costly. A botched punt return by Deion Branch helped set up a Brandon Stokley touchdown from Peyton Manning in the fourth quarter. In the game's final minute, the score still 27–24, Manning drove the Colts to the Patriots redzone, but was sacked outside the 30-yard line by Willie McGinest.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 1: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Vanderjagt came on for a 48-yard field goal try; he taunted the Patriots bench by rubbing his fingers in a "money" motion, having connected on 42 straight field goals, but he missed wide right on this try, securing the Patriots win. Going back to the previous season, it was the Patriots' sixteenth consecutive victory.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 2: at Arizona Cardinals
Before the game and at halftime, ceremonies took place honoring the late Pat Tillman, who had played for the Cardinals before joining the U.S. Army and had recently been killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan. Tillman's widow spoke along with other dignitaries, and a large banner was hung displaying the bird in the Cardinals' logo shedding a tear.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 2: at Arizona Cardinals
Both teams struggled at the outset on offense. Midway through the first quarter, the Patriots finally sustained a significant drive after several runs by Corey Dillon. The drive was capped by a Tom Brady touchdown to Daniel Graham. The Patriots appeared to force a punt on the ensuing Cardinals drive, however an offside penalty on Tyrone Poole gave the Cardinals a second chance. However, Josh McCown wasted the chance on the next play when he was intercepted by Eugene Wilson deep in Cardinals territory. Brady then found Graham again to make it 14–0 in favor of New England.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 2: at Arizona Cardinals
However, a fumble by Dillon and an interception by Brady set up the Cardinals with great opportunities to get back in the game. Both chances resulted in sizable losses for the Cardinal offense, on which McCown was sacked a total of five times. Each time Neil Rackers was forced to kick a long field goal, to cut the Patriot lead to 14–6. On the final play of the first half the Patriots attempted a Hail Mary pass, which was intercepted, however on the return, Deion Branch was illegally blocked at the knees. Branch would miss the next nine weeks with a serious knee injury.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 2: at Arizona Cardinals
In the second half, the Cardinals offensive struggles continued, while the Patriots defense continued to dominate, with Wilson notching his second interception of McCown on the day. Dillon completed a breakout game in which he rushed for 158 yards, and sealed the Patriot win with his work in the fourth quarter.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 4: at Buffalo Bills
A year after being crushed 31–0 in Ralph Wilson Stadium the Patriots carried a winning streak that had reached 17 games (regular season and playoff). New England led 7–3 early, however it appeared that Terrence McGee intercepted Tom Brady in the end zone to prevent further damage. But referee Scott Green (having taken over for an injured Johnny Grier earlier in the quarter) overturned the play on a Patriots instant replay challenge, allowing the Patriots to kick a field goal and lead 10–3. The Bills responded when McGee ran back the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for the tying touchdown.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 4: at Buffalo Bills
After a Patriots punt, Bledsoe was intercepted by Tyrone Poole. Brady then connected with David Patten for a 43-yard completion inside the Bills 10-yard line. However, Corey Dillon fumbled two plays later, giving the ball back to Buffalo. Several long rushes by Travis Henry got the Bills off of their goal line, however, the drive stalled and Brian Moorman came in to punt. Moorman dropped the snap, however he picked it up and ran all the way to the New England 41-yard line for a first down. On the next play Drew Bledsoe threw a touchdown to Eric Moulds.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 4: at Buffalo Bills
The Patriots responded and tied the game on a David Patten touchdown catch at the end of the half. In the fourth quarter, an offside penalty against the Bills on a Patriots field goal attempt gave New England a first down. The Patriots then went ahead on a Tom Brady touchdown to Daniel Graham, the fourth touchdown in three games for Graham. The Patriots then iced the game when Bledsoe was strip-sacked and Richard Seymour ran the ball 68 yards for the score, a 31–17 Patriots win.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 4: at Buffalo Bills
With the win, the Patriots became just the fourth NFL team to win 18 consecutive games.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 5: vs. Miami Dolphins
The Patriots played host to the winless Miami Dolphins, who at the time were winless and had the worst offense statistically in the NFL. With Olindo Mare sidelined by a calf injury, the Dolphins called on wide receiver and kick returner Wes Welker into service as a kicker for the game. With Welker kicking, the Patriots received good field position to start the game, but Tom Brady was intercepted by Patrick Surtain. After an exchange of punts, Jay Fiedler was intercepted by Randall Gay, setting the Patriots up deep in Miami territory.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 5: vs. Miami Dolphins
Brady then found Daniel Graham for a touchdown, Graham's fifth in four games, and the Patriots took a 7–0 lead. The Dolphins last-ranked offense struggled to make any significant plays for the first quarter and a half. However, after Adam Vinatieri missed a 47-yard field goal, his first of the season, the Dolphins inserted third stringer Brock Forsey at running back and began to move the ball, with Fiedler throwing his first touchdown of the season to Chris Chambers, cutting the deficit to 10–7. Welker kicked the extra point, the first of his career.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 5: vs. Miami Dolphins
With three minutes left in the first half, punter Matt Turk decided to run for a first down after the snap led him to the left, however he was tackled short of the line to gain giving the Patriots excellent field position. After a personal foul on Dolphins safety Sammy Knight, Brady found David Givens on a 6-yard touchdown to put the Patriots up 17–7 at the half.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 5: vs. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins received the second half kickoff, but immediately turned the ball over when Fiedler fumbled and Ty Law jumped on the ball. The Patriots then moved inside the Miami 5-yard line on a 36-yard rush by Corey Dillon. Rabih Abdullah then rushed for a 3-yard score to put the Patriots up 24–7. The Dolphins next drive reached the red zone but stalled, forcing Welker to attempt a 29-yard field goal. He converted on his first and only NFL field goal, cutting the deficit to 24–10.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 5: vs. Miami Dolphins
After a New England punt, Miami again drove into Patriots territory, but failed on a fourth down pass attempt when Fiedler unsuccessfully tried to find Derrius Thompson in the end zone. The Dolphins got the ball back with three minutes to play and after a long Fiedler completion to Marty Booker, the Dolphins had a last chance to get back in the game. However, after a failed quarterback sneak, Fiedler was sacked by Rodney Harrison and had to leave the game in pain. A. J. Feeley came in at quarterback but failed to convert on third or fourth down, giving the Patriots a record 19th consecutive win.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 6: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Fox NFL Sunday traveled on-location to Gillette Stadium, with Game 4 of the ALCS also airing on Fox later on the same night involving the local Boston Red Sox. With a mostly national audience watching, the Patriots hosted the Seattle Seahawks.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 6: vs. Seattle Seahawks
On the opening drive of the game, Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (a native of Massachusetts who played college football at Boston College) was intercepted by Willie McGinest after his pass was tipped by Richard Seymour. Seattle native Corey Dillon would score for New England, putting the home team up 7–0. The Seahawks' second possession ended the same way as their first did; this time Hasselbeck was intercepted by Ty Law. The Patriots again took advantage, with Adam Vinatieri kicking a field goal to put New England up 10–0.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 6: vs. Seattle Seahawks
After several Seahawk penalties forced a punt, the Patriots drove methodically down the field with a sizeable rush from Dillon and receptions by David Givens and Kevin Faulk. The drive was capped by a Tom Brady touchdown pass to David Patten to put the Patriots up 17–0. On the ensuing drive, the Seahawks would finally get on the scoreboard with a Josh Brown field goal to make it 17–3. Both teams would then kick field goals before the half, sending New England to the locker room with a 20–6 lead.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 6: vs. Seattle Seahawks
After a New England punt to start the second half, the Seahawks drove into Patriots territory. Shaun Alexander fumbled inside the Patriots 40-yard line, but the Seahawks were able to recover the ball and eventually settled for another field goal by Brown. On the fumble play, Patriots starting cornerback Tyrone Poole suffered an injury to his already ailing knee, and would not play meaningful snaps again all season. After three quarters, the Patriots led 20–9.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 6: vs. Seattle Seahawks
On the first possession of the fourth quarter, Brady scrambled for a first down in Seattle territory but was hit by Michael Boulware, knocking the ball (and Brady's helmet) free. The Seahawks recovered, but were forced to punt. However, on the ensuing Patriots drive, Brady was intercepted by Boulware in Patriots territory, setting up a 9-yard touchdown run by Alexander. Hasselbeck then found Jeremy Stevens for a two-point conversion to make the deficit 20–17. New England responded with a lengthy drive ending with a Vinatieri field goal to go up by 6 points with under 7 minutes to play.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 6: vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks drove deep into New England territory with a chance to take the lead, but Hasselbeck was assessed a costly intentional grounding penalty and Brown had to kick a field goal. Thus, the Patriots took the ball back with 3 minutes to play leading 23–20, both teams having all three timeouts. Facing a 3rd down and 8 from his own 39-yard line, Brady threw a deep pass that Bethel Johnson caught on a full-out diving leap inside the Seahawks 15-yard line. Dillon then sealed the win with a 9-yard touchdown run, which put him over 100 yards for the day. The win was the 20th in a row for New England.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 7: vs. New York Jets
The Patriots and Jets both came into the game undefeated at 5–0 on the season, with the division lead in the AFC East on the line. On the first drive of the game, the Patriots moved into Jets territory on a series of Tom Brady pass plays (including one to reserve linebacker Dan Klecko). The drive would end with Adam Vinatieri kicking a 41-yard field goal to put New England up 3–0.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 7: vs. New York Jets
The Jets responded by driving into the Patriots red zone, but on 3rd down and 1, Jets fullback Jerald Sowell fumbled after catching a screen pass from Chad Pennington. Randall Gay jumped on the ball for New England preventing the Jets from scoring. The Patriots then drove near midfield but were forced to punt, however on the punt the Jets were penalized for having 12 players on the field giving New England a first down. Brady took advantage by throwing a 42-yard pass play to David Givens, leading to another Vinatieri field goal and a 6–0 lead.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 7: vs. New York Jets
The Jets responded with a lengthy drive taking up more than 7 minutes and finishing with Pennington scrambling for a 1-yard touchdown run to put the Jets in front 7–6 with less than 2 minutes to play in the first half. However Brady completed passes to Bethel Johnson and Kevin Faulk to move into Jets territory with under a minute remaining. Then, after a costly roughing-the-passer penalty on Jets defensive lineman Dewayne Robertson, Brady found David Patten in the end zone with 5 seconds left in the half to take the lead 13–7.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 7: vs. New York Jets
The third quarter consisted entirely of punts, three by the Jets and two by New England. The Patriots began the fourth quarter with the ball and drove into Jets territory, but Klecko fumbled after making his second catch of the day and Eric Barton recovered for the Jets. However, the ensuing drive would stall and the Jets were forced to punt for the fourth consecutive drive. New England would cross midfield but Brady was sacked on 3rd down and 10 forcing the Patriots to punt.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 7: vs. New York Jets
This gave the Jets the ball back with just over 7 minutes to play trailing by 6 points. Jets head coach Herm Edwards decided to go for a 4th and inches deep in his own territory, which turned out to be successful after a quarterback sneak by Pennington. The Jets crossed midfield with just over 4 minutes left after a Pennington pass to Justin McCareins. On 2nd down and 5 at the Patriots 27-yard line, Pennington threw to the end zone where McCareins cradled the ball for a split second before Asante Samuel broke up the potential go-ahead touchdown.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 7: vs. New York Jets
It would turn out to be the Jets best opportunity, as NFL rushing leader Curtis Martin was stuffed by Willie McGinest for a loss on  third down, and Pennington's fourth down throw into triple coverage to Wayne Chrebet was broken up by Rodney Harrison. The Patriots took over on downs and ran out the remaining two minutes to seal their 21st consecutive win.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 8: at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers began the game with a three and out, giving the ball to a banged up Patriot offense. While Troy Brown returned to the lineup, Deion Branch remained inactive, and Corey Dillon was also inactive for the first time all season with a minor leg injury. The Patriots quickly crossed midfield on a Tom Brady completion to David Patten, and got 15 extra yards after Steelers safety Troy Polamalu was called for grasping Patten's face mask. New England would settle for an Adam Vinatieri field goal and a 3–0 lead.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 8: at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers again had a three and out, but the Patriots would be unable to take advantage this time, and were forced to punt as well. On the ensuing possession, the Steelers began to move the ball. They reached midfield when rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger found Hines Ward for 23 yards. On the play, Patriots starting cornerback Ty Law suffered a season ending foot injury. The Patriots' other starting cornerback Tyrone Poole had been lost for the season two weeks prior, leaving the New England secondary vulnerable.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 8: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Roethlisberger immediately took advantage, burning Law's replacement Randall Gay on a 47-yard touchdown to Plaxico Burress. On the first play of the Patriots' ensuing drive, Brady was strip-sacked by Joey Porter leading to another Roethlisberger touchdown to Burress. The Patriots next possession again ended after one play, as Brady was intercepted by Deshea Townsend who returned the ball 39 yards for a touchdown. This made the score 21–3 Pittsburgh after one quarter.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 8: at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers would remain in control for the whole game. Brady tossed two touchdowns to David Givens, one in the second quarter and one in the fourth. However, the battered Patriots defense could not contain Duce Staley, who rushed for 125 yards, and Jerome Bettis, who rushed for 65 yards and notched a touchdown in the third quarter. Jeff Reed also added two field goals to secure a dominating Steelers victory by 14 points. Pittsburgh became the first team to beat the Patriots since Washington had defeated New England in Week 4 of the 2003 season.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 9: at St. Louis Rams
This was the first meeting between the Patriots and Rams since Super Bowl XXXVI. Corey Dillon returned from injury to start at running back for the Patriots, providing a much needed offensive boost. Dillon's presence was felt immediately, as he opened the game with a 15-yard run. A long screen pass from Tom Brady to Patrick Pass set up an Adam Vinatieri field goal. The Rams responded with a Marc Bulger pass to Brandon Manumaleuna. However, on the play, Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel injured his shoulder and was lost for the game.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 9: at St. Louis Rams
With starters Ty Law and Tyrone Poole already out for the season, Samuel and Randall Gay had been promoted to starters, but the injury to Samuel moved Dexter Reid up the depth chart. The Patriots did not have any other cornerbacks to replace Reid at reserve corner, so wide receiver Troy Brown played both sides of the ball for the remainder of the game whenever the Patriots ran a nickel defense.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 9: at St. Louis Rams
After the reception by Manumaleuna and the injury to Samuel, the Rams were left with 3rd down and 5 but chose not to attack the vulnerable secondary and were forced to punt. New England's drive resulted a three and out, and punter Josh Miller came in, but Shaun McDonald muffed the punt twice and Lonnie Paxton recovered for the Patriots deep in Rams territory. Vinatieri would kick another field goal to put New England up 6–0. After a Rams punt, the Patriots took possession at their own 6-yard line.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 9: at St. Louis Rams
However, Brady was strip-sacked by Damione Lewis and Leonard Little recovered in the end zone to put the Rams up 7–6. The Patriots responded by driving 66 yards and scoring a touchdown on a Brady pass to linebacker Mike Vrabel, in the game as an extra blocker. On the ensuing Rams possession, Marshall Faulk picked up a key first down before Bulger found Manumaleuna on a 49-yard pass play to move the ball to the Patriots 11-yard line.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 9: at St. Louis Rams
Bulger then hit Isaac Bruce on a short pass and Bruce ran for the touchdown to put St. Louis back in front 14–13. Again New England would respond, with Brady finding David Givens on a 50-yard pass play to move inside the Rams 30-yard line. Vinatieri would kick a 45-yard field goal to put New England in front 16–14. The Rams quickly advanced downfield on two long catches by Torry Holt, but Bulger was then strip-sacked by Willie McGinest on 3rd down, and Jarvis Green recovered for New England. The Patriots attempted to drive downfield, and were assisted by a roughing-the-passer penalty called on Little for a hit on Brady. Vinatieri would kick another field goal to put the Patriots in front 19–14 at the end of a wild first half.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 9: at St. Louis Rams
The Rams went three-and-out to start the second half. The Patriots then drove deep into St. Louis territory but the drive stalled inside the 10-yard line and Vinatieri was brought out for a 22-yard attempt. However, in lining up for the field goal, Brown moved to the far left side of the formation where the Rams forgot about him. Vinatieri then took a direct snap and lobbed an easy pass for Brown to score a touchdown on the fake field goal and take a 26–14 lead.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 9: at St. Louis Rams
On the second play of the ensuing Rams possession, Bulger's pass was tipped by McGinest and intercepted by Roman Phifer who returned the ball to the St. Louis 21-yard line. Four plays later, Dillon walked in for a touchdown, putting New England in front 33–14. The Rams responded with a Bulger touchdown pass to Holt, followed by a Marshall Faulk rush for a two-point conversion. This cut the Patriot lead to 33–22, with 14 minutes left to play. After an exchange of punts, the Patriots drove down the field, taking 5 and a half minutes off the clock. Led by Dillon, who completed his fourth 100 yard performance of the year, New England capped the drive and put away the win with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Brady to Bethel Johnson.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 9: at St. Louis Rams
Brown would finish the game with 3 passes defensed on defense, and he also caught passes on offense and special teams. Samuel returned late in the fourth quarter. The win capped a remarkable team performance by New England with Brown, Vrabel and Vinatieri each contributing in multiple phases of the game.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 10: vs. Buffalo Bills
The World Series winning Boston Red Sox were honored at Gillette Stadium before the game and at halftime. Meanwhile, the Patriots hosted their division rivals who they had beaten in Week 3.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 10: vs. Buffalo Bills
The opening kickoff was received by Terrence McGee, who was originally ruled to have gained possession at his own 1-yard line before taking a knee in the end zone. This would have placed the ball at the Bills 1-yard line to start the game, however coach Mike Mularkey challenged the play successfully, allowing the Bills to start at their own 20-yard line. However, the drive stalled just after crossing midfield and Buffalo punted. The Patriots then drove deep into Bills territory behind the running of Corey Dillon, leading to a field goal by Adam Vinatieri.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 10: vs. Buffalo Bills
After the teams exchanged punts, Drew Bledsoe was intercepted by Eugene Wilson inside the New England 5-yard line. The Patriots turned their field position around and drove 92 yards inside the Bills 5-yard line, but again settled for a field goal. After yet another Bills punt, the Patriots drove down the field with several passes from Tom Brady to David Givens. Brady then finished the drive with a touchdown throw to a wide open David Patten. On the ensuing Buffalo possession, Bledsoe was intercepted by Teddy Bruschi, who returned the ball over 40 yards to the Bills 27-yard line. Three plays later, Brady found Christian Fauria for a touchdown. After the kickoff, Bledsoe was sacked by Tully Banta-Cain making the score 20–0 at halftime.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 10: vs. Buffalo Bills
New England's domination would continue after halftime. The Patriots received the second half kickoff and drove down the field, aided by a drive-extending holding penalty on Buffalo's London Fletcher. The drive ended inside the 5-yard line but Vinatieri made a chip-shot field goal to extend the New England lead to 23–0. The Bills were then forced to punt with their first second half possession. After a Patriots three-and-out, the Bills yet again were forced to punt.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 10: vs. Buffalo Bills
On New England's possession, the officials decided to pick up the flag on a defensive penalty that would have extended the drive on third down, and the Patriots punted again. This time Jonathan Smith returned the punt 70 yards for a touchdown, getting Buffalo on the scoreboard. The Bills had two chances at a two-point conversion after a New England penalty, but could not convert. The Patriots then responded by opening the 4th quarter with a Vinatieri field goal to make it 26–6.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 10: vs. Buffalo Bills
Bledsoe's humiliation was then completed when he was intercepted by Patriots wide receiver Troy Brown playing defensive back. Brady was then picked off by Nate Clements, but the Bills failed on fourth down when Bledsoe threw a pass to Eric Moulds that led him out of bounds. Dillon then drove the Patriots to another field goal, putting Dillon over 100 yards for the fifth time on the season. On the ensuing Bills possession, Bledsoe was replaced by first round draft pick J. P. Losman. Bledsoe finished the night with just 76 passing yards and 4 interceptions.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 10: vs. Buffalo Bills
Losman was greeted on his first NFL series by being strip-sacked by Rosevelt Colvin, with the fumble recovered for New England by Roman Phifer. After Rohan Davey replaced Brady, the Patriots turned the ball over on downs. In the game's final seconds, Losman was intercepted by Banta-Cain. It was the sixth turnover of the night for the Bills offense, an offense that did not score a single point in the game, with Buffalo's only score coming from special teams.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 11: at Kansas City Chiefs
Deion Branch finally made his return to the Patriots lineup after suffering a knee injury in Week 2. Branch made an immediate impact, catching a Tom Brady pass on 3rd down and 15 on the Patriots' opening drive that moved New England to the Chiefs 5-yard line. Corey Dillon then rushed for a touchdown on the next play to put the Patriots up 7–0. The Chiefs were without NFL rushing touchdown leader Priest Holmes, due to a muscle strain. Derrick Blaylock filled in at running back.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 11: at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs offense got off to a good start with Trent Green finding Tony Gonzalez deep in Patriots territory, leading to a Lawrence Tynes field goal. New England then suffered a three and out, the first punt by either side. The Chiefs took advantage with Green tossing a 65-yard touchdown to Eddie Kennison, who beat fourth-string corner Earthwind Moreland. After another New England three and out, the Chiefs began to drive with several fist downs as the first quarter ended with Kansas City leading 10–7.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 11: at Kansas City Chiefs
However, after the change in quarter, the K.C. drive stalled and the Chiefs were forced to punt. The Patriots then came back with a long drive bolstered by long Brady passes to Branch and Troy Brown. A 1-yard touchdown run by Dillon put the Patriots in front 14–10. After a Chiefs punt, a 48-yard completion from Brady to Daniel Graham set up an Adam Vinatieri field goal. The Chiefs drove downfield in the final minutes of the first half, helped by a 4th down conversion. However, Green was intercepted in the end zone by Rodney Harrison with just 42 seconds left in the half, keeping the Chiefs down by 7 at the break.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 11: at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs took the second half kickoff and proceeded to drive into the Patriots red zone, taking more than 8 minutes and converting three 3rd downs along the way including a 3rd and 17 conversion on a Green pass to Johnnie Morton. However, the drive stalled when Blaylock couldn't convert a 3rd and 1, forcing Kansas City to kick a field goal and cut the deficit to 17–13. On the Patriots' first possession of the second half, Brady found David Patten on a 46-yard pass play to move inside the Chiefs 30-yard line.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 11: at Kansas City Chiefs
On the next play, Branch displayed his return to good health by catching a slant pass and making numerous cutbacks on his way to the end zone for a touchdown that put the Patriots up 24–13. The Chiefs proceeded to once again drive into Patriots territory but were forced to punt. On the ensuing Patriots possession, New England drove inside the Chiefs 10-yard line, but Greg Wesley stripped the ball from Dillon, with Lional Dalton recovering for the Chiefs at their own 3-yard line.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 11: at Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs subsequently drove 97 yards to score a touchdown on another pass from Green to Kennison. However a two-point attempt failed when Eugene Wilson batted away Green's throw to Kennison, keeping the Patriots in the lead 24–19. The Patriots then ran the clock inside the two-minute warning on their way to a field goal, forcing the Chiefs two burn two of their timeouts. Kansas City got the ball back at their own 32-yard line with 1:39 to play down by 8 points. However, the drive never materialized and Green was sacked by Willie McGinest on 4th down to seal a Patriots win.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 12: vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens brought their always stout defense to Gillette Stadium. The game was played in a driving rainstorm, featuring heavy rain in addition to strong wind gusts. The field, real grass at the time, quickly turned into a muddy mess. The Ravens were not helped by the fact that running back Jamal Lewis was unavailable. Chester Taylor replaced Lewis as the starter. Because of the conditions, offense was virtually nonexistent. The first half began with each team punting. Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller was then intercepted by Randall Gay, but the Patriots were forced to punt.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 12: vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens would then punt again, followed by several Corey Dillon runs and a Tom Brady pass to Deion Branch that set up a field goal by Adam Vinatieri, putting New England up 3–0. The teams then exchanged punts four times each. In the final minute of the half, Boller drove the Ravens into field goal range, helped by two Patriot personal fouls, and a Matt Stover chip-shot made it 3–3 at halftime.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 12: vs. Baltimore Ravens
The sloppy play continued after halftime. With the rain picking up in intensity, the field conditions continued to get worse. Vinatieri booted another field goal to start the second half, and after a Ravens punt, tacked on his third of the game to make it 9–3 New England after three quarters. After another Ravens punt, Dillon, who rushed for 123 yards in the game, scored on a 1-yard run. The Patriots then attempted a two-point conversion, again turning to Dillon, who plunged into the end zone to make it 17–3.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 12: vs. Baltimore Ravens
After the kickoff, Boller was sacked for a sizable loss by Ted Johnson. On the next play, Tedy Bruschi also sacked Boller, who lost control of the sopping wet football. Taylor tried to recover it for Baltimore but accidentally kicked it into his own end zone, where Jarvis Green jumped on it for a Patriot touchdown.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 12: vs. Baltimore Ravens
New England's defense held the Ravens to 124 yards of total offense (just one more yard than Dillon had rushing on his own), forcing two turnovers and not allowing a touchdown, while scoring a touchdown of its own.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 13: at Cleveland Browns
The 3–8 Browns came into the game having just replaced former head coach Butch Davis with Terry Robiskie. Robiskie decided to start rookie Luke McCown at quarterback, his first NFL start. The Patriots had beaten Luke's older brother Josh earlier in the season in Week 2 with their defeat of Arizona.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 13: at Cleveland Browns
New England got off to a flying start when Bethel Johnson returned Phil Dawson's opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. After the teams exchanged punts, McCown was intercepted by Rodney Harrison deep in Patriots territory. New England then drove 96 yards, helped by a 25-yard Tom Brady completion to Christian Fauria. The drive ended with a short Corey Dillon touchdown to make it 14–0. The Browns then reached Patriots territory but failed on a 4th down attempt and turned the ball over again.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 13: at Cleveland Browns
The Patriots were then helped by a Lewis Sanders pass interference inside the Cleveland 10-yard line followed by an incidental face mask against Warrick Holdman. Dillon capped the drive with his second touchdown of the day to make the score 21–0. After a Browns punt, the Patriots decided to attempt a 4th down conversion at the Browns 30-yard line with just over two minutes remaining in the half, but Patrick Pass was short of the line to gain, turning the ball back to the Browns. Cleveland finally got on the scoreboard in the final minute of the half with a 16-yard McCown pass to Antonio Bryant.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 13: at Cleveland Browns
The Browns took the second half kickoff, but William Green was stripped of the ball by Richard Seymour. Randall Gay picked it up and was held back temporarily by Willie McGinest to ensure McGinest could throw Gay a block. Gay would follow McGinest's block and score to make it 28–7. After a Browns three-and-out, the Patriots drove to the Cleveland 10-yard line where Kevin Faulk ran for a touchdown to make the score 35–7. On the ensuing Browns  possession, Dexter Reid stripped Steve Heiden and then recovered the fumble for New England. Then, on 3rd and 22, Brady found David Patten on a 44-yard touchdown to make the score 42–7. The Patriots defense turned in another terrific performance, forcing three turnovers, stopping a fourth down attempt, and completely shutting down Green and McCown.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
On the opening possession for the Bengals, rookie quarterback Carson Palmer found T. J. Houshmandzadeh on several passes to move into the Patriots red zone. However, Rudi Johnson had the ball knocked out and Willie McGinest recovered at New England's own 10-yard line. The Patriots offense started hot. First, Tom Brady found Deion Branch over the middle for a sizable completion. Then Corey Dillon, playing for the first time against the Bengals, a team with which he had spent a frustrating seven years, rumbled for 17 yards. Brady then found David Patten inside the Bengal 30-yard line.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
After a successful 4th down and inches conversion, Dillon scored on his old team to put his new team in front 7–0. After an exchange of punts, Palmer threw a short touchdown pass to Matt Schobel to tie the game. However, Brady responded by tossing a 48-yard touchdown pass to Patten, putting New England in front 14–7. Palmer was then intercepted by Asante Samuel, who returned it for a touchdown to make it 21–7. Palmer would recover and threw a 6-yard touchdown to Chad Johnson with 2:31 left in the half, cutting the deficit to 21–14. On the ensuing kickoff, a long return by Bethel Johnson set up a 4-yard touchdown run by Kevin Faulk, putting New England up 28–14 at halftime.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Patriots opened the second half with the ball. Brady managed a 9-yard completion to Patrick Pass while sitting on the ground after tripping. Brady then ran a quarterback sneak to complete a most unusual first down. He would cap the drive with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Christian Fauria, putting New England in front 35–14. Cincinnati would respond, running a fake-field goal play on which Bengals punter Kyle Larson ran for a 19-yard touchdown. This cut the Bengals deficit to 35–21 after three quarters.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
However, on the play before the fake-field goal, Palmer suffered a leg injury after being hit by Richard Seymour, and was replaced by Jon Kitna. After a Patriots punt, Kitna drove the Bengals into the red zone, but was intercepted in the end zone by Troy Brown, again playing defensive back. After an exchange of punts, the Patriots drove into Bengal territory, however the drive stalled. Bill Belichick decided to try a fake punt, but Larry Izzo failed to reach the line to gain, turning the ball back to the Bengals.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Starting cornerback Tyrone Poole, who had not played since week 6, entered the game as a nickelback on the following series, but with his knee too weak to play effectively, Poole was shut down for the season following the game, leaving Samuel and Randall Gay as the starting corners. The drive ended with Kitna throwing a 27-yard touchdown to Kelly Washington, but the Patriots offense was able to run out the remaining three minutes.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
With the win, the Patriots clinched the AFC East title. Dillon clinched his first ever playoff appearance with a solid performance against his old team, whose inability to win and qualify for the playoffs was a major factor behind his trade to New England.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
The defending Super Bowl champion Patriots entered the game at 12–1, having clinched their second consecutive AFC East title the previous week behind the passing of two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady. Meanwhile, the Dolphins came into the contest at 2–11, with the worst record in the AFC. The Dolphins did have a stout defense, led by defensive coordinator-turned-interim head coach Jim Bates. However, the Miami offense was very poor, after Pro Bowl running back Ricky Williams unexpectedly retired before the season.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
The offense was instead led by a rotation of Miami's starting quarterback from previous years Jay Fiedler, and newcomer A. J. Feeley. Fiedler had lost to New England earlier in the year, so for this game Bates chose Feeley to start. In an additional attempt to turn their fortunes, the normally conservative and traditional Dolphins decided to wear unusual bright orange uniforms for the nationally televised ABC Monday Night Football game.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
The Patriots took the opening kickoff and immediately drove down the field. Corey Dillon had a 19-yard run and David Patten had a key catch. Brady would cap it with a 32-yard lob pass to Kevin Faulk for a touchdown, quickly making it 7–0 New England. A Jarvis Green third down sack of Feeley forced Miami into a three-and-out on their opening drive. However, the Patriots were forced to punt.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
Dolphins returner Wes Welker, who had kicked a field goal in the Dolphins week 5 game against New England, returned the Josh Miller punt 71 yards to the Patriots 2-yard line. Future Patriot Sammy Morris dove in for the score to tie the game. Both teams then punted twice, ending the first quarter tied 7–7. Despite having 7 points, Miami had -2 yards of total offense in the first quarter, continuing a season-long trend for that unit. The Patriots began their first drive of the second quarter at midfield.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
Running the ball 10 times with Dillon, Faulk and Patrick Pass, New England engaged in a 6 and a half minute march, finished off by Dillon's 3-yard touchdown plunge. Miami responded on their next drive by holding the ball for 5 minutes and finishing with an Olindo Mare field goal, cutting the deficit to 14–10. On the ensuing New England drive, Brady threw deep but was intercepted by Sammy Knight. The Dolphins could not do anything with the possession and after a punt and a New England kneeldown the half ended with the Patriots up 14–10.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins started the second half with the ball, but immediately turned it over on a failed trick play when Marty Booker dropped a hand-off from Chris Chambers and Vincent Wilfork jumped on the ball for New England. The Patriots reached the Miami red zone on a Brady completion to Patten, but then Brady was intercepted by Knight for the second time. Knight returned the ball to his own 40-yard line, and had a post-possession unnecessary roughness penalty on the Patriots' Matt Light tacked on.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins took advantage, driving deep into New England territory and scoring a touchdown when Travis Minor flipped into the end zone from 2 yards out, giving Miami a 17–14 lead. The Patriots responded with a drive assisted by two Miami personal fouls, and retook a 21–17 lead on a 2-yard touchdown pass from Brady to Dillon. The third quarter would end with the Dolphins going three-and-out after an attempted emergency shovel pass from Feeley to Morris went sour. The Patriots began driving as the fourth quarter started.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
Deion Branch had a 27-yard reception to get the Patriots near midfield but were stopped on a 3rd down and 1 and had to punt. Miami was forced to bring on Matt Turk for another punt, giving New England the ball at their own 35-yard line. A third down catch by Branch and longs run by Faulk and Dillon set up a 2-yard Brady touchdown pass to Daniel Graham.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
Thus the Patriots had an 11-point lead with just 3:59 to play in the game. Miami, trailing 28–17, took possession at their own 32-yard line. They immediately proceeded in hurry-up offense, with Feeley finding Morris on a 16-yard screen pass. After several short passes, Morris picked up another 15 yards on a handoff. After reaching the Patriots 19-yard line, Feeley attempted to find Chambers in the end zone, and instead drew a pass interference penalty on Rodney Harrison, setting Miami up at the 1-yard line. Morris then dove across the goal line for the touchdown.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
However, Feeley's two-point pass to Booker fell incomplete. This left Miami down by 5 with 2:07 to play. On the ensuing kickoff return, Patten made the mistake of running out of bounds before the 2-minute warning could occur, thus leaving Miami the warning plus all three timeouts and 2:03. After an incompletion and a short run, the Patriots faced 3rd down and 9. Brady was pressured and was being brought down by Jason Taylor, but threw the ball off to the right as he was falling to the ground. The wild pass was intercepted by Brendon Ayanbadejo at the New England 21-yard line, setting up the Dolphins with two timeouts and a chance to win.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins failed to net any yardage, with a penalty made up for by a completion, setting up a 4th down and 10 from the Patriots 21-yard line. Both teams used timeouts before the play, building up the tension, and players for both teams could be seen on television with their heads in their hands. Feeley threw a floater off his back foot for Derrius Thompson, who was being covered by wide receiver Troy Brown filling in at cornerback. Thompson reeled in the catch for the touchdown to put Miami in front 29–28 with 1:23 to play.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
A two-point conversion attempt failed, meaning Adam Vinatieri could win it with a field goal. However Brady was sacked by David Bowens and then was intercepted by Arturo Freeman, sealing the Dolphin win. Afterwards, Freeman engaged in a "chest bump" with coach Jim Bates, who was set to interview for the permanent head coaching position the next day (a position he ultimately lost to Nick Saban).


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
New England had previously won 37 consecutive games when leading at the start of the 4th quarter. Brady had the worst statistical performance of his career, with 4 interceptions, including the costly sack-interception. The story of the 2–11 Dolphins upsetting the 12–1 defending champion Patriots made national headlines, and was one of the great upsets of the year in 2004. The 11 point comeback with under 4 minutes to play remains one of the largest in NFL history with so little time remaining.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 16: at New York Jets
The Patriots bounced back from their loss very quickly. On the first drive of the game Chad Pennington was intercepted by Teddy Bruschi. Bruschi then returned the ball 30 yards into Jets territory. However, the teams would exchange punts twice. New England then took the lead on a short Adam Vinatieri field goal. After the Jets punted, Brady hooked up with David Givens on a long completion, then found Daniel Graham for a touchdown just after the two minute warning.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 16: at New York Jets
After another Jets punt, Brady hit Deion Branch on a long pass, setting up a Vinatieri field goal to lead 13–0 with just 7 seconds left in the half. Improbably, Jason Glenn then fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Tully Banta-Cain recovered for New England. However, the Patriots failed to take advantage when Vinatieri missed a 50-yard field goal to close the half.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 16: at New York Jets
Both teams punted to start the second half. The Patriots then engaged in a lengthy drive to another Vinatieri field goal, giving them 16–0 lead. Pennington was then intercepted by Eugene Wilson who returned the punt to the Jets 15-yard line. Through 3 quarters, the Jets had not managed more than 5 punts and 3 turnovers. The Patriots took advantage, with Brady finding Branch on a 6-yard touchdown to take a 23–0 lead. The Jets would then manage their only score of the day on a 15-yard pass from Pennington to Santana Moss. The game's final 9 minutes were played scoreless, and the Patriots clinched the #2 seed in the AFC, guaranteeing a first round bye in the Playoffs.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 17: vs. San Francisco 49ers
The 2–13 49ers, having the worst season in franchise history, punted on their first possession. Corey Dillon fumbled on the ensuing Patriots possession to give the ball back to San Francisco. However, the mightily struggling 49er offense immediately committed three consecutive penalties, setting up a 1st down and 32 situation. They would eventually go three-and-out to give the ball back to New England. However, Dwaine Carpenter then intercepted Tom Brady and returned it into the Patriots red zone. This led to a Ken Dorsey touchdown pass to Steve Bush, the only points the 49ers would score all day.


2004 New England Patriots season, 2004 New England Patriots Schedule, Game summaries, Week 17: vs. San Francisco 49ers
After a Patriots punt, the 49ers would miss a scoring chance when Todd Peterson missed a 39-yard field goal. The Patriots took advantage, with Dillon making several long runs and Brady finding David Givens inside the San Francisco 5-yard line. Brady then found linebacker Mike Vrabel, who caught his fourth career touchdown. After a 49ers punt, the Patriots drove downfield on a Brady completion to reserve tight end Jed Weaver. However, Brady was then strip-sacked by John Engelberger, with Bryant Young recovering for San Francisco. Thus, the half ended with the game tied 7–7.