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2004 Arizona Cardinals season

NFL team season From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 2004 season was the Arizona Cardinals' 85th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 106th overall and their 17th in Arizona. The first year under head coach Dennis Green, the team finished with a 6–10 record, an improvement on their 4–12 record from the previous season, and finished in third place in the NFC West, failing to make the playoffs for the sixth straight season. Season lows for the Cardinals included losing two games to the San Francisco 49ers, the only two games the 49ers won in 2004. The Cardinals, during Week 9, also defeated the Miami Dolphins for the first time in franchise history.

OwnerBill Bidwill
General managerRod Graves
Head coachDennis Green
Home stadiumSun Devil Stadium
Quick facts Arizona Cardinals season, Owner ...
2004 Arizona Cardinals season
OwnerBill Bidwill
General managerRod Graves
Head coachDennis Green
Home stadiumSun Devil Stadium
Results
Record6–10
Division place3rd NFC West
PlayoffsDid not qualify
Pro BowlersDE Bertrand Berry
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The season was notable for drafting wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald with the third overall pick of the draft. At the end of the season, Emmitt Smith retired after 15 years in the league.

Offseason

More information Additions, Subtractions ...
AdditionsSubtractions
QB Shaun King (Buccaneers)G Pete Kendall (Jets)
CB David Macklin (Colts)QB Jeff Blake (Eagles)
WR Karl Williams (Buccaneers)G Chris Dishman (Rams)
DT Derrick Ransom (Jaguars)
CB David Barrett (Jets)
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NFL draft

Main article: 2004 NFL draft
More information Round, Pick ...
2004 Arizona Cardinals draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 3 Larry Fitzgerald *  Wide receiver Pittsburgh
2 33 Karlos Dansby  Linebacker Auburn
3 64 Darnell Dockett *  Defensive tackle Florida State
4 100 Alex Stepanovich  Center Ohio State
5 135 Antonio Smith *  Defensive end Oklahoma State
6 167 Nick Leckey  Center Kansas State
7 202 John Navarre  Quarterback Michigan
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career
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[1]

Undrafted free agents

More information Player, Position ...
2004 undrafted free agents of note
Player Position College
Romby Bryant Wide receiver Tulsa
Larry Croom Running back UNLV
Clarence Curry Cornerback Villanova
Eric Edwards Tight end LSU
Matt Fordyce Kicker Fordham
Chris Lewis Quarterback Stanford
Adrian Mayes Safety LSU
Tyrone Sanders Cornerback TCU
Rolando Cantú Guard ITESM
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Pat Tillman

On April 22, 2004, former Cardinals safety Pat Tillman was killed in a friendly fire incident while on patrol. Tillman was the first professional football player to be killed in combat since the death of Bob Kalsu of the Buffalo Bills, who died in the Vietnam War in 1970. Tillman was posthumously laterally promoted from Specialist to Corporal. He also received posthumous Silver Star and Purple Heart medals. On Sunday, September 19, 2004, all teams of the NFL wore a memorial decal on their helmets in Tillman's honor. The Cardinals continued to wear this decal throughout the 2004 season.

Personnel

2004 Arizona Cardinals staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator – Clancy Pendergast
  • Defensive line – Deek Pollard
  • Linebackers – Frank Bush
  • Defensive backs – Richard Solomon
  • Defensive quality control – Rick Courtright

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – Steve Wetzel
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Ryan Capretta
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Daryl Lawrence

Roster

2004 Arizona Cardinals roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

 Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

 Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams (ST)

 Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 7 reserve, 8 practice squad

Regular season

Schedule

In the 2004 regular season, the Cardinals' non-divisional, conference opponents were primarily from the NFC South, although they also played the New York Giants from the NFC East, and the Detroit Lions from the NFC North. Their non-conference opponents were from the AFC East.

More information Week, Date ...
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance
1 September 12 at St. Louis Rams L 10–17 0–1 Edward Jones Dome 65,538
2 September 19 New England Patriots L 12–23 0–2 Sun Devil Stadium 51,557
3 September 26 at Atlanta Falcons L 3–6 0–3 Georgia Dome 70,534
4 October 3 New Orleans Saints W 34–10 1–3 Sun Devil Stadium 28,109
5 October 10 at San Francisco 49ers L 28–31 (OT) 1–4 Monster Park 62,836
6 Bye
7 October 24 Seattle Seahawks W 25–17 2–4 Sun Devil Stadium 35,695
8 October 31 at Buffalo Bills L 14–38 2–5 Ralph Wilson Stadium 65,887
9 November 7 at Miami Dolphins W 24–23 3–5 Pro Player Stadium 72,612
10 November 14 New York Giants W 17–14 4–5 Sun Devil Stadium 42,297
11 November 21 at Carolina Panthers L 10–35 4–6 Bank of America Stadium 72,796
12 November 28 New York Jets L 3–13 4–7 Sun Devil Stadium 35,820
13 December 5 at Detroit Lions L 12–26 4–8 Ford Field 62,262
14 December 12 San Francisco 49ers L 28–31 (OT) 4–9 Sun Devil Stadium 35,069
15 December 19 St. Louis Rams W 31–7 5–9 Sun Devil Stadium 40,070
16 December 26 at Seattle Seahawks L 21–24 5–10 Qwest Field 65,825
17 January 2, 2005 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 12–7 6–10 Sun Devil Stadium 31,650
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
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Game summaries

Week 1: at St. Louis Rams

Week 1: Arizona Cardinals at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 3 7010
Rams 0 6 3817
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at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

  • Date: September 12
  • Game time: 12:05 p.m. CST/11:05 a.m. MST
  • Game weather: None (Indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 65,538
  • Referee: Bill Carollo
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • STL – Jeff Wilkins 50-yard field goal, 11:21. Rams 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 3:28.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 50-yard field goal, 8:10. Tied 3–3. Drive: 5 plays, 24 yards, 3:11.
  • STL – Jeff Wilkins 28-yard field goal, 2:39. Rams 6–3. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 5:31.

Third quarter

  • STL – Jeff Wilkins 22-yard field goal, 5:50. Rams 9–3. Drive: 14 plays, 83 yards, 9:10.
  • ARI – Emmitt Smith 11-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 0:57. Cardinals 10–9. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:53.

Fourth quarter

Top passers

  • ARI – Josh McCown – 18/29, 181 yards
  • STL – Marc Bulger – 23/34, 272 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

  • ARI – Emmitt Smith – 16 rushes, 87 yards, TD
  • STL – Marshall Faulk – 22 rushes, 128 yards

Top receivers

  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 4 receptions, 70 yards
  • STL – Isaac Bruce – 9 receptions, 112 yards, TD
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Week 2: vs. New England Patriots

Week 2: New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 7 3623
Cardinals 0 6 6012
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at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

  • Date: September 19
  • Game time: 2:15 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 89 °F (32 °C)
  • Game attendance: 51,557
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NE – Daniel Graham 19-yard pass from Tom Brady (Adam Vinatieri kick), 13:16. Patriots 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 2:27.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 51-yard field goal, 8:08. Patriots 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, -22 yards, 1:54.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 52-yard field goal, 5:13. Patriots 14–6. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 2:04.

Third quarter

  • NE – Adam Vinatieri 29-yard field goal, 9:21. Patriots 17–6. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 5:39.
  • ARI – Emmitt Smith 1-yard run (pass failed), 1:33. Patriots 17–12. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 7:48.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Adam Vinatieri 28-yard field goal, 12:02. Patriots 20–12. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 4:31.
  • NE – Adam Vinatieri 24-yard field goal, 6:22. Patriots 23–12. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 3:56.

Top passers

  • NE – Tom Brady – 15/26, 219 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • ARI – Josh McCown – 13/29, 160 yards, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • NE – Corey Dillon – 32 rushes, 158 yards
  • ARI – Emmitt Smith – 13 rushes, 31 yards, TD

Top receivers

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Week 3: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 3: Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 0 033
Falcons 3 3 006
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at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: September 26
  • Game time: 1:05 p.m. EST/11:05 a.m. MST
  • Game weather: None (Indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 70,534
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

  • ATL – Jay Feely 25-yard field goal, 7:12. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 3:28.

Second quarter

  • ATL – Jay Feely 23-yard field goal, 12:01. Falcons 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 2:04.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Neil Rackers 30-yard field goal, 9:24. Falcons 6–3. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 2:11.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Close

Week 4: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week 4: New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 0 3 7010
Cardinals 7 7 31734
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at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

  • Date: October 3
  • Game time: 2:05 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 93 °F (34 °C)
  • Game attendance: 28,109
  • Referee: Tom White
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NO – John Carney 20-yard field goal, 14:56. Cardinals 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:20.
  • ARI – Obafemi Ayanbadejo 21-yard pass from Emmitt Smith (Neil Rackers kick), 1:12. Cardinals 14–3. Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 2:36.

Third quarter

  • NO – Mel Mitchell 0-yard blocked punt return, 13:02. Cardinals 14–10.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 26-yard field goal, 1:29. Cardinals 17–10. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:38.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Neil Rackers 33-yard field goal, 5:44. Cardinals 20–10. Drive: 10 plays, 32 yards, 5:10.
  • ARI – Emmitt Smith 29-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 5:02. Cardinals 27–10. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 3:10.
  • ARI – Troy Hambrick 11-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 1:54. Cardinals 34–10. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 1:58.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • NO – Aaron Stecker – 8 rushes, 23 yards
  • ARI – Emmitt Smith – 21 rushes, 127 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • NO – Aaron Stecker – 6 receptions, 71 yards
  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 3 receptions, 61 yards
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Week 5: at San Francisco 49ers

Week 5: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
More information Quarter, OT ...
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Cardinals 0 14 014028
49ers 0 6 616331
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at Monster Park, San Francisco, California

  • Date: October 10
  • Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST/2:15 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 93 °F (34 °C)
  • Game attendance: 62,836
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • ARI – Freddie Jones 16-yard pass from Josh McCown (Neil Rackers kick), 14:54. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 3:27.
  • SF – Todd Peterson 37-yard field goal, 8:57. Cardinals 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 5:57.
  • ARI – Troy Hambrick 2-yard pass from Josh McCown (Neil Rackers kick), 1:56. Cardinals 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards, 2:55.
  • SF – Todd Peterson 42-yard field goal, 0:16. Cardinals 14–6. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 1:40.

Third quarter

  • SF – Arnaz Battle 71-yard punt return (pass failed), 11:32. Cardinals 14–12.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Emmitt Smith 10-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 11:47. Cardinals 21–12. Drive: 7 plays, 86 yards, 3:17.
  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 24-yard pass from Josh McCown (Neil Rackers kick), 8:19. Cardinals 28–12. Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 2:11.
  • SF – Eric Johnson 6-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Tim Rattay run), 4:35. Cardinals 28–20. Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 3:44.
  • SF – Brandon Lloyd 23-yard pass from Tim Rattay (Tim Rattay–Brandon Lloyd pass), 1:07. Tied 28–28. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 1:41.

Overtime

  • SF – Todd Peterson 32-yard field goal, 11:37. 49ers 31–28. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:23.

Top passers

  • ARI – Josh McCown – 19/34, 231 yards, 3 TD, INT
  • SF – Tim Rattay – 38/57, 417 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

  • ARI – Emmitt Smith – 16 rushes, 63 yards, TD
  • SF – Kevan Barlow – 14 rushes, 34 yards

Top receivers

  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 5 receptions, 94 yards, TD
  • SF – Eric Johnson – 13 receptions, 162 yards, TD
Close

With the overtime loss, the Cardinals fell to last place in the NFC West and entered their bye week at 1-4.

Week 7: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 7: Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 0 3 7717
Cardinals 7 6 3925
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at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • SEA – Josh Brown 54-yard field goal, 6:28. Cardinals 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 2:17.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 55-yard field goal, 3:01. Cardinals 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 3:27.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 55-yard field goal, 1:01. Cardinals 13–3. Drive: 6 plays, 3 yards, 1:54.

Third quarter

  • ARI – Neil Rackers 50-yard field goal, 2:50. Cardinals 16–3. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 6:48.
  • SEA – Darrell Jackson 1-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck (Josh Brown kick), 0:05. Cardinals 16–10. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 2:45.

Fourth quarter

  • SEA – Ken Lucas 21-yard interception return (Josh Brown kick), 13:07. Seahawks 17–16.
  • ARI – Team safety, 8:50. Cardinals 18–17.
  • ARI – Emmitt Smith 23-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 1:53. Cardinals 25–17. Drive: 3 plays, 24 yards, 0:44.

Top passers

  • SEA – Matt Hasselbeck – 14/41, 187 yards, TD, 4 INT
  • ARI – Josh McCown – 22/36, 212 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

  • SEA – Shaun Alexander – 12 rushes, 65 yards
  • ARI – Emmitt Smith – 26 rushes, 106 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • SEA – Darrell Jackson – 8 receptions, 109 yards, TD
  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 4 receptions, 73 yards, TD
Close

Week 8: at Buffalo Bills

Week 8: Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 7 0714
Bills 10 7 02138
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at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: October 31
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/11:00 a.m. MST
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,887
  • Referee: Bernie Kukar
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

  • BUF – Rian Lindell 25-yard field goal, 9:32. Bills 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 3:16.
  • BUF – Willis McGahee 5-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 4:31. Bills 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 2:28.

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • BUF – Eric Moulds 8-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (Rian Lindell kick), 14:55. Bills 24–7. Drive: 4 plays, 19 yards, 1:54.
  • BUF – Tim Euhus 12-yard pass from Drew Bledsoe (Rian Lindell kick), 12:05. Bills 31–7. Drive: 4 plays, 11 yards, 1:35.
  • BUF – Willis McGahee 1-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 6:57. Bills 38–7. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 3:11.
  • ARI – Bryant Johnson 28-yard pass from Josh McCown (Neil Rackers kick), 3:54. Bills 38–14. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 3:03.

Top passers

  • ARI – Josh McCown – 9/24, 101 yards, TD
  • BUF – Drew Bledsoe – 8/17, 81 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

  • ARI – Emmitt Smith – 22 rushes, 64 yards
  • BUF – Willis McGahee – 30 rushes, 102 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

  • ARI – Anquan Boldin – 4 receptions, 50 yards
  • BUF – Eric Moulds – 3 receptions, 40 yards, TD
Close

Week 9: at Miami Dolphins

Week 9: Arizona Cardinals at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 3 0 71424
Dolphins 9 3 01123
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at Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: November 7
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/11:00 a.m. MST
  • Game weather: 80 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 72,612
  • Referee: Larry Nemmers
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

  • MIA – Bill Gramática 30-yard field goal, 12:02. Dolphins 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 2:50.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 29-yard field goal, 9:02. Tied 3–3. Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:00.
  • MIA – Rob Konrad 20-yard pass from Jay Fiedler (kick failed), 0:58. Dolphins 9–3. Drive: 8 plays, 91 yards, 4:12.

Second quarter

  • MIA – Bill Gramática 29-yard field goal, 8:07. Dolphins 12–3. Drive: 12 plays, 61 yards, 6:29.

Third quarter

  • ARI – Duane Starks 41-yard interception return (Neil Rackers kick), 8:12. Dolphins 12–10.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Emmitt Smith 5-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 9:44. Cardinals 17–12. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:39.
  • MIA – Bill Gramática 28-yard field goal, 7:53. Cardinals 17–15. Drive: 6 plays, 54 yards, 1:51.
  • MIA – Sammy Morris 1-yard run (A.J. Feeley–Randy McMichael pass), 1:56. Dolphins 23–17. Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 1:50.
  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 2-yard pass from Josh McCown (Neil Rackers kick), 0:19. Cardinals 24–23. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 1:37.

Top passers

  • ARI – Josh McCown – 18/31, 162 yards, TD
  • MIA – Jay Fiedler – 12/21, 129 yards, TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 5 receptions, 92 yards, TD
  • MIA – Chris Chambers – 7 receptions, 104 yards
Close

The Cardinals recorded their first-ever win against the Dolphins and ended their eight-game losing streak against them.[2]

Week 10: vs. New York Giants

Week 10: New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Giants 7 7 0014
Cardinals 0 10 7017
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at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

  • Date: November 14
  • Game time: 2:15 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C)
  • Game attendance: 42,297
  • Referee: Peter Morelli
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • ARI – Neil Rackers 41-yard field goal, 13:36. Giants 7–3. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 3:27.
  • NYG – Tiki Barber 2-yard run (Steve Christie kick), 9:03. Giants 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:30.
  • ARI – Emmitt Smith 2-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 0:39. Giants 14–10. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:30.

Third quarter

  • ARI – Emmitt Smith 3-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 1:09. Cardinals 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 3:30.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays

Top passers

  • NYG – Kurt Warner – 19/30, 193 yards, TD
  • ARI – Josh McCown – 12/24, 90 yards

Top rushers

  • NYG – Tiki Barber – 21 rushes, 108 yards, TD
  • ARI – Emmitt Smith – 19 rushes, 67 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

Close

Week 11: at Carolina Panthers

Week 11: Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 0 10010
Panthers 14 14 0735
Close

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: November 21
  • Game time: 1:05 p.m. EST/11:05 a.m. MST
  • Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C)
  • Game attendance: 72,796
  • Referee: Bill Carollo
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

  • CAR – Nick Goings 2-yard run (Jeff Chandler kick), 6:55. Panthers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 96 yards, 4:51.
  • CAR – Nick Goings 57-yard run (Jeff Chandler kick), 1:53. Panthers 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 79 yards, 1:31.

Second quarter

  • CAR – Nick Goings 1-yard run (Jeff Chandler kick), 4:31. Panthers 21–0. Drive: 2 plays, 1 yard, 0:11.
  • CAR – Muhsin Muhammad 28-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (Jeff Chandler kick), 0:02. Panthers 28–0. Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 0:56.

Third quarter

  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 21-yard pass from Shaun King (Neil Rackers kick), 9:20. Panthers 28–7. Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 4:36.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 28-yard field goal, 4:40. Panthers 28–10. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 2:53.

Fourth quarter

  • CAR – Muhsin Muhammad 17-yard pass from Jake Delhomme (Jeff Chandler kick), 11:38. Panthers 35–10. Drive: 3 plays, 18 yards, 0:56.

Top passers

  • ARI – Shaun King – 28/52, 343 yards, TD, 3 INT
  • CAR – Jake Delhomme – 12/25, 157 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

  • ARI – Emmitt Smith – 11 rushes, 26 yards
  • CAR – Nick Goings – 22 rushes, 121 yards, 3 TD

Top receivers

  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 7 receptions, 92 yards, TD
  • CAR – Muhsin Muhammad – 6 receptions, 118 yards, 2 TD
Close

Week 12: vs. New York Jets

Week 12: New York Jets at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jets 0 3 10013
Cardinals 0 3 003
Close

at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

  • Date: November 28
  • Game time: 2:15 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 35,820
  • Referee: Gerry Austin
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • NYJ – Doug Brien 28-yard field goal, 3:28. Jets 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 45 yards, 5:39.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 20-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 3:28.

Third quarter

  • NYJ – Doug Brien 46-yard field goal, 4:53. Jets 6–3. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 5:24.
  • NYJ – Santana Moss 69-yard pass from Quincy Carter (Doug Brien kick), 2:41. Jets 13–3. Drive: 1 play, 69 yards, 0:10.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays

Top passers

  • NYJ – Quincy Carter – 8/12, 133 yards, TD
  • ARI – Shaun King – 14/26, 119 yards, INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • NYJ – Santana Moss – 5 receptions, 109 yards, TD
  • ARI – Anquan Boldin – 8 receptions, 87 yards
Close

Week 13: at Detroit Lions

Week 13: Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 3 9 0012
Lions 7 7 6626
Close

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: December 5
  • Game time: 1:05 p.m. EST/11:05 a.m. MST
  • Game weather: None (Indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 62,262
  • Referee: Jeff Triplette
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • ARI – Neil Rackers 33-yard field goal, 14:13. Lions 7–6. Drive: 7 plays, 23 yards, 3:52.
  • DET – Kevin Jones 2-yard run (Jason Hanson kick), 8:13. Lions 14–6. Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:28.
  • ARI – Freddie Jones 33-yard pass from John Navarre (pass failed), 3:40. Lions 14–12. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:33.

Third quarter

  • DET – Jason Hanson 45-yard field goal, 7:32. Lions 17–12. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 3:35.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 22-yard field goal, 3:17. Lions 20–12. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:26.

Fourth quarter

  • DET – Jason Hanson 31-yard field goal, 10:00. Lions 23–12. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:51.
  • DET – Jason Hanson 36-yard field goal, 5:13. Lions 26–12. Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 2:47.

Top passers

  • ARI – John Navarre – 18/40, 168 yards, TD, 4 INT
  • DET – Joey Harrington – 15/27, 196 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

  • ARI – Larry Croom – 18 rushes, 49 yards
  • DET – Kevin Jones – 26 rushes, 196 yards, TD

Top receivers

Close

Week 14: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week 14: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
More information Quarter, OT ...
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
49ers 7 14 70331
Cardinals 0 3 718028
Close

at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

  • Date: December 12
  • Game time: 2:15 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 35,069
  • Referee: Bill Leavy
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • SF – Cedrick Wilson 19-yard pass from Ken Dorsey (Todd Peterson kick), 13:36. 49ers 14–0. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:05.
  • SF – Maurice Hicks 1-yard run (Todd Peterson kick), 8:19. 49ers 21–0. Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 3:05.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 44-yard field goal, 3:15. 49ers 21–3. Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 5:04.

Third quarter

  • SF – Cedrick Wilson 27-yard pass from Ken Dorsey (Todd Peterson kick), 9:57. 49ers 28–3. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 5:03.
  • ARI – Obafemi Ayanbadejo 4-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 1:59. 49ers 28–10. Drive: 9 plays, 87 yards, 4:04.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Obafemi Ayanbadejo 1-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 11:53. 49ers 28–17. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:08.
  • ARI – Emmitt Smith 8-yard run (Josh McCown run), 2:40. 49ers 28–25. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 1:08.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 22-yard field goal, 0:59. Tied 28–28. Drive: 5 plays, 16 yards, 1:17.

Overtime

  • SF – Todd Peterson 31-yard field goal, 8:38. 49ers 31–28. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 2:22.

Top passers

  • SF – Ken Dorsey – 18/34, 191 yards, 3 TD
  • ARI – Josh McCown – 26/44, 307 yards, INT

Top rushers

  • SF – Maurice Hicks – 34 rushes, 139 yards, TD
  • ARI – Emmitt Smith – 18 rushes, 53 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • SF – Cedrick Wilson – 5 receptions, 83 yards, 2 TD
  • ARI – Anquan Boldin – 9 receptions, 109 yards
Close

With the overtime loss, the Cardinals were swept by the 49ers and dropped to 4-9, thus, eliminating them from playoff contention for the 6th year in a row. They would end up being the only team to lose to San Francisco in 2004.

Week 15: vs. St. Louis Rams

Week 15: St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 0 7 007
Cardinals 10 7 7731
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at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

  • Date: December 19
  • Game time: 2:05 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 75 °F (24 °C)
  • Game attendance: 40,070
  • Referee: Mike Carey
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

  • ARI – Josh McCown 1-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 5:24. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 4:12.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 48-yard field goal, 1:44. Cardinals 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 14 yards, 3:25.

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 4-yard pass from Josh McCown (Neil Rackers kick), 7:02. Cardinals 24–7. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 4:44.

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Josh McCown 9-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 10:54. Cardinals 31–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:39.

Top passers

  • STL – Jamie Martin – 16/30, 188 yards
  • ARI – Josh McCown – 22/34, 287 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

Close

Week 16: at Seattle Seahawks

Week 16: Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 7 0 01421
Seahawks 0 10 7724
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at Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington

More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • SEA – Shaun Alexander 1-yard run (Josh Brown kick), 4:44. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 2:41.
  • SEA – Josh Brown 34-yard field goal, 0:00. Seahawks 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 3:10.

Third quarter

  • SEA – Shaun Alexander 17-yard run (Josh Brown kick), 3:06. Seahawks 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, 55 yards, 2:28.

Fourth quarter

  • SEA – Shaun Alexander 23-yard run (Josh Brown kick), 14:50. Seahawks 24–7. Drive: 5 plays, 82 yards, 2:49.
  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 29-yard pass from Josh McCown (Neil Rackers kick), 11:32. Seahawks 24–14. Drive: 5 plays, 39 yards, 2:53.
  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 29-yard pass from Josh McCown (Neil Rackers kick), 2:30. Seahawks 24–21. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 3:18.

Top passers

  • ARI – Josh McCown – 21/33, 248 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
  • SEA – Trent Dilfer – 10/26, 128 yards, INT

Top rushers

  • ARI – Emmitt Smith – 23 rushes, 65 yards
  • SEA – Shaun Alexander – 30 rushes, 154 yards, 3 TD

Top receivers

  • ARI – Anquan Boldin – 7 receptions, 107 yards, TD
  • SEA – Darrell Jackson – 6 receptions, 101 yards
Close

With the loss, the Cardinals fell to 5-10 and finished 2-4 against the NFC West.

Week 17: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 17: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
More information Quarter, Total ...
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 0 707
Cardinals 3 3 0612
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at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

  • Date: January 2
  • Game time: 2:05 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 31,650
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • Box Score
More information Game information ...
Game information

First quarter

  • ARI – Neil Rackers 40-yard field goal, 9:06. Cardinals 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 3:15.

Second quarter

  • ARI – Neil Rackers 45-yard field goal, 0:03. Cardinals 6–0. Drive: 6 plays, 12 yards, 0:40.

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • ARI – Neil Rackers 39-yard field goal, 11:07. Cardinals 9–7. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:17.
  • ARI – Neil Rackers 31-yard field goal, 6:12. Cardinals 12–7. Drive: 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:43.

Top passers

  • TB – Chris Simms – 16/32, 224 yards, TD, 2 INT
  • ARI – Josh McCown – 16/36, 115 yards, INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • TB – Michael Clayton – 2 receptions, 86 yards, TD
  • ARI – Larry Fitzgerald – 3 receptions, 36 yards
Close

Standings

More information NFC West, W ...
NFC West
 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Seattle Seahawks 9 7 0 .563 3–3 8–4 371 373 W2
(5) St. Louis Rams 8 8 0 .500 5–1 7–5 319 392 W2
Arizona Cardinals 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 284 322 W1
San Francisco 49ers 2 14 0 .125 2–4 2–10 259 452 L3
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More information #, Team ...
NFC[3]
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1 Philadelphia Eagles East 13 3 0 .813 6–0 11–1 .453 .409 L2
2 Atlanta Falcons South 11 5 0 .688 4–2 8–4 .420 .432 L2
3 Green Bay Packers North 10 6 0 .625 5–1 9–3 .457 .419 W2
4 Seattle Seahawks West 9 7 0 .563 3–3 8–4 .445 .368 W2
Wild cards
5[a] St. Louis Rams West 8 8 0 .500 5–1 7–5 .488 .438 W2
6[a][b] Minnesota Vikings North 8 8 0 .500 3–3 5–7 .480 .406 L2
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[a][b] New Orleans Saints South 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 .465 .427 W4
8 Carolina Panthers South 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 .496 .366 L1
9[c] Detroit Lions North 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 .496 .417 L2
10[c] Arizona Cardinals West 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 .461 .417 W1
11[c][d] New York Giants East 6 10 0 .375 3–3 5–7 .516 .417 W1
12[c][d][e] Dallas Cowboys East 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 .516 .375 L1
13[c][d][e] Washington Redskins East 6 10 0 .375 1–5 6–6 .477 .333 W1
14[f] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 5 11 0 .313 2–4 4–8 .477 .413 L4
15[f] Chicago Bears North 5 11 0 .313 2–4 4–8 .465 .388 L4
16 San Francisco 49ers West 2 14 0 .125 2–4 2–10 .488 .375 L3
Tiebreakers[g]
  1. [a]
    St. Louis clinched the NFC #5 seed instead of Minnesota or New Orleans based on better conference record (7–5 to Minnesota’s 5–7 to New Orleans’ 6–6).
  2. [b]
    Minnesota clinched the NFC #6 seed instead of New Orleans based on head-to-head victory.
  3. [c]
    Detroit finished ahead of Arizona and New York Giants based upon head-to-head record (2–0 versus Arizona’s 1–1 and New York Giants’ 0–2). Division tiebreak was initially used to eliminate Dallas and Washington.
  4. [d]
    New York Giants finished ahead of Dallas and Washington in the NFC East based on better head-to-head record (3–1 to Dallas‘ 2–2 to Washington’s 1–3).
  5. [e]
    Dallas finished ahead of Washington in the NFC East based on head-to-head sweep.
  6. [f]
    Tampa Bay finished ahead of Chicago based upon head-to-head victory.
  7. [g]
    When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.
Close

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