2004 Minnesota Vikings season

The 2004 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 44th in the National Football League. The Vikings finished the 2004 season going 3–7 over the final 10 weeks, just like they did in 2003; however, they made the playoffs with an overall 8–8 record. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper amassed MVP-level statistics, throwing for 4,717 passing yards (leading the NFL), 39 passing touchdowns (a franchise record) and 5,123 total yards (an NFL record).

2004 Minnesota Vikings season
OwnerRed McCombs
Head coachMike Tice
General managerRob Brzezinski
Home fieldHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Results
Record8–8
Division place2nd NFC North
Playoff finishWon Wild Card Playoffs (at Packers) 31–17
Lost Divisional Playoffs (at Eagles) 14–27

In the wildcard round of the playoffs, the Vikings defeated their rival Green Bay Packers 31–17 in their first ever playoff meeting, making them the second team in NFL history to have a .500 record (8–8) in the regular season and win a playoff game (the first team to do it was the St. Louis Rams, who beat the Seattle Seahawks 27–20 the day before the Vikings–Packers game took place). In the divisional round, the Vikings were defeated 27–14 by the eventual NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles and did not return to the playoffs for four years.

Following the season, Randy Moss was traded to the Oakland Raiders; he returned briefly to the Vikings in 2010.

Offseason

2004 Draft
Main article: 2004 NFL Draft
2004 Minnesota Vikings Draft
Draft order Player name Position College Notes
Round Overall
119 Traded to the Miami Dolphins[a]
20 Kenechi UdezeDefensive endUSCfrom Dolphins[a]
248 Dontarrious ThomasLinebackerAuburnfrom Saints[b]
50 Traded to the New Orleans Saints[b]
382 Traded to the Baltimore Ravens[c]
88 Darrion ScottDefensive endOhio Statefrom Ravens[c]
4115 Nat DorseyOffensive tackleGeorgia Tech
119 Mewelde MooreRunning backTulanefrom Dolphins[a]
5151 Traded to the New Orleans Saints[b]
155 Rod DavisLinebackerSouthern Mississippifrom Ravens[c]
6184 Deandre EilandStrong safetySouth Carolina
7220 Jeff DuganTight endMaryland
^[a] The Vikings traded their first-round selection (19th overall) to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Miami's first- and fourth-round selections (20th and 119th overall).
^[b] The Vikings traded their second- and fifth-round selections (50th and 151st overall) to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for New Orleans' second-round selection (48th overall).
^[c] The Vikings traded their third-round selection (82nd overall) to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for Baltimore's third- and fifth-round selections (88th and 155th overall).

Preseason

Schedule
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance NFL.com
recap
1 August 14 Arizona Cardinals W 23–6 1–0 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 63,658 Recap
2 August 20 at Atlanta Falcons L 24–27 1–1 Georgia Dome 70,623 Recap
3 August 27 San Francisco 49ers W 23–10 2–1 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 63,960 Recap
4 September 2 at Seattle Seahawks L 21–23 2–2 Qwest Field 50,198 Recap

Week 1: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week 1: Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Cardinals 3 0 306
Vikings 0 13 7323

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 2: at Atlanta Falcons
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 14 3 7024
Falcons 0 13 7727

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information

Week 3: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
49ers 0 0 7310
Vikings 13 3 0723

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 4: at Seattle Seahawks
Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 0 14021
Seahawks 0 14 3623

at Qwest Field, Seattle, Washington

  • Date: September 2
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT/8:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Partly sunny, 66 °F (19 °C)
  • Game attendance: 50,198
  • Referee: Mike Carey (94)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Regular season

Schedule
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance NFL.com
recap
1 September 12 Dallas Cowboys W 35–17 1–0 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,105 Recap
2 September 20 at Philadelphia Eagles L 16–27 1–1 Lincoln Financial Field 67,676 Recap
3 September 26 Chicago Bears W 27–22 2–1 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,163 Recap
4 Bye
5 October 10 at Houston Texans W 34–28 (OT) 3–1 Reliant Stadium 70,718 Recap
6 October 17 at New Orleans Saints W 38–31 4–1 Louisiana Superdome 64,900 Recap
7 October 24 Tennessee Titans W 20–3 5–1 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,108 Recap
8 October 31 New York Giants L 13–34 5–2 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,012 Recap
9 November 8 at Indianapolis Colts L 28–31 5–3 RCA Dome 57,307 Recap
10 November 14 at Green Bay Packers L 31–34 5–4 Lambeau Field 70,671 Recap
11 November 21 Detroit Lions W 22–19 6–4 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,156 Recap
12 November 28 Jacksonville Jaguars W 27–16 7–4 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,004 Recap
13 December 5 at Chicago Bears L 14–24 7–5 Soldier Field 62,051 Recap
14 December 12 Seattle Seahawks L 23–27 7–6 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,110 Recap
15 December 19 at Detroit Lions W 28–27 8–6 Ford Field 62,337 Recap
16 December 24 Green Bay Packers L 31–34 8–7 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 64,311 Recap
17 January 2 at Washington Redskins L 18–21 8–8 FedExField 76,876 Recap

Week 1: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week 1: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Cowboys 3 7 7017
Vikings 0 14 14735

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: September 12
  • Game time: 3:15 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,105
  • Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

The Vikings kicked off the season hosting the Bill Parcells coached Dallas Cowboys. After an opening quarter that only saw the Cowboys recording a field goal, Daunte Culpepper caught fire, throwing two second quarter touchdowns to Onterrio Smith and Marcus Robinson. Vinny Testaverde responded down 14–3, finding Terry Glenn for a 32-yard touchdown as the half expired. Randy Moss found his groove in the third quarter, finding himself on the receiving end of two Daunte Culpepper touchdowns. In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys drove into the red zone down 28–17, but Antoine Winfield forced and recovered a Richie Anderson fumble, which led to Daunte Culpepper's fifth touchdown pass, via a 43-yard pass to Kelly Campbell. Onterrio Smith helped ice the game away, finishing with 76 yards rushing, giving him 139 yards from scrimmage. The Vikings defense did show some holes in the win, allowing 41-year-old Vinny Testaverde to pass for 355 yards, while also allowing 71 yards rushing on the day.

Week 2: at Philadelphia Eagles
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 3 3716
Eagles 7 3 71027

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Date: September 20
  • Game time: 9:00 p.m. EDT/8:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Clear, 61 °F (16 °C)
  • Game attendance: 67,676
  • Referee: Bill Carollo (63)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

The Vikings traveled to Philadelphia for a Monday night showdown with the NFC favorite Eagles. The Vikings started the game with a Morten Andersen field goal. The Eagles then responded with a strong drive by Brian Westbrook, resulting in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Donovan McNabb to L. J. Smith. The remaining second half resulted in a series of frustrations for the Vikings, twice having a 1st-and-goal within the 2-yard line, only to result in a field goal and a Culpepper fumble. In the second half, the Eagles scored on their opening possession, capped off with a 20-yard touchdown run by Donovan McNabb. Morten Andersen then missed a field goal with the Vikings down 17–9, which the Eagles responded to with a 45-yard touchdown reception by Terrell Owens three plays later. The Vikings finally found the end zone with three minutes remaining on a 4-yard Randy Moss reception to bring the Vikings within 8, only to be countered by a David Akers field goal with 1:15 remaining, putting the game away. The Vikings defense put together a second-straight poor effort, allowing 353 yards of offense. Daunte Culpepper continued his strong start in the loss, throwing for 348 yards, while also being the Vikings leading rusher, finishing with 41 yards.

Week 3: vs. Chicago Bears
Week 3: Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 3 3 01622
Vikings 0 10 71027

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: September 26
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,163
  • Referee: Mike Carey (94)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

The Vikings returned home in week 3 to face the 1–1 Bears. The Bears scored a field goal on the opening drive, with the game devolving to a slop fest over the next quarter. The Vikings missed a field goal, responded with Lance Johnstone forcing a Rex Grossman fumble, only for Onterrio Smith to fumble on the following play. After falling behind 6–0, the Vikings finally found offensive success, with Culpepper finding Kelly Campbell for 40 yards, followed several plays later with a 3-yard Randy Moss touchdown. The Vikings extended their lead following a long third quarter drive, culminating with a 1-yard Culpepper touchdown run, giving the Vikings a 17–6 lead. After trading field goals, the Bears cut the lead to 20–16 on a Thomas Jones touchdown run. The Vikings again responded, with Culpepper throwing a 63-yard pass to Nate Burleson, setting up a 2-yard touchdown connection to Randy Moss. Rex Grossman led the Bears in their comeback attempt, as he dove for the pylon, and appeared to fumble out of the back of the end zone. A Lovie Smith challenge showed Grossman crossed the plane prior to fumbling, but Grossman tore his ACL on the play, ending his 2004 season. The Bears got the ball with 1:16 left trailing 27–22, but backup quarterback Jonathan Quinn threw three consecutive incompletions, and then be sacked on fourth down by Kevin Williams, sealing the victory for the Vikings. Daunte Culpepper continued to have stellar numbers, throwing for 360 yards, with Randy Moss having 119 yards receiving, and Onterrio Smith having 104 yards receiving, and 94 yards rushing. The defense continued to act as a sieve, with Grossman throwing for 248 yards, and running back Thomas Jones rushing for 110 yards, and adding 71 yards receiving.

Week 5: at Houston Texans
Week 5: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Vikings 0 14 77634
Texans 0 0 721028

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: October 10
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Indoor, 66 °F (19 °C)
  • Game attendance: 70,718
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
  • Recap
Game information

The Vikings came out of their bye week to face the 2–2 Houston Texans for the first time in franchise history. The Vikings defense appeared fresh, shutting down David Carr and the Texans in the first half, while Daunte Culpepper and the Vikings offense continued humming, with Culpepper finding Nate Burleson and Randy Moss for second quarter touchdowns, giving the Vikings a 14–0 halftime advantage. The Vikings defense continued strongly in the second half, forcing a three-and-out, which the Vikings followed with three Culpepper completions, capped off with a 10-yard Burleson touchdown. David Carr found some success, leading the Texans on two long scoring drives, resulting in touchdowns by Andre Johnson and Dominack Williams. The Vikings seemingly put the game out of reach on a 50-yard touchdown pass from Culpepper to Randy Moss with 6:58 remaining. David Carr continued his career best game, leading two long drives, capping them off with touchdown passes to Derrick Armstrong and David Carr, sandwiching a Vikings three-and-out, forcing overtime. In overtime, the Vikings won the toss, and the teams traded punts. On the Vikings second possession of overtime, Culpepper found Marcus Robinson on a post on 3rd-and-12 from the 50, earning the walk-off win for the Vikings. Culpepper finished with 396 yards passing and five touchdowns, with Mewelde Moore adding 92 yards rushing and 90 yards receiving. The defense ended up allowing David Carr to pass for 372 yards and three touchdowns, with Andre Johnson burning the Vikings for 170 yards receiving on 12 catches. The win did bring the Vikings record to 3–1.

Week 6: at New Orleans Saints
Week 6: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 14 10738
Saints 0 14 71031

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: October 17
  • Game time: 7:35 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 76 °F (24 °C)
  • Game attendance: 64,900
  • Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 7: vs. Tennessee Titans
Week 7: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Titans 3 0 003
Vikings 3 14 0320

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

The Vikings returned home to host the 2–4 Titans. After a Darren Bennett punt, Steve McNair led the Titans down the field, setting up a Gary Anderson 40-yard field goal. The Vikings immediately responded with an eight-minute drive of their own, resulting in a 29-yard Morten Andersen field goal. Steve McNair was injured on the ensuing drive, and was replaced by Billy Volek. Volek was overwhelmed by the Vikings defense, throwing three interceptions, and getting sacked twice. Moe Williams and Marcus Robinson scored on short touchdowns for the Vikings, and Mewelde Moore added 138 yards rushing to ice a defensive second half. The Vikings defense had their season best performance, holding the Titans to 243 yards in the victory, which improved their record to 4–1.

Week 8: vs. New York Giants
Week 8: New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Giants 10 10 7734
Vikings 0 0 01313

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 9: at Indianapolis Colts
Week 9: Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 6 81428
Colts 7 7 71031

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

Game information

Week 10: at Green Bay Packers
Week 10: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 3 71431
Packers 7 17 01034

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: November 14
  • Game time: 3:15 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 46 °F (8 °C)
  • Game attendance: 70,671
  • Referee: Ron Winter (14)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 11: vs. Detroit Lions
Week 11: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 14 3 2019
Vikings 7 0 01522

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: November 21
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,156
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli (85)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 12: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 12: Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Jaguars 0 13 0316
Vikings 3 10 7727

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 13: at Chicago Bears
Week 13: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 7 0014
Bears 7 10 0724

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: December 5
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 45 °F (7 °C)
  • Game attendance: 62,051
  • Referee: Tony Corrente (99)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Week 14: Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Seahawks 7 14 3327
Vikings 10 10 3023

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information

Week 15: at Detroit Lions
Week 15: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 7 0014
Lions 7 10 0724

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

Week 16: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week 16: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Packers 0 17 71034
Vikings 0 21 01031

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 24
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 64,311
  • Referee: Bill Leavy (127)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 17: at Washington Redskins
Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 3 7818
Redskins 7 7 0721

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

  • Date: January 2
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 46 °F (8 °C)
  • Game attendance: 76,876
  • Referee: Bernie Kukar (86)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Standings
NFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(3) Green Bay Packers 10 6 0 .625 5–1 9–3 424 380 W2
(6) Minnesota Vikings 8 8 0 .500 3–3 5–7 405 395 L2
Detroit Lions 6 10 0 .375 2–4 5–7 296 350 L1
Chicago Bears 5 11 0 .313 2–4 4–8 231 331 L4

Postseason

Schedule
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance NFL.com
recap
Wild Card January 9 at Green Bay Packers W 31–17 1–0 Lambeau Field 71,075 Recap
Division January 16 at Philadelphia Eagles L 14–27 1–1 Lincoln Financial Field 67,722 Recap

NFC Wild Card Round: at Green Bay Packers
NFC Wild Card Round: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 17 7 0731
Packers 3 7 0717

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

NFC Divisional Round: at Philadelphia Eagles
NFC Divisional Round: Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 7 0714
Eagles 7 14 0627

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Date: January 16
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 31 °F (−1 °C)
  • Game attendance: 67,722
  • Referee: Pete Morelli (135)
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Statistics

Team leaders
Category Player(s) Value
Passing yardsDaunte Culpepper4,717 *
Passing touchdownsDaunte Culpepper39 *
Rushing yardsOnterrio Smith544
Rushing touchdownsMoe Williams3
Receiving yardsNate Burleson1,006
Receiving touchdownsRandy Moss13
PointsMorten Andersen99
Kickoff return yardsKelly Campbell760
Punt return yardsNate Burleson215
TacklesE. J. Henderson93
SacksKevin Williams11.5
InterceptionsAntoine Winfield3
Forced fumblesLance Johnstone5
  • Vikings' single season record.

League rankings
Category Total yards Yards per game NFL rank
(out of 32)
Passing offense4,516282.22nd
Rushing offense1,823113.918th
Total offense6,339396.24th
Passing defense3,896243.529th
Rushing defense2,006125.421st
Total defense5,902368.928th

Staff
2004 Minnesota Vikings staff
Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and Conditioning – Kurtis Shultz
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Mark Ellis

[1]

Final roster
2004 Minnesota Vikings final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad



Rookies in italics
 53 active, 7 inactive, 0 practice squad

References
  1. 2009 Minnesota Vikings Media Guide. p. 251. Archived from the original on 2010-12-24. Retrieved 2010-03-06.
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