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{{short description|NFL team 45th season}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2013}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2013}}
{{Infobox NFL_season
{{Infobox NFL team season
| team = San Diego Chargers
| team = San Diego Chargers
| year = 2004
| year = 2004
Line 6: Line 7:
| division_place = 1st [[AFC West]]
| division_place = 1st [[AFC West]]
| coach = [[Marty Schottenheimer]]
| coach = [[Marty Schottenheimer]]
| general manager = [[A. J. Smith |A.J. Smith]]
| general manager = [[A. J. Smith|A.J. Smith]]
| owner = [[Alex Spanos]]
| owner = [[Alex Spanos]]
| stadium = [[Qualcomm Stadium]]
| stadium = [[Qualcomm Stadium]]
| playoffs = Lost [[2004–05 NFL playoffs|Wild Card Playoffs]] ([[New York Jets|Jets]]) (20–17 OT)
| playoffs = Lost [[2004–05 NFL playoffs|Wild Card Playoffs]]<br>(vs. [[2004 New York Jets season|Jets]]) 17–20 {{small|(OT)}}
| pro bowlers = {{Collapsible list
| uniform =
| title = 3<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/probowl.htm |title=2004 NFL Pro Bowlers |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}</ref>
| pro bowlers = RB [[LaDainian Tomlinson]]<br>QB [[Drew Brees]]<br>TE [[Antonio Gates]]
| 1 = QB [[Drew Brees]]
| shortnavlink = Chargers seasons
| 2 = TE [[Antonio Gates]]
| 3 = RB [[LaDainian Tomlinson]]
}}
}}
| AP All-pros = {{Collapsible list
The '''{{nfly|2004}} [[San Diego Chargers]] [[List of San Diego Chargers seasons|season]]''' was the franchise's 34th season in the [[National Football League]] (NFL), its 44th overall and the third under head coach [[Marty Schottenheimer]]. The team improved on their 4–12 record in [[2003 NFL season|2003]] and finished the regular season 12–4 and made the playoffs for the first time in nine years, as it was the team's first division title since the 1994 season. In the playoffs they lost in [[Overtime (sports)|overtime]] to [[2004 New York Jets season|the New York Jets]]. At the end of the season [[Marty Schottenheimer]] was named [[NFL Coach of the Year]].
| title = 4<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/allpro.htm |title=2004 NFL All-Pros |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}</ref>
| 1 = LB [[Donnie Edwards]] ''<small>(2nd team)</small>''
| 2 = TE [[Antonio Gates]] ''<small>(1st team)</small>''
| 3 = RB [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] ''<small>(1st team)</small>''
| 4 = DT [[Jamal Williams]] ''<small>(2nd team)</small>''
}}
| shortnavlink = Chargers seasons
}}

The '''{{nfly|2004}} [[San Diego Chargers]] [[List of San Diego Chargers seasons|season]]''' was the franchise's 35th season in the [[National Football League]] (NFL), its 45th overall and the third under head coach [[Marty Schottenheimer]]. It would be the first season the franchise would have involving quarterback [[Philip Rivers]]. The team improved on their 4–12 record in [[2003 NFL season|2003]] and finished the regular season 12–4, made the playoffs for the first time in nine years, and captured their first division title since the 1994 season. In the playoffs they lost in [[Overtime (sports)|overtime]] to [[2004 New York Jets season|the New York Jets]]. At the end of the season [[Marty Schottenheimer]] was named [[NFL Coach of the Year]].

== Offseason ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Additions || Subtractions
|-
| WR [[Keenan McCardell]] (Buccaneers) || DE [[Raylee Johnson]] (Broncos)
|-
| T [[Roman Oben]] (Buccaneers) || C [[Cory Raymer]] (Redskins)
|-
| LB [[Randall Godfrey]] (Seahawks) || G [[Kelvin Garmon]] (Browns)
|-
| || WR [[David Boston]] (Dolphins)
|}


==Offseason==
=== NFL draft ===
===NFL draft===
Entering the draft, the consensus top pick was Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning. However, Manning had said prior to the draft that he did not want to play for the Chargers and would not sign with them if he was drafted. The Chargers would strike a deal with the Giants before the draft that would shape the future of both franchises. The Chargers would select Manning first overall, as they had intended to. The Giants would then draft quarterback Philip Rivers of North Carolina State, and then swap him and two 2005 draft picks for Manning.
Entering the draft, the consensus top pick was Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning. However, Manning had said prior to the draft that he did not want to play for the Chargers and would not sign with them if he was drafted. The Chargers would strike a deal with the Giants before the draft that would shape the future of both franchises. The Chargers would select Manning first overall, as they had intended to. The Giants would then draft quarterback Philip Rivers of North Carolina State, and then swap him and two 2005 draft picks for Manning.


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}}
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 1
| round = [[List of Los Angeles Chargers first-round draft picks|1]]
| pick = 1
| pick = [[List of first overall National Football League Draft picks|1]]
| player = [[Eli Manning]]
| player = [[Eli Manning]]
| position = [[Quarterback|QB]]
| position = [[Quarterback|QB]]
Line 39: Line 65:
| pick = 35
| pick = 35
| player = [[Igor Olshansky]]
| player = [[Igor Olshansky]]
| position = [[Defensive Tackle|DT]]
| position = [[Defensive tackle|DT]]
| college = [[2003 Oregon Ducks football team|Oregon]]
| college = [[2003 Oregon Ducks football team|Oregon]]
| notes =
| notes =
| maderoster = yes
| hof =
| probowl =
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 2
| pick = 62
| player = [[Terrence Kiel]]
| position = [[Safety (gridiron football position)|S]]
| college = [[2002 Texas A&M Aggies football team|Texas A&M]]
| notes = from Green Bay via Philadelphia
| maderoster = yes
| maderoster = yes
| hof =
| hof =
Line 83: Line 98:
| pick = 98
| pick = 98
| player = [[Shaun Phillips]]
| player = [[Shaun Phillips]]
| position = [[Defensive End|DE]]
| position = [[Defensive end|DE]]
| college = [[2003 Purdue Boilermakers football team|Purdue]]
| college = [[2003 Purdue Boilermakers football team|Purdue]]
| notes =
| notes =
Line 94: Line 109:
| pick = 133
| pick = 133
| player = [[Dave Ball (defensive end)|Dave Ball]]
| player = [[Dave Ball (defensive end)|Dave Ball]]
| position = [[Defensive End|DE]]
| position = [[Defensive end|DE]]
| college = [[2003 UCLA Bruins football team|UCLA]]
| college = [[2003 UCLA Bruins football team|UCLA]]
| notes =
| notes =
Line 116: Line 131:
| pick = 169
| pick = 169
| player = [[Ryan Krause]]
| player = [[Ryan Krause]]
| position = [[Tight End|TE]]
| position = [[Tight end|TE]]
| college = [[Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks football|Nebraska-Omaha]]
| college = [[Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks football|Nebraska-Omaha]]
| notes =
| notes =
Line 127: Line 142:
| pick = 204
| pick = 204
| player = [[Ryon Bingham]]
| player = [[Ryon Bingham]]
| position = [[Defensive Tackle|DT]]
| position = [[Defensive tackle|DT]]
| college = [[2003 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team|Nebraska]]
| college = [[2003 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team|Nebraska]]
| notes =
| notes =
Line 138: Line 153:
| pick = 209
| pick = 209
| player = [[Shane Olivea]]
| player = [[Shane Olivea]]
| position = [[Offensive Tackle|OT]]
| position = [[Offensive tackle|OT]]
| college = [[2003 Ohio State Buckeyes football team|Ohio State]]
| college = [[2003 Ohio State Buckeyes football team|Ohio State]]
| notes = from Atlanta
| notes = from Atlanta
Line 149: Line 164:
| pick = 254
| pick = 254
| player = [[Carlos Joseph]]
| player = [[Carlos Joseph]]
| position = [[Offensive Tackle|OT]]
| position = [[Offensive tackle|OT]]
| college = [[2003 Miami Hurricanes football team|Miami (FL)]]
| college = [[2003 Miami Hurricanes football team|Miami (FL)]]
| notes =
| notes =
Line 158: Line 173:
{{NFL team draft end}}
{{NFL team draft end}}


==Personnel==
== Personnel ==
===Staff===
=== Staff ===
{{NFL final staff
{{NFL final staff
| year = 2004
| year = 2004
Line 166: Line 181:
| front_office =
| front_office =
* Owner – [[Alex Spanos]]
* Owner – [[Alex Spanos]]
* President/Chief Executive Officer – [[Dean Spanos]]
* President/chief executive officer – [[Dean Spanos]]
* Executive Vice President – Michael Spanos
* Executive vice president – Michael Spanos
* Executive Vice President/General Manager – [[A. J. Smith]]
* Executive vice president/general manager – [[A. J. Smith]]
* Assistant General Manager/Director of Player Personnel – [[Buddy Nix]]
* Assistant general manager/director of player personnel – [[Buddy Nix]]
* Vice President of Football Operations – Ed McGuire
* Vice president of football operations – Ed McGuire
* Director of College Scouting – [[Jimmy Raye III|Jimmy Raye]]
* Director of college scouting – [[Jimmy Raye III|Jimmy Raye]]
* Director of Pro Scouting – Fran Foley
* Director of pro scouting – [[Fran Foley]]


| head_coach =
| head_coach =
* Head Coach – [[Marty Schottenheimer]]
* Head coach – [[Marty Schottenheimer]]
* Assistant Head Coach – [[Tim Brewster]]
* Assistant head coach – [[Tim Brewster]]


| offensive =
| offensive =
* Offensive Coordinator – [[Cam Cameron]]
* Offensive coordinator – [[Cam Cameron]]
* Quarterbacks – [[Brian Schottenheimer]]
* Quarterbacks – [[Brian Schottenheimer]]
* Running Backs – [[Clarence Shelmon]]
* Running backs – [[Clarence Shelmon]]
* Wide Receivers – [[James Lofton]]
* Wide receivers – [[James Lofton]]
* Tight Ends – Tim Brewster
* Tight ends – Tim Brewster
* Offensive Line – [[Hudson Houck]]
* Offensive line – [[Hudson Houck]]
* Offensive Assistant/Quality Control – [[Pete Carmichael, Jr.]]
* Offensive assistant/quality control – [[Pete Carmichael, Jr.]]


| defensive =
| defensive =
* Defensive Coordinator – [[Wade Phillips]]
* Defensive coordinator – [[Wade Phillips]]
* Defensive Line – [[Wayne Nunnely]]
* Defensive line – [[Wayne Nunnely]]
* Linebackers – [[Greg Manusky]]
* Linebackers – [[Greg Manusky]]
* Secondary – [[Brian Stewart (American football)|Brian Stewart]]
* Secondary – [[Brian Stewart (American football)|Brian Stewart]]
* Defensive Assistant/Quality Control – [[John Pagano]]
* Defensive assistant/quality control – [[John Pagano]]


| special_teams =
| special_teams =
* Special Teams – [[Steve Crosby]]
* Special teams – [[Steve Crosby]]


| strength =
| strength =
* Strength and Conditioning – Dave Redding
* Strength and conditioning – Dave Redding
* Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Matt Schiotz
* Assistant strength and conditioning – Matt Schiotz
}}
}}
<ref>{{cite book |title=2012 San Diego Chargers Media Guide |pages=263–264 |url=http://www.chargers.com/team/media-guide.html |accessdate=October 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015162303/http://www.chargers.com/team/media-guide.html |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite book |title=2012 San Diego Chargers Media Guide |pages=263–264 |url=http://www.chargers.com/team/media-guide.html |access-date=October 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015162303/http://www.chargers.com/team/media-guide.html |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>


===Roster===
=== Roster ===
{{NFL final roster
{{NFL final roster
| year = 2004
| year = 2004
| team = San Diego Chargers
| team = San Diego Chargers
| prefix =
| prefix =
| active =
| active = 53
| inactive =
| inactive = 9
| PS =
| PS = 7


| quarterbacks =
| quarterbacks =
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">&nbsp;9</span> [[Drew Brees]]
* {{player|&nbsp;9}} [[Drew Brees]]
* {{player|&nbsp;7}} [[Doug Flutie]]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">17</span> ''[[Philip Rivers]]''
* {{player|12}} [[Cleo Lemon]]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">&nbsp;7</span> [[Doug Flutie]]
* {{player|17}} ''[[Philip Rivers]]''


| running_backs =
| running_backs =
* {{player|24}} [[Jesse Chatman]] PR
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">41</span> [[Lorenzo Neal]] FB
* {{player|41}} [[Lorenzo Neal]] FB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">34</span> [[Andrew Pinnock]] FB
* {{player|34}} [[Andrew Pinnock]] FB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">21</span> [[LaDainian Tomlinson]]
* {{player|21}} [[LaDainian Tomlinson]]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">33</span> ''[[Michael Turner (American football)|Michael Turner]]''
* {{player|33}} ''[[Michael Turner (American football)|Michael Turner]]''
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">24</span> [[Jesse Chatman]]


| wide_receivers =
| wide_receivers =
* {{player|87}} [[Tim Dwight]] KR/PR
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">82</span> [[Reche Caldwell]]
* {{player|13}} ''[[Malcom Floyd]]''
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">87</span> [[Tim Dwight]]
* {{player|86}} [[Keenan McCardell]]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">13</span> ''[[Malcom Floyd]]''
* {{player|88}} [[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]] PR
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">86</span> [[Keenan McCardell]]
* {{player|81}} [[Kassim Osgood]]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">88</span> [[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]]
* {{player|83}} [[Bobby Shaw]]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">81</span> [[Kassim Osgood]]


| tight_ends =
| tight_ends =
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">85</span> [[Antonio Gates]]
* {{player|85}} [[Antonio Gates]]
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">89</span> ''[[Ryan Krause]]''
* {{player|89}} ''[[Ryan Krause]]''
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">84</span> [[Justin Peelle]]
* {{player|84}} [[Justin Peelle]]


| offensive_linemen =
| offensive_linemen =
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">60</span> [[Jason Ball (American football)|Jason Ball]] C
* {{player|65}} [[David Brandt (American football)|David Brandt]] C/G
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">68</span> [[Kris Dielman]] G
* {{player|68}} [[Kris Dielman]] G
* {{player|77}} [[Toniu Fonoti]] G
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">79</span> [[Mike Goff (American football)|Mike Goff]] G
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">61</span> ''[[Nick Hardwick (American football)|Nick Hardwick]]'' C
* {{player|79}} [[Mike Goff (American football)|Mike Goff]] G
* {{player|62}} [[Bob Hallen]] C/G
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">70</span> ''[[Shane Olivea]]'' T
* {{player|61}} ''[[Nick Hardwick (American football)|Nick Hardwick]]'' C
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">71</span> [[Courtney Van Buren]] T
* {{player|75}} [[Leander Jordan]] G/T
* {{player|72}} [[Roman Oben]] T
* {{player|70}} ''[[Shane Olivea]]'' T


| defensive_linemen =
| defensive_linemen =
* {{player|74}} [[Jacques Cesaire]] DE
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">91</span> ''[[Ryon Bingham]]'' DT
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">90</span> [[Adrian Dingle (American football)|Adrian Dingle]] DE
* {{player|90}} [[Adrian Dingle (American football)|Adrian Dingle]] DE
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">92</span> [[Jason Fisk]] DT
* {{player|92}} [[Jason Fisk]] NT
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">99</span> ''[[Igor Olshansky]]'' DE
* {{player|99}} ''[[Igor Olshansky]]'' DE
* {{player|94}} ''[[Robert Pollard (American football)|Robert Pollard]]'' DE
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">76</span> [[Jamal Williams]] NT
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">78</span> [[DeQuincy Scott]] DT
* {{player|78}} [[DeQuincy Scott]] DE
* {{player|76}} [[Jamal Williams]] NT
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">74</span> [[Jacques Cesaire]] DE


| linebackers =
| linebackers =
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">54</span> [[Stephen Cooper (American football)|Stephen Cooper]] ILB
* {{player|54}} [[Stephen Cooper (American football)|Stephen Cooper]] ILB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">59</span> [[Donnie Edwards]] OLB
* {{player|59}} [[Donnie Edwards]] ILB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">53</span> [[Steve Foley (linebacker)|Steve Foley]]
* {{player|53}} [[Steve Foley (linebacker)|Steve Foley]] OLB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">58</span> [[Randall Godfrey]] OLB
* {{player|58}} [[Randall Godfrey]] ILB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">51</span> [[Ben Leber]] OLB
* {{player|51}} [[Ben Leber]] OLB
* {{player|95}} ''[[Shaun Phillips]]'' OLB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">52</span> [[Carlos Polk]] ILB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">56</span> [[Matt Wilhelm]] ILB
* {{player|56}} [[Matt Wilhelm]] ILB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">57</span> [[Zeke Moreno]] ILB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">95</span> ''[[Shaun Phillips]]'' OLB


| defensive_backs =
| defensive_backs =
* {{player|45}} ''[[Robb Butler]]'' CB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">22</span> [[Sammy Davis (American football)|Sammy Davis]] CB
* {{player|22}} [[Sammy Davis (American football)|Sammy Davis]] CB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">25</span> [[Jamar Fletcher]] CB
* {{player|25}} [[Jamar Fletcher]] CB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">23</span> [[Quentin Jammer]] CB
* {{player|29}} [[Drayton Florence]] CB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">48</span> [[Terrence Kiel]] SS
* {{player|42}} [[Clinton Hart]] SS
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">29</span> [[Drayton Florence]] CB
* {{player|23}} [[Quentin Jammer]] CB
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">42</span> [[Clinton Hart]] FS
* {{player|48}} [[Terrence Kiel]] SS
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">20</span> [[Jerry Wilson (defensive back)|Jerry Wilson]] FS
* {{player|31}} [[Hanik Milligan]] FS
* {{player|20}} [[Jerry Wilson (defensive back)|Jerry Wilson]] FS


| special_teams =
| special_teams =
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">50</span> [[David Binn]] LS
* {{player|50}} [[David Binn]] LS
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">10</span> ''[[Nate Kaeding]]'' K
* {{player|10}} ''[[Nate Kaeding]]'' K
* <span style="font-family: Courier New;">&nbsp;5</span> [[Mike Scifres]] P
* {{player|&nbsp;5}} [[Mike Scifres]] P


| reserve_lists =
| reserve_lists =
* {{player|96}} ''[[Dave Ball (defensive end)|Dave Ball]]'' DE <small>(IR)</small> [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]
* {{player|91}} ''[[Ryon Bingham]]'' NT <small>(IR)</small> [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]
* {{player|82}} [[Reche Caldwell]] WR <small>(IR)</small> [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]
* {{player|93}} [[Eric Downing]] NT <small>(IR)</small> [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]
* {{player|35}} [[Leon Johnson (running back)|Leon Johnson]] RB <small>(PUP)</small> [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]
* {{player|57}} [[Zeke Moreno]] LB <small>(IR)</small> [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]
* {{player|52}} [[Carlos Polk]] LB <small>(IR)</small> [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]
* {{player|71}} [[Courtney Van Buren]] T <small>(IR)</small> [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]


| practice_squad =
| practice_squad =
* {{player|26}} ''[[Jonathan Cox]]'' CB
}}
* {{player|--}} ''[[Brock Edwards]]'' TE <small>(IR)</small> [[File:Injury icon.svg|7px]]
* {{player|30}} [[Ahmaad Galloway]] RB
* {{player|--}} ''[[Howard Hodges]]'' LB
* {{player|73}} ''[[Carlos Joseph]]'' T
* {{player|18}} ''[[Carl Morris (wide receiver)|Carl Morris]]'' WR
* {{player|43}} ''[[Cal Murray]]'' RB
* {{player|80}} [[Willie Quinnie]] WR
|Active=53|Inactive=9}}


==Regular season==
== Regular season ==
===Schedule===
=== Schedule ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
In addition to their regular games with [[AFC West]] rivals, the Chargers played games against the [[AFC South]] and [[NFC South]] as per the schedule rotation, and also played against [[2004 New York Jets season|the New York Jets]] and [[2004 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]] who finished fourth in the other AFC divisions in 2003.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Week
! Week
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Date
! Date
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Opponent
! Opponent
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Result
! Result
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Record
! Record
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Venue
! TV
! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Recap
! Attendance
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #cfc;"
| 1
! 1
| September 12, 2004
| September 12
| at [[2004 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]]
| at [[2004 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]]
| W 27–20
| '''W''' 27–20
| 1–0
| 1–0
| [[NRG Stadium|Reliant Stadium]]
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/chargers-at-texans-2004-reg-1 Recap]
| <center>70,255</center>
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #fcc;"
| 2
! 2
| September 19, 2004
| September 19
| [[2004 New York Jets season|New York Jets]]
| [[2004 New York Jets season|New York Jets]]
| L 34–28
| '''L''' 28–34
| 1–1
| 1–1
| [[SDCCU Stadium|Qualcomm Stadium]]
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/jets-at-chargers-2004-reg-2 Recap]
| <center>57,310</center>
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #fcc;"
| 3
! 3
| September 26, 2004
| September 26
| at [[2004 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]
| at '''[[2004 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]'''
| L 23–13
| '''L ''' 13–23
|1–2
| 1–2
| [[Empower Field at Mile High|Invesco Field at Mile High]]
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/chargers-at-broncos-2004-reg-3 Recap]
| <center>74,553</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #cfc;"
| 4
! 4
| October 3, 2004
| October 3
| [[2004 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]]
| [[2004 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]]
| W 38–17
| '''W''' 38–17
| 2–2
| 2–2
| Qualcomm Stadium
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/titans-at-chargers-2004-reg-4 Recap]
| <center>54,006</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #cfc;"
| 5
! 5
| October 10, 2004
| October 10
| [[2004 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]]
| [[2004 Jacksonville Jaguars season|Jacksonville Jaguars]]
| W 34–21
| '''W''' 34–21
| 3–2
| 3–2
| Qualcomm Stadium
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/jaguars-at-chargers-2004-reg-5 Recap]
| <center>52,101</center>
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #fcc;"
| 6
! 6
| October 17, 2004
| October 17
| at [[2004 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]]
| at [[2004 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]]
| L 21–20
| '''L''' 20–21
| 3–3
| 3–3
| [[Georgia Dome]]
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/chargers-at-falcons-2004-reg-6 Recap]
| <center>70,187</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #cfc;"
| 7
! 7
| October 24, 2004
| October 24
| at [[2004 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]]
| at [[2004 Carolina Panthers season|Carolina Panthers]]
| W 17–6
| '''W''' 17–6
| 4–3
| 4–3
| [[Bank of America Stadium]]
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/chargers-at-panthers-2004-reg-7 Recap]
| <center>73,096</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #cfc;"
| 8
! 8
| October 31, 2004
| October 31
| [[2004 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]
| '''[[2004 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]'''
| W 42–14
| '''W''' 42–14
| 5–3
| 5–3
| Qualcomm Stadium
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/raiders-at-chargers-2004-reg-8 Recap]
| <center>66,210</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #cfc;"
| 9
! 9
| November 7, 2004
| November 7
| [[2004 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]]
| [[2004 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]]
| W 43–17
| '''W''' 43–17
| 6–3
| 6–3
| Qualcomm Stadium
| FOX
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/saints-at-chargers-2004-reg-9 Recap]
| <center>59,662</center>
|-
|-
| 10
! 10
| colspan=4 align="center" | ''Bye''
! colspan="6" | ''[[Bye (sports)|Bye]]''
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #cfc;"
| 11
! 11
| November 21, 2004
| November 21
| at [[2004 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]
| at '''[[2004 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]'''
| W 23–17
| '''W''' 23–17
| 7–3
| 7–3
| [[Oakland Coliseum|McAfee Coliseum]]
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/chargers-at-raiders-2004-reg-11 Recap]
| <center>46,905</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #cfc;"
| 12
! 12
| November 28, 2004
| November 28
| at [[2004 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]
| at '''[[2004 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]'''
| W 34–31
| '''W''' 34–31
| 8–3
| 8–3
| [[Arrowhead Stadium]]
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/chargers-at-chiefs-2004-reg-12 Recap]
| <center>77,447</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #cfc;"
| 13
! 13
| December 5, 2004
| December 5
| [[2004 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]
| '''[[2004 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]'''
| W 20–17
| '''W''' 20–17
| 9–3
| 9–3
| Qualcomm Stadium
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/broncos-at-chargers-2004-reg-13 Recap]
| <center>65,395</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #cfc;"
| 14
! 14
| December 12, 2004
| December 12
| [[2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]
| [[2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]
| W 31–24
| '''W''' 31–24
| 10–3
| 10–3
| Qualcomm Stadium
| FOX
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/buccaneers-at-chargers-2004-reg-14 Recap]
| <center>65,858</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #cfc;"
| 15
! 15
| December 19, 2004
| December 19
| at [[2004 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]]
| at [[2004 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]]
| W 21–0
| '''W''' 21–0
| 11–3
| 11–3
| [[FirstEnergy Stadium|Cleveland Browns Stadium]]
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/chargers-at-browns-2004-reg-15 Recap]
| <center>72,489</center>
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background: #fcc;"
| 16
! 16
| December 26, 2004
| December 26
| at [[2004 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]]
| at [[2004 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]]
| L 34–31 (OT)
| '''L''' 31–34 {{small|(OT)}}
| 11–4
| 11–4
| [[RCA Dome]]
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/chargers-at-colts-2004-reg-16 Recap]
| <center>57,330</center>
|-style="background: #ddffdd;"
|-style="background: #cfc;"
| 17
! 17
| January 2, 2005
| January 2, 2005
| [[2004 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]
| '''[[2004 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]'''
| W 24–17
| '''W''' 24–17
| 12–4
| 12–4
| Qualcomm Stadium
| CBS
| [https://www.nfl.com/games/chiefs-at-chargers-2004-reg-17 Recap]
| <center>64,920</center>
|-
|colspan="7" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| '''Note:''' Intra-division opponents are in '''bold''' text.
|}
|}


===Standings===
=== Game summaries ===
{{2004 AFC West standings}}

===Game summaries===


====Week 1: at Houston Texans====
==== Week 1: at Houston Texans ====
{{Americanfootballbox
{{Seealso|2004 Houston Texans season}}
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
{{AFB game box start
|state=autocollapse
|Title=
|title=Week 1: San Diego Chargers at Houston Texans
|Visitor='''Chargers'''
|date=September 12
|V1=3 |V2=7 |V3= 10|V4=7
|time=12:05 p.m. [[Central Daylight Time|CDT]]
|Host=Texans
|Road='''Chargers'''
|R1=3 |R2=7 |R3=10 |R4=7
|Home=Texans
|H1=3 |H2=10 |H3=7 |H4=0
|H1=3 |H2=10 |H3=7 |H4=0
|stadium=[[Reliant Stadium]], [[Houston, Texas]]
|Date=September 12
|attendance=70,255
|Location=[[Reliant Stadium]], [[Houston, TX]]
|weather=N/A (retractable roof closed)
|StartTime=
|referee=[[Bill Leavy]]
|TimeZone=
|TV=[[NFL on CBS|CBS]]
|ElapsedTime=
|TVAnnouncers= [[Gus Johnson (sportscaster)|Gus Johnson]] and [[Brent Jones]]
|Attendance=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200409120htx.htm Box score]
|Weather=none (retractable roof closed)
|scoring=
|Referee= [[Bill Leavy]]
'''First quarter'''
|TVAnnouncers= [[Gus Johnson (sportscaster)|Gus Johnson]], [[Brent Jones]]
*HOU – [[Kris Brown]] 37-yard field goal, 11:49. ''Texans 3–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:11.'''''
|TVStation= [[NFL on CBS|CBS]]
*SDG – [[Nate Kaeding]] 48-yard field goal, 6:35. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 48 yards, 5:14.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*HOU – Kris Brown 20-yard field goal, 14:07. ''Texans 6–3. '''Drive: 13 plays, 71 yards, 7:28.'''''
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 9:51. ''Chargers 10–6. '''Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 2:22.'''''
*HOU – [[Dominick Davis]] 2-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 4:43. ''Texans 13–10. '''Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 5:08.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – [[Reche Caldwell]] 36-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (Nate Kaeding kick), 9:12. ''Chargers 17–13. '''Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 2:15.'''''
*HOU – Dominick Davis 1-yard run (Kris Brown kick), 4:36. ''Texans 20–17. '''Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:36.'''''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 29-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Tied 20–20. '''Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 4:36.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – [[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]] 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 8:34. ''Chargers 27–20. '''Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 4:13.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – Drew Brees – 17/24, 209 yards, 2 TD
*HOU – [[David Carr (American football)|David Carr]] – 19/25, 229 yards, 2 INT
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 26 rushes, 121 yards, TD
*HOU – Domanick Williams – 21 rushes, 87 yards, 2 TD
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – [[Antonio Gates]] – 8 receptions, 123 yards
*HOU – Domanick Williams – 5 receptions, 70 yards
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=240912034]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=11:49 |Team=HOU |Event=[[Kris Brown]] 37-yard field goal |Score= HOU 3–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=7:35|Team= SD|Event= [[Nate Kaeding]] 48-yard field goal |Score= Tied 3–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=14:07 |Team=HOU |Event=Kris Brown 20-yard field goal |Score= HOU 6–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:51 |Team=SD |Event=[[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 10–6}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=4:36 |Team=HOU |Event=[[Dominick Davis]] 2-yard run (Kris Brown kick) |Score= HOU 13–10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=9:12 |Team=SD |Event=[[Reche Caldwell]] 36-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 17–13}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=4:40 |Team=HOU |Event=Dominick Davis 1-yard run (Kris Brown kick) |Score= HOU 20–17}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=0:00 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 29-yard field goal |Score= Tied 20–20}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=8:34 |Team=SD |Event=[[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]] 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score=SD 27–20 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}


==== Week 2: vs. New York Jets ====
{{-}}
{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
====Week 2: vs. New York Jets====
|state=autocollapse
{{Seealso|2004 New York Jets season}}
|title=Week 2: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers

|date=September 19
{{AFB game box start
|time=1:15 p.m. [[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]]
|Title=
|Visitor='''Jets'''
|Road='''Jets'''
|V1=14 |V2=3 |V3=10 |V4=7
|R1=14 |R2=3 |R3=10 |R4=7
|Host=Chargers
|Home=Chargers
|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=14
|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=14
|stadium=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|Date=September 19
|attendance=57,310
|Location=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, CA]]
|weather={{convert|73|F|1}}, humidity 67 percent, wind {{convert|9|mph|km/h knot}}
|StartTime=
|referee=[[Peter Morelli]]
|TimeZone=
|TV=CBS (Blacked out locally)
|ElapsedTime=
|TVAnnouncers= [[Ian Eagle]], [[Solomon Wilcots]] and Scott Kaplan
|Attendance=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200409190sdg.htm Box score]
|Weather={{convert|73|F|1}}, humidity 67 percent, wind {{convert|9|mph|km/h knot}}
|Referee=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
|TVAnnouncers=
*NYJ – [[Curtis Martin]] 1-yard run ([[Doug Brien]] kick), 7:50. ''Jets 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:08.'''''
|TVStation=
*NYJ – Curtis Martin 2-yard run (Doug Brien kick), 3:42. ''Jets 14–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 44 yards, 3:16.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*NYJ – Doug Brien 28-yard field goal, 9:40. ''Jets 17–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 2:55.'''''
*SDG – [[Tim Dwight]] 87-yard kickoff return ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick), 9:28. ''Jets 17–7. '''Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:12.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*NYJ – Doug Brien 23-yard field goal, 11:16. ''Jets 20–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 3:44.'''''
*NYJ – [[Jerald Sowell]] 4-yard pass from [[Chad Pennington]] (Doug Brien kick), 3:31. ''Jets 27–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 5:24.'''''
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 4-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:12. ''Jets 27–14. '''Drive: 4 plays, 71 yards, 1:19.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – [[Reche Caldwell]] 33-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (Nate Kaeding kick), 7:38. ''Jets 27–21. '''Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 2:21.'''''
*NYJ – [[Chris Baker (tight end)|Chris Baker]] 1-yard pass from Chad Pennington (Doug Brien kick), 3:56. ''Jets 34–21. '''Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:42.'''''
*SDG – [[Doug Flutie]] 6-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 0:30. ''Jets 34–28. '''Drive: 18 plays, 81 yards, 3:26.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*NYJ – Chad Pennington – 22/29, 258 yards, 2 TD
*SDG – Drew Brees – 8/19, 146 yards, TD, 2 INT
'''Top rushers'''
*NYJ – Curtis Martin – 32 rushes, 119 yards, 2 TD
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 19 rushes, 87 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*NYJ – [[Santana Moss]] – 4 receptions, 97 yards
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 3 receptions, 76 yards
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=240919024]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=7:50 |Team=NYJ |Event=[[Curtis Martin]] 1-yard run ([[Doug Brien]] kick) |Score= NYJ 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=3:42 |Team=NYJ |Event=Curtis Martin 2-yard run (Doug Brien kick) |Score= NYJ 14–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:40 |Team=NYJ |Event=Doug Brien 28-yard field goal |Score= NYJ 17–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:28 |Team=SD |Event=[[Tim Dwight]] 87-yard punt return ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick) |Score= NYJ 17–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=11:16 |Team=NYJ |Event=Doug Brien 23-yard field goal |Score= NYJ 20–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=3:31 |Team=NYJ |Event=[[Jerald Sowell]] 4-yard pass from [[Chad Pennington]] (Doug Brien kick) |Score= NYJ 27–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=2:12 |Team=SD |Event=[[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 4-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= NYJ 27–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=7:38 |Team=SD |Event=[[Reche Caldwell]] 33-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= NYJ 27–21}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=3:56 |Team=NYJ |Event=[[Chris Baker (tight end)|Chris Baker]] 1-yard pass from Chad Pennington (Doug Brien kick) |Score= NYJ 34–21}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=0:30 |Team=SD |Event=[[Doug Flutie]] 6-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= NYJ 34–28|LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}


==== Week 3: at Denver Broncos ====
{{-}}
{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
====Week 3: at Denver Broncos====
|state=autocollapse
{{Seealso|2004 Denver Broncos season}}
|title=Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos

|date=September 26
{{AFB game box start
|time=2:05 p.m. [[Mountain Daylight Time|MDT]]
|Title=
|Visitor=Chargers
|Road=Chargers
|V1=3 |V2= 0|V3=7 |V4=3
|R1=3 |R2=0 | R3=7 |R4=3
|Host='''Broncos'''
|Home='''Broncos'''
|H1=7 |H2=6 |H3=7 |H4=3
|H1=7 |H2=6 |H3=7 |H4=3
|stadium=[[Invesco Field at Mile High]], [[Denver, Colorado]]
|Date=September 26
|attendance=74,533
|Location=[[Invesco Field at Mile High]], [[Denver, CO]]
|weather={{convert|73|F|1}}, humidity 26 percent, wind {{convert|7|mph|km/h knot}}
|StartTime=
|referee=[[Johnny Grier]]
|TimeZone=
|TV=CBS
|ElapsedTime=
|TVAnnouncers=[[Dick Enberg]], [[Dan Dierdorf]] and [[Armen Keteyian]]
|Attendance=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200409260den.htm Box score]
|Weather= {{convert|73|F|1}}, humidity 26 percent, wind {{convert|7|mph|km/h knot}}
|Referee=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
|TVAnnouncers=
*DEN – [[Rod Smith (wide receiver)|Rod Smith]] 16-yard pass from [[Jake Plummer]] ([[Jason Elam]] kick), 8:15. ''Broncos 7–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:27.'''''
|TVStation=
*SDG – [[Nate Kaeding]] 23-yard field goal, 2:18. ''Broncos 7–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 5:57.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*DEN – Jason Elam 22-yard field goal, 12:24. ''Broncos 10–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:54.'''''
*DEN – Jason Elam 23-yard field goal, 7:43. ''Broncos 13–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 3:14.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – [[Drew Brees]] 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 7:37. ''Broncos 13–10. '''Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 3:40.'''''
*DEN – [[Ashley Lelie]] 33-yard pass from Jake Plummer (Jason Elam kick), 3:29. ''Broncos 20–10. '''Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:08.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 51-yard field goal, 14:06. ''Broncos 20–13. '''Drive: 10 plays, 41 yards, 4:23.'''''
*DEN – Jason Elam 43-yard field goal, 11:12. ''Broncos 23–13. '''Drive: 6 plays, 25 yards, 2:54.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – Drew Brees – 14/29, 121 yards
*DEN – Jake Plummer – 25/36, 294 yards, 2 TD
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] – 22 rushes, 60 yards
*DEN – [[Garrison Hearst]] – 3 rushes, 13 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – [[Reche Caldwell]] – 3 receptions, 39 yards
*DEN – Rod Smith – 5 receptions, 75 yards, TD
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=240926007]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=8:15 |Team=DEN |Event=[[Rod Smith (wide receiver)|Rod Smith]] 16-yard pass from [[Jake Plummer]] ([[Jason Elam]] kick) |Score= DEN 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=2:18 |Team=SD |Event=[[Nate Kaeding]] 23-yard field goal |Score= DEN 7–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=12:24 |Team=DEN |Event=Jason Elam 22-yard field goal |Score= DEN 10–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=7:43 |Team=DEN |Event=Jason Elam 23-yard field goal |Score= DEN 13–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=7:37 |Team=SD |Event=[[Drew Brees]] 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= DEN 13–10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=3:29 |Team=DEN |Event=[[Ashley Lelie]] 33-yard pass from Jake Plummer (Jason Elam kick) |Score= DEN 20–10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:06 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 51-yard field goal |Score= DEN 20–13}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=11:12 |Team=DEN |Event=Jason Elam 43-yard field goal |Score= DEN 23–13 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}


==== Week 4: vs. Tennessee Titans ====
{{-}}
{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
====Week 4: vs. Tennessee Titans====
|state=autocollapse
{{Seealso|2004 Tennessee Titans season}}
|title=Week 4: Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers

|date=October 3
{{AFB game box start
|time=1:15 p.m. [[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]]
|Title=
|Visitor=Titans
|Road=Titans
|V1=0 |V2=7 |V3=0 |V4=10
|R1=0 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=10
|Host='''Chargers'''
|Home='''Chargers'''
|H1=7 |H2=14 |H3=3 |H4=14
|H1=7 |H2=14 |H3=3 |H4=14
|stadium=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|Date=October 3
|attendance=54,006
|Location=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, CA]]
|weather={{convert|74|F|1}}, humidity 69 percent, wind {{convert|9|mph|km/h knot}}
|StartTime=
|referee=[[Mike Carey (American football)|Mike Carey]]
|TimeZone=
|TV=CBS (Blacked out locally)
|ElapsedTime=
|TVAnnouncers= [[Bill Macatee]], [[Steve Beuerlein]] and Scott Kaplan
|Attendance=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410030sdg.htm Box score]
|Weather= {{convert|74|F|1}}, humidity 69 percent, wind {{convert|9|mph|km/h knot}}
|Referee=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
|TVAnnouncers=
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 15-yard run ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick), 5:56. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 89 yards, 2:45.'''''
|TVStation=
'''Second quarter'''
*TEN – [[Derrick Mason]] 4-yard pass from [[Billy Volek]] ([[Gary Anderson (placekicker)|Gary Anderson]] kick), 14:10. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:46.'''''
*SDG – [[Antonio Gates]] 11-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (Nate Kaeding kick), 5:16. ''Chargers 14–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:57.'''''
*SDG – [[Justin Peelle]] 10-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 0:38. ''Chargers 21–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 3:37.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 31-yard field goal, 4:18. ''Chargers 24–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 2:37.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*TEN – Gary Anderson 24-yard field goal, 12:26. ''Chargers 24–10. '''Drive: 16 plays, 66 yards, 6:52.'''''
*TEN – [[Shad Meier]] 3-yard pass from Billy Volek (Gary Anderson kick), 7:04. ''Chargers 24–17. '''Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 5:22.'''''
*SDG – [[Reche Caldwell]] 58-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 6:42. ''Chargers 31–17. '''Drive: 2 plays, 58 yards, 0:22.'''''
*SDG – [[Jesse Chatman]] 21-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:18. ''Chargers 38–17. '''Drive: 1 play, 21 yards, 0:07.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*TEN – Billy Volek – 39/58, 279 yards, 2 TD
*SDG – Drew Brees – 16/20, 206 yards, 3 TD
'''Top rushers'''
*TEN – [[Chris Brown (running back)|Chris Brown]] – 15 rushes, 55 yards
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 17 rushes, 147 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*TEN – [[Drew Bennett]] – 9 receptions, 109 yards
*SDG – Reche Caldwell – 3 receptions, 110 yards, TD
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=241003024]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=5:56 |Team=SD |Event=[[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 15-yard run ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick) |Score= SD 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=14:10 |Team=TEN |Event=[[Derrick Mason]] 4-yard pass from [[Billy Volek]] ([[Gary Anderson (placekicker)|Gary Anderson]] kick) |Score= Tied 7–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=5:16 |Team=SD |Event=[[Antonio Gates]] 11-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 14–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:38 |Team=SD |Event=[[Justin Peelle]] 10-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 21–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=4:18 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 31-yard field goal |Score= SD 24–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=12:26 |Team=TEN |Event=Gary Anderson 24-yard field goal |Score= SD 24–10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=7:04 |Team=TEN |Event=[[Shad Meier]] 3-yard pass from Billy Volek (Gary Anderson kick) |Score= SD 24–17}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=6:42 |Team=SD |Event=[[Reche Caldwell]] 58-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 31–17}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=3:18 |Team=SD |Event=[[Jesse Chatman]] 21-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score=SD 38–17 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}


==== Week 5: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars ====
{{-}}
{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=1963|border=2}};text-align:center;
====Week 5: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars====
|state=autocollapse
{{Seealso|2004 Jacksonville Jaguars season}}
|title=Week 5: Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers

|date=October 10
{{AFB game box start
|time=1:05 p.m. [[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]]
|Title=
|Visitor=Jaguars
|Road=Jaguars
|V1=0 |V2=7 |V3=0 |V4=14
|R1=0 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=14
|Host='''Chargers'''
|Home='''Chargers'''
|H1= 14|H2=7 |H3= 6|H4=7
|H1=14 |H2=7 |H3=6 |H4=7
|stadium=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|Date=October 10
|attendance=52,101
|Location=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, CA]]
|weather={{convert|68|F}}, humidity 76 percent, wind {{convert|9|mph|km/h knot}}
|StartTime=
|referee=[[Tony Corrente]]
|TimeZone=
|TV=CBS (Blacked out locally)
|ElapsedTime=
|TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle, Solomon Wilcots and Scott Kaplan
|Attendance=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410100sdg.htm Box score]
|Weather= {{convert|68|F}}, humidity 76 percent, wind {{convert|9|mph|km/h knot}}
|Referee=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
|TVAnnouncers=
*SDG – [[Antonio Gates]] 1-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick), 10:14. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 4:46.'''''
|TVStation=
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 4:03. ''Chargers 14–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 4:13.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – Antonio Gates 11-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 9:23. ''Chargers 21–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 21 yards, 2:03.'''''
*JAC – [[Chris Fuamatu-Maʻafala]] 1-yard run ([[Josh Scobee]] kick), 1:33. ''Chargers 21–7. '''Drive: 15 plays, 77 yards, 7:50.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 21-yard field goal, 7:15. ''Chargers 24–7. '''Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 6:31.'''''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 28-yard field goal, 0:46. ''Chargers 27–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 0:54.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*JAC – [[Byron Leftwich]] 2-yard run (Josh Scobee kick), 10:42. ''Chargers 27–14. '''Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 5:04.'''''
*SDG – [[Jesse Chatman]] 41-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 9:54. ''Chargers 34–14. '''Drive: 2 plays, 72 yards, 0:48.'''''
*JAC – [[Cortez Hankton]] 7-yard pass from Byron Leftwich (Josh Scobee kick), 7:21. ''Chargers 34–21. '''Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 2:33.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*JAC – Byron Leftwich – 36/54, 357 yards, TD, 2 INT
*SDG – Drew Brees – 17/26, 211 yards, 2 TD
'''Top rushers'''
*JAC – [[Fred Taylor (American football)|Fred Taylor]] – 11 rushes, 64 yards
*SDG – Jesse Chatman – 11 rushes, 103 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*JAC – [[Jimmy Smith (wide receiver)|Jimmy Smith]] – 8 receptions, 113 yards
*SDG – Antonio Gates – 8 receptions, 93 yards, 2 TD
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=241010024]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=10:14 |Team=SD |Event=[[Antonio Gates]] 1-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick) |Score= SD 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=4:03 |Team=SD |Event=[[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 14–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:23 |Team=SD |Event=Antonio Gates 11-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 21–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=1:33 |Team=JAC |Event=[[Chris Fumatu-Ma'afala]] 1-yard run ([[Josh Scobee]] kick) |Score= SD 21–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=7:15 |Team=SD |Event= Nate Kaeding 21-yard field goal|Score= SD 24–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=0:46 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 28-yard field goal |Score= SD 27–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=10:42 |Team=JAC |Event= [[Byron Leftwich]] 2-yard run (Josh Scobee kick)|Score= SD 27–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=9:54 |Team=SD |Event=[[Jesse Chatman]] 41-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 34–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=7:21 |Team=JAC |Event=[[Cortez Hankton]] 7-yard pass from Byron Leftwich (Josh Scobee kick) |Score=SD 34–21 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}


==== Week 6: at Atlanta Falcons ====
{{-}}
{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
====Week 6: at Atlanta Falcons====
|state=autocollapse
{{Seealso|2004 Atlanta Falcons season}}
|title=Week 6: San Diego Chargers at Atlanta Falcons

|date=October 17
{{AFB game box start
|time=1:02 p.m. [[Eastern Daylight Time|EDT]]
|Title=
|Visitor=Chargers
|Road=Chargers
|V1=0 |V2= 14|V3=3 |V4=3
|R1=0 |R2=14 |R3=3 |R4=3
|Host='''Falcons'''
|Host='''Falcons'''
|H1= 0|H2=7 |H3= 0|H4=14
|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=0 |H4=14
|stadium=[[Georgia Dome]], [[Atlanta, Georgia]]
|Date=October 17
|attendance=70,187
|Location=[[Georgia Dome]], [[Atlanta, GA]]
|weather=N/A (game played indoors)
|StartTime=
|referee=[[Walt Anderson (American football)|Walt Anderson]]
|TimeZone=
|TV=CBS
|ElapsedTime=
|TVAnnouncers=Gus Johnson and Brent Jones
|Attendance=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410170atl.htm Box score]
|Weather=none (domed stadium)
|Referee=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
|TVAnnouncers=
*''No scoring plays.''
|TVStation=
'''Second quarter'''
*ATL – [[Alge Crumpler]] 19-yard pass from [[Michael Vick]] ([[Jay Feely]] kick), 10:24. ''Falcons 7–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 2:49.'''''
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick), 1:18. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 15 plays, 67 yards, 9:06.'''''
*SDG – [[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]] 17-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (Nate Kaeding kick), 0:18. ''Chargers 14–7. '''Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 0:20.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 53-yard field goal, 5:10. ''Chargers 17–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 8 yards, 3:13.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*ATL – Michael Vick 14-yard run (Jay Feely kick), 13:09. ''Chargers 17–14. '''Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:43.'''''
*ATL – [[Dez White]] 32-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick), 10:12. ''Falcons 21–17. '''Drive: 3 plays, 47 yards, 1:02.'''''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 28-yard field goal, 6:01. ''Falcons 21–20. '''Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:11.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – Drew Brees – 23/31, 227 yards, TD, INT
*ATL – Michael Vick – 12/21, 218 yards, 2 TD, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 23 rushes, 64 yards, TD
*ATL – [[T. J. Duckett]] – 11 rushes, 45 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – [[Antonio Gates]] – 6 receptions, 80 yards
*ATL – [[Peerless Price]] – 2 receptions, 67 yards
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=241017001]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=2 |Time=10:24 |Team=ATL |Event=[[Alge Crumpler]] 19-yard pass from [[Michael Vick]] ([[Jay Feely]] kick) |Score= ATL 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=1:18 |Team=SD |Event=[[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick) |Score= Tied 7–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=0:18 |Team=SD |Event=[[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]] 17-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 14–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=5:10 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 53-yard field goal |Score= SD 17–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=13:09 |Team=ATL |Event=Michael Vick 14-yard run (Jay Feely kick) |Score= SD 17–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=10:12 |Team=ATL |Event=[[Dez White]] 32-yard pass from Michael Vick (Jay Feely kick) |Score= ATL 21–17}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=6:01 |Team=SD |Event= Nate Kaeding 28-yard field goal |Score=ATL 21–20 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}


==== Week 7: at Carolina Panthers ====
This was the first time in their history, the Chargers beat the Falcons.
{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
{{-}}
|state=autocollapse

====Week 7: at Carolina Panthers====
|title=Week 7: San Diego Chargers at Atlanta Falcons
|date=October 24
{{Seealso|2004 Carolina Panthers season}}
|time=1:02 p.m. [[Eastern Daylight Time|EDT]]

|Road='''Chargers'''
{{AFB game box start
|R1=0| R2=0 |R3=10 |R4=7
|Title=
|Home=Panthers
|Visitor='''Chargers'''
|V1= 0|V2=0 |V3=10 |V4=7
|H1=6 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=0
|stadiumn=[[Bank of America Stadium|Ericsson Stadium]], [[Charlotte, North Carolina]]
|Host=Panthers
|attendance=73,096
|H1= 6|H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=0
|weather={{convert|58|F|1}}, humidity 90 percent, wind {{convert|7|mph|km/h knot}}
|Date=October 24
|referee=[[Ron Winter]]
|Location=[[Bank of America Stadium|Ericsson Stadium]], [[Charlotte, NC]]
|TV=CBS
|StartTime=
|TVAnnouncers= Gus Johnson and Brent Jones
|TimeZone=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410240car.htm Box score]
|ElapsedTime=
|scoring=
|Attendance=
'''First quarter'''
|Weather= {{convert|58|F|1}}, humidity 90 percent, wind {{convert|7|mph|km/h knot}}
*CAR – [[John Kasay]] 28-yard field goal, 8:21. ''Panthers 3–0. '''Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 6:39.'''''
|Referee=
*CAR – John Kasay 21-yard field goal, 3:28. ''Panthers 6–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 4:34.'''''
|TVAnnouncers=
'''Second quarter'''
|TVStation=
*''No scoring plays.''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 8-yard run ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick), 8:13. ''Chargers 7–6. '''Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 3:33.'''''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 44-yard field goal, 2:36. ''Chargers 10–6. '''Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 4:32.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – [[Jesse Chatman]] 5-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 1:42. ''Chargers 17–6. '''Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 1:37.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – [[Drew Brees]] – 21/32, 196 yards
*CAR – [[Jake Delhomme]] – 17/36, 155 yards, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – Jesse Chatman – 8 rushes, 69 yards, TD
*CAR – [[Brad Hoover]] – 24 rushes, 99 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – [[Keenan McCardell]] – 5 receptions, 65 yards
*CAR – [[Keary Colbert]] – 7 receptions, 71 yards
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=241024029]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=8:21 |Team=CAR |Event=[[John Kasay]] 28-yard field goal |Score= CAR 3–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=3:28 |Team=CAR |Event=John Kasay 21-yard field goal |Score= CAR 6–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=8:13 |Team=SD |Event= [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 8-yard run ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick) |Score= SD 7–6}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=2:36 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 44-yard field goal |Score= SD 10–6}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=1:42 |Team=SD |Event=[[Jesse Chatman]] 5-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 17–6|LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}


==== Week 8: vs. Oakland Raiders ====
{{-}}
{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
====Week 8: vs. Oakland Raiders====
|state=autocollapse
{{Seealso|2004 Oakland Raiders season}}
|title=Week 8: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers

|date=October 31
{{AFB game box start
|time=1:15 p.m. [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
|Title=
|Visitor=Raiders
|Road=Raiders
|V1=0 |V2=7 |V3=7 |V4=0
|R1=0 |R2=7 |R3=7 |R4=0
|Host='''Chargers'''
|Home='''Chargers'''
|H1= 14|H2= 14|H3=14 |H4=0
|H1=14 |H2=14 |H3=14 |H4=0
|stadium=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|Date=October 31
|attendance=66,210
|Location=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, CA]]
|weather={{convert|69|F|1}}, humidity 57 percent, wind {{convert|8|mph|km/h knot}}
|StartTime=
|referee=[[Bill Carollo]]
|TimeZone=
|TV=CBS
|ElapsedTime=
|TVAnnouncers=Gus Johnson, Brent Jones and Scott Kaplan
|Attendance=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410310sdg.htm Box score]
|Weather= {{convert|69|F|1}}, humidity 57 percent, wind {{convert|8|mph|km/h knot}}
|Referee=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
|TVAnnouncers=
*SDG – [[Justin Peelle]] 17-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick), 11:14. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 2:06.'''''
|TVStation=
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 0:08. ''Chargers 14–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 3:15.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*OAK – [[Tyrone Wheatley]] 5-yard run ([[Sebastian Janikowski]] kick), 10:02. ''Chargers 14–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 5:06.'''''
*SDG – [[Keenan McCardell]] 13-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 4:56. ''Chargers 21–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:06.'''''
*SDG – [[Tim Dwight]] 23-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 0:36. ''Chargers 28–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 53 yards, 1:57.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – [[Antonio Gates]] 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 12:05. ''Chargers 35–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 2:55.'''''
*SDG – Antonio Gates 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:08. ''Chargers 42–7. '''Drive: 12 plays, 90 yards, 6:28.'''''
*OAK – [[Doug Jolley]] 13-yard pass from [[Kerry Collins]] (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 0:02. ''Chargers 42–14. '''Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 3:06.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*''No scoring plays.''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*OAK – Kerry Collins – 24/39, 263 yards, TD, 2 INT
*SDG – Drew Brees – 22/25, 281 yards, 5 TD
'''Top rushers'''
*OAK – Tyrone Wheatley – 4 rushes, 23 yards, TD
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 19 rushes, 71 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*OAK – [[Jerry Porter (American football)|Jerry Porter]] – 4 receptions, 50 yards<br>OAK – [[Doug Gabriel]] – 3 receptions, 50 yards
*SDG – [[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]] – 6 receptions, 91 yards
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=241031024]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=11:14 |Team=SD |Event=[[Justin Peelle]] 17-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick) |Score= SD 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=0:08 |Team=SD |Event=[[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score=SD 14–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=10:02 |Team=OAK |Event=[[Tyrone Wheatley]] 5-yard run ([[Sebastian Janikowski]] kick) |Score=SD 14–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=4:56 |Team=SD |Event=[[Keenan McCardell]] 13-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 21–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:36 |Team=SD |Event=[[Tim Dwight]] 23-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 28–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=11:05 |Team=SD |Event=[[Antonio Gates]] 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 35–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=3:08 |Team=SD |Event=Antonio Gates 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 42–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=0:02 |Team=OAK |Event=[[Doug Jolley]] 13-yard pass from [[Kerry Collins]] (Sebastian Janikowski kick) |Score=SD 42–14 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}

{{-}}

====Week 9: vs. New Orleans Saints====
{{Seealso|2004 New Orleans Saints season}}


==== Week 9: vs. New Orleans Saints ====
{{AFB game box start
{{Americanfootballbox
|Title=
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
|Visitor=Saints
|state=autocollapse
|V1=0 |V2=7 |V3=0 |V4=10
|title=Week 9: New Orleans Saints at San Diego Chargers
|Host='''Chargers'''
|H1=14 |H2= 6|H3=16 |H4=7
|Date=November 7
|Date=November 7
|time=1:05 p.m. [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
|Location=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, CA]]
|Road=Saints
|StartTime=
|R1=0 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=10
|TimeZone=
|Home='''Chargers'''
|ElapsedTime=
|H1=14 |H2=6 |H3=16 |H4=7
|Attendance=
|stadium=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|Weather= {{convert|63|F|1}}, humidity 78 percent, wind {{convert|8|mph|km/h knot}}
|attendance=59,662
|Referee=
|weather={{convert|63|F|1}}, humidity 78 percent, wind {{convert|8|mph|km/h knot}}
|TVAnnouncers=
|referee=Peter Morelli
|TVStation=
|TV=[[NFL on Fox|FOX]] (Blacked out locally)
|TVAnnouncers=[[Thom Brennaman]] and [[JC Pearson]]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411070sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*SDG – [[Antonio Gates]] 12-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick), 9:50. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 5:10.'''''
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 5:29. ''Chargers 14–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 70 yards, 3:06.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 40-yard field goal, 13:02. ''Chargers 17–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 1:50.'''''
*NO – [[Deuce McAllister]] 2-yard run ([[John Carney (American football)|John Carney]] kick), 8:12. ''Chargers 17–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:50.'''''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 27-yard field goal, 3:16. ''Chargers 20–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 64 yards, 4:56.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – [[Safety (gridiron football score)|Safety]], [[Wayne Gandy]] called for [[Holding (American football)|offensive holding]] in end zone, 8:36. ''Chargers 22–7.''
*SDG – Antonio Gates 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:15. ''Chargers 29–7. '''Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 5:21.'''''
*SDG – Antonio Gates 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:04. ''Chargers 36–7. '''Drive: 2 plays, 40 yards, 0:52.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*NO – John Carney 37-yard field goal, 13:53. ''Chargers 36–10. '''Drive: 9 plays, 29 yards, 3:11.'''''
*SDG – [[Kassim Osgood]] 12-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 7:06. ''Chargers 43–10. '''Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 6:47.'''''
*NO – [[Boo Williams]] 6-yard pass from [[Aaron Brooks (American football)|Aaron Brooks]] (John Carney kick), 4:04. ''Chargers 43–17. '''Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 3:02.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*NO – Aaron Brooks – 16/29, 173 yards, TD, INT
*SDG – Drew Brees – 22/36, 257 yards, 4 TD
'''Top rushers'''
*NO – Deuce McAllister – 16 rushes, 63 yards, TD
*SDG – [[Jesse Chatman]] – 7 rushes, 51 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*NO – Boo Williams – 5 receptions, 71 yards, TD
*SDG – [[Keenan McCardell]] – 6 receptions, 89 yards
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=241107024]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=9:50 |Team=SD |Event=[[Antonio Gates]] 12-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick) |Score= SD 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=5:29 |Team=SD |Event=[[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score=SD 14–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=13:02 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 40-yard field goal |Score= SD 17–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=8:12 |Team=NO |Event=[[Deuce McAllister]] 2-yard run ([[John Carney (American football)|John Carney]] kick) |Score= SD 17–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=3:15 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 27-yard field goal |Score= SD 20–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=8:36 |Team=SD |Event=Safety, holding penalty on [[Wayne Gandy]] in end zone |Score= SD 22–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=3:15 |Team=SD |Event=Antonio Gates 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 29–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=2:04 |Team=SD |Event=Antonio Gates 2-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 36–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=13:53 |Team=NO |Event=John Carney 37-yard field goal |Score= SD 36–10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=7:06 |Team=SD |Event=[[Kassim Osgood]] 12-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 43–10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=4:04 |Team=NO |Event=[[Boo Williams]] 6-yard pass from [[Aaron Brooks (American football)|Aaron Brooks]] (John Carney kick) |Score= SD 43–17|LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}


==== Week 11: at Oakland Raiders ====
{{-}}
{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
====Week 11: at Oakland Raiders====
|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 11: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders
{{AFB game box start
|date=November 21
|Title=
|time=1:05 p.m. [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
|Visitor='''Chargers'''
|Road='''Chargers'''
|V1= 6|V2= 7|V3=3 |V4=7
|R1=6 |R2=7 |R3=3 |R4=7
|Host=Raiders
|Home=Raiders
|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=3
|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=3
|stadium=[[McAfee Coliseum]], [[Oakland, California]]
|Date=November 21
|attendance=46,905
|Location=[[McAfee Coliseum]], [[Oakland, CA]]
|weather={{convert|61|F|1}}, humidity 28 percent, wind {{convert|18|mph|km/h knot}}
|StartTime=
|referee=[[Bernie Kukar]]
|TimeZone=
|TV=CBS
|ElapsedTime=
|TVAnnouncers=[[Don Criqui]] and [[Steve Tasker]]
|Attendance=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411210rai.htm Box score]
|Weather= {{convert|61|F|1}}, humidity 28 percent, wind {{convert|18|mph|km/h knot}}
|Referee=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
|TVAnnouncers=
*SDG – [[Antonio Gates]] 11-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (kick blocked), 9:05. ''Chargers 6–0. '''Drive: 13 plays, 73 yards, 5:55.'''''
|TVStation=
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – Drew Brees 6-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 10:07. ''Chargers 13–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:39.'''''
*OAK – [[Ronald Curry]] 22-yard pass from [[Kerry Collins]] ([[Sebastian Janikowski]] kick), 6:40. ''Chargers 13–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 3:27.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 19-yard field goal, 5:21. ''Chargers 16–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 22 yards, 3:56.'''''
*OAK – [[Teyo Johnson]] 8-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Sebastian Janikowski kick), 1:58. ''Chargers 16–14. '''Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:23.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 6-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 11:06. ''Chargers 23–14. '''Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 5:52.'''''
*OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 31-yard field goal, 7:11. ''Chargers 23–17. '''Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 3:55.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – Drew Brees – 18/34, 226 yards, TD
*OAK – Kerry Collins – 18/30, 227 yards, 2 TD
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 37 rushes, 164 yards, TD
*OAK – [[Tyrone Wheatley]] – 12 rushes, 42 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – Antonio Gates – 8 receptions, 101 yards, TD
*OAK – [[Jerry Porter (American football)|Jerry Porter]] – 5 receptions, 63 yards
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=241121013]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=9:05 |Team=SD |Event=[[Antonio Gates]] 11-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (kick blocked) |Score= SD 6–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=10:07 |Team=SD |Event=Drew Brees 6-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 13–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=7:40 |Team=OAK |Event= [[Ronald Curry]] 22-yard pass from [[Kerry Collins]] ([[Sebastian Janikowski]] kick)|Score= SD 13–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=5:21 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 19-yard field goal |Score= SD 16–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 3|Time= 1:58|Team=OAK |Event=[[Teyo Johnson]] 8-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Sebastian Janikowski kick) |Score= SD 16–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=11:06 |Team=SD |Event=[[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 6-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 23–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=7:11 |Team=OAK |Event=Sebastian Janikowski 31-yard field goal |Score=SD 23–17 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}

{{-}}

====Week 12: at Kansas City Chiefs====
{{Seealso|2004 Kansas City Chiefs season}}


==== Week 12: at Kansas City Chiefs ====
{{AFB game box start
{{Americanfootballbox
|Title=
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
|Visitor='''Chargers'''
|state=autocollapse
|V1=7 |V2=7 |V3=3 |V4=17
|title=Week 12: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
|Host=Chiefs
|date=November 28
|time=12:00 p.m. [[Central Standard Time|CST]]
|Road='''Chargers'''
|R1=7 |R2=7 |R3=3 |R4=17
|Home=Chiefs
|H1=7 |H2=10 |H3=0 |H4=14
|H1=7 |H2=10 |H3=0 |H4=14
|stadium=[[Arrowhead Stadium]], [[Kansas City, Missouri]]
|Date=November 28
|attendance=77,447
|Location=[[Arrowhead Stadium]], [[Kansas City, MO]]
|weather={{convert|35|F|1}}, humidity 75 percent, wind {{convert|14|mph|km/h knot}}
|StartTime=
|referee=[[Bill Vinovich]]
|TimeZone=
|TV=CBS
|ElapsedTime=
|TVAnnouncers=[[Kevin Harlan]] and [[Randy Cross]]
|Attendance=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411280kan.htm Box score]
|Weather= {{convert|35|F|1}}, humidity 75 percent, wind {{convert|14|mph|km/h knot}}
|Referee=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
|TVAnnouncers=
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick), 7:01. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 3 plays, 57 yards, 1:00.'''''
|TVStation=
*KAN – [[Derrick Blaylock]] 5-yard run ([[Lawrence Tynes]] kick), 4:26. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards, 2:35.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*KAN – [[Larry Johnson (running back)|Larry Johnson]] 6-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick), 9:05. ''Chiefs 14–7. '''Drive: 13 plays, 94 yards, 6:00.'''''
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 3-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 3:11. ''Tied 14–14. '''Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 5:54.'''''
*KAN – Lawrence Tynes 28-yard field goal, 0:45. ''Chiefs 17–14. '''Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 2:26.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 25-yard field goal, 7:24. ''Tied 17–17. '''Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 2:15.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*KAN – Derrick Blaylock 22-yard run (kick failed), 14:17. ''Chiefs 23–17. '''Drive: 9 plays, 84 yards, 4:29.'''''
*SDG – [[Antonio Gates]] 18-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (Nate Kaeding kick), 10:13. ''Chargers 24–23. '''Drive: 6 plays, 71 yards, 4:04.'''''
*KAN – [[Dante Hall]] 96-yard kickoff return ([[Eddie Kennison]] pass from [[Trent Green]]), 10:00. ''Chiefs 31–24. '''Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.'''''
*SDG – Antonio Gates 11-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 6:22. ''Tied 31–31. '''Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 3:38.'''''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 43-yard field goal, 2:24. ''Chargers 34–31. '''Drive: 7 plays, 8 yards, 2:26.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – Drew Brees – 28/37, 378 yards, 2 TD
*KAN – [[Trent Green]] – 21/34, 208 yards, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – [[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]] – 2 rushes, 58 yards
*KAN – Derrick Blaylock – 8 rushes, 57 yards, 2 TD
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – Antonio Gates – 7 receptions, 92 yards, 2 TD<br>SDG – [[Kassim Osgood]] – 2 receptions, 92 yards
*KAN – [[Tony Gonzalez]] – 8 receptions, 105 yards
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=241128012]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=7:01 |Team=SD |Event=[[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick) |Score= SD 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=4:26 |Team=KC |Event=[[Derrick Blaylock]] 5-yard run ([[Lawrence Tynes]] kick) |Score= Tied 7–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:05 |Team=KC |Event=[[Larry Johnson (running back)|Larry Johnson]] 6-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick) |Score= KC 14–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=3:11 |Team=SD |Event=LaDainian Tomlinson 3-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= Tied 14–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:45 |Team=KC |Event=Lawrence Tynes 28-yard field goal |Score= KC 17–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=7:24 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 25-yard field goal |Score= Tied 17–17}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:17 |Team=KC |Event=Derrick Blaylock 22-yard run (kick failed) |Score= KC 23–17}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=10:13 |Team=SD |Event=[[Antonio Gates]] 18-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 24–23}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=10:00 |Team=KC |Event=[[Dante Hall]] 96-yard kickoff return ([[Trent Green]] to [[Eddie Kennison]] pass) |Score= KC 31–24}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=7:22 |Team=SD |Event=Antonio Gates 11-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= Tied 31–31}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=2:24 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 43-yard field goal |Score=SD 34–31 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}


==== Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos ====
{{-}}
{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
====Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos====
|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 13: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers
{{AFB game box start
|date=December 5
|Title=
|time=1:05 p.m. [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
|Visitor=Broncos
|Road=Broncos
|V1=0 |V2= 7|V3=0 |V4=10
|R1=0 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=10
|Host='''Chargers'''
|Home='''Chargers'''
|H1=7 |H2=10 |H3=3|H4=0
|H1=7 |H2=10 |H3=3 |H4=0
|Date=December 5
|Location=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, CA]]
|stadium=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|attendance=65,395
|StartTime=
|weather={{convert|58|F|1}}, humidity 77 percent, wind {{convert|9|mph|km/h knot}}
|TimeZone=
|referee=Ron Winter
|ElapsedTime=
|TV=CBS
|Attendance=
|TVAnnouncers=[[Jim Nantz]], [[Phil Simms]] and [[Bonnie Bernstein]]
|Weather= {{convert|58|F|1}}, humidity 77 percent, wind {{convert|9|mph|km/h knot}}
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200412050sdg.htm Box score]
|Referee=
|scoring=
|TVAnnouncers=
'''First quarter'''
|TVStation=
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 5-yard run ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick), 12:01. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 43 yards, 1:26.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*DEN – [[Tatum Bell]] 16-yard run ([[Jason Elam]] kick), 13:27. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 2:33.'''''
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 7:05. ''Chargers 14–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 2:49.'''''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 23-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Chargers 17–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 13 yards, 1:30.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 23-yard field goal, 5:12. ''Chargers 20–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 4:12.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*DEN – [[Reuben Droughns]] 4-yard run (Jason Elam kick), 14:18. ''Chargers 20–14. '''Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:26.'''''
*DEN – Jason Elam 31-yard field goal, 9:26. ''Chargers 20–17. '''Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 3:47.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*DEN – [[Jake Plummer]] – 16/40, 278 yards, 4 INT
*SDG – [[Drew Brees]] – 14/27, 106 yards, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*DEN – Reuben Droughns – 14 rushes, 38 yards, TD
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 30 rushes, 113 yards, 2 TD
'''Top receivers'''
*DEN – [[Ashley Lelie]] – 4 receptions, 105 yards
*SDG – [[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]] – 3 receptions, 37 yards
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=241205024]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=12:01 |Team= SD|Event=[[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 5-yard run ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick) |Score= SD 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=13:27 |Team=DEN |Event=[[Tatum Bell]] 16-yard run ([[Jason Elam]] kick) |Score= Tied 7–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=7:05 |Team=SD |Event=LaDainian Tomlinson 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 14–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:00 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 23-yard field goal |Score= SD 17–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=5:12 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 23-yard field goal |Score= SD 20–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:18 |Team=DEN |Event=[[Reuben Droughns]] 4-yard run (Jason Elam kick) |Score= SD 20–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=9:26 |Team=DEN |Event=Jason Elam 31-yard field goal |Score=SD 20–17 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}


==== Week 14: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers ====
{{-}}
{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
====Week 14: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers====
|state=autocollapse
{{Seealso|2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season}}
|title=Week 14: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Diego Chargers

|date=December 12
{{AFB game box start
|time=1:15 p.m. [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
|Title=
|Visitor=Buccaneers
|Road=Buccaneers
|V1=0 |V2=7 |V3=7 |V4=10
|R1=0 |R2=7 |R3=7 |R4=10
|Host='''Chargers'''
|Home='''Chargers'''
|H1=0 |H2=14 |H3=7 |H4=10
|H1=0 |H2=14 |H3=7 |H4=10
|stadium=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|Date=December 12
|attendance=65,858
|Location=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, CA]]
|weather={{convert|69|F|1}}, humidity 63 percent, wind {{convert|8|mph|km/h knot}}
|StartTime=
|referee=Mike Carey
|TimeZone=
|TV=FOX
|ElapsedTime=
|TVAnnouncers=Thom Brennaman, JC Pearson and C. S. Keys
|Attendance=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200412120sdg.htm Box score]
|Weather= {{convert|69|F|1}}, humidity 63 percent, wind {{convert|8|mph|km/h knot}}
|Referee=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
|TVAnnouncers=
*''No scoring plays.''
|TVStation=
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – [[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]] 79-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick), 11:49. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 1 play, 79 yards, 0:12.'''''
*TB – [[Joey Galloway]] 36-yard pass from [[Brian Griese]] ([[Jay Taylor (placekicker)|Jay Taylor]] kick), 9:02. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 81 yards, 2:47.'''''
*SDG – [[Kassim Osgood]] 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 0:49. ''Chargers 14–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 2:50.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*TB – Joey Galloway 4-yard pass from Brian Griese (Jay Taylor kick), 4:56. ''Tied 14–14. '''Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 6:08.'''''
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 7-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 0:30. ''Chargers 21–14. '''Drive: 7 plays, 81 yards, 4:26.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*TB – [[Michael Clayton (American football)|Michael Clayton]] 20-yard pass from Brian Griese (Jay Taylor kick), 6:53. ''Tied 21–21. '''Drive: 2 plays, 37 yards, 0:49.'''''
*SDG – [[Donnie Edwards]] 30-yard interception return (Nate Kaeding kick), 4:09. ''Chargers 28–21.''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 40-yard field goal, 2:06. ''Chargers 31–21. '''Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:04.'''''
*TB – Jay Taylor 31-yard field goal, 0:16. ''Chargers 31–24. '''Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 1:50.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*TB – Brian Griese – 36/50, 392 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
*SDG – Drew Brees – 17/23, 220 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
'''Top rushers'''
*TB – [[Michael Pittman Sr.|Michael Pittman]] – 12 rushes, 42 yards
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 25 rushes, 131 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*TB – Michael Clayton – 9 receptions, 145 yards, TD
*SDG – Eric Parker – 6 receptions, 118 yards, TD
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=241212024]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=2 |Time=11:49 |Team=SD |Event=[[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]] 79-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick) |Score= SD 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:02 |Team=TB |Event=[[Joey Galloway]] 36-yard pass from [[Brian Griese]] ([[Jay Taylor (placekicker)|Jay Taylor]] kick) |Score= Tied 7–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:49 |Team=SD |Event=[[Kassim Osgood]] 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 14–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=4:56 |Team=TB |Event=Joey Galloway 4-yard pass from Brian Griese (Jay Taylor kick) |Score= Tied 14–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=0:30 |Team=SD |Event=[[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 7-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 21–14}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=6:03 |Team=TB |Event=[[Michael Clayton (American football)|Michael Clayton]] 20-yard pass from Brian Griese (Jay Taylor kick) |Score= Tied 21–21}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=4:09 |Team=SD |Event=[[Donnie Edwards]] 30-yard interception return (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 28–21}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 4|Time=2:06 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 40-yard field goal |Score= SD 31–21}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 4|Time=0:16 |Team=TB |Event=Jay Taylor 31-yard field goal |Score= SD 31–24|LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}

{{-}}

====Week 15: at Cleveland Browns====
{{Seealso|2004 Cleveland Browns season}}


==== Week 15: at Cleveland Browns ====
{{AFB game box start
{{Americanfootballbox
|Title=
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
|Visitor='''Chargers'''
|state=autocollapse
|V1=7 |V2=7 |V3= 7|V4=0
|title=Week 15: San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns
|Host=Browns
|date=December 19
|time=1:03 p.m. [[Eastern Standard Time|EST]]
|Road='''Chargers'''
|R1=7 |R2=7 |R3=7 |R4=0
|Home=Browns
|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=0
|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=0
|stadium=[[Cleveland Browns Stadium]], [[Cleveland, Ohio]]
|Date=December 19
|attendance=72,489
|Location=[[Cleveland Browns Stadium]], [[Cleveland, OH]]
|weather={{convert|18|F|1}}, humidity 68 percent, wind {{convert|30|mph|km/h knot}}, wind chill {{convert|−10|F|C|1|disp=or}}
|StartTime=
|referee=[[Tom White (American football official)|Tom White]]
|TimeZone=
|TV=CBS
|ElapsedTime=
|TVAnnouncers=Gus Johnson and Brent Jones
|Attendance=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200412190cle.htm Box score]
|Weather= {{convert|18|F|1}}, humidity 68 percent, wind {{convert|30|mph|km/h knot}}, wind chill {{convert|&minus;10|F|C|1|disp=or}}
|Referee=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
|TVAnnouncers=
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick), 2:09. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 1:00.'''''
|TVStation=
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – [[Antonio Gates]] 72-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:11. ''Chargers 14–0. '''Drive: 1 play, 72 yards, 0:13.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 8:32. ''Chargers 21–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 42 yards, 6:28.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*''No scoring plays.''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – Drew Brees – 4/6, 85 yards, TD
*CLE – [[Luke McCown]] – 11/27, 108 yards, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 26 rushes, 111 yards, 2 TD
*CLE – [[Lee Suggs]] – 21 rushes, 105 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – Antonio Gates – 1 reception, 72 yards, TD
*CLE – [[Dennis Northcutt]] – 4 receptions, 61 yards
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=241219005]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=2:09 |Team=SD |Event=[[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 1-yard run ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick) |Score= SD 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 2:11|Team=SD |Event=[[Antonio Gates]] 72-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 14–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= 8:32|Team=SD |Event=LaDainian Tomlinson 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 21–0|LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}


San Diego clinches its first division title since [[1994 San Diego Chargers season|1994]].
San Diego clinches its first division title since [[1994 San Diego Chargers season|1994]].


==== Week 16: at Indianapolis Colts ====
{{-}}
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=Week 16: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts
|date=December 26
|time=1:00 p.m. [[Eastern Standard Time|EST]]
|Road=Chargers
|R1=7 |R2=10 |R3= 7 |R4=7 |R5=0
|Home='''Colts'''
|H1=0 |H2=9 |H3=7 |H4=15 |H5=3
|stadium=[[RCA Dome]], [[Indianapolis, Indiana]]
|attendance=57,330
|weather=N/A (game played indoors)
|referee=Walt Anderson
|TV=CBS
|TVAnnouncers=Kevin Harlan and Randy Cross
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200412260clt.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 74-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick), 4:48. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 92 yards, 2:52.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*IND – [[Mike Vanderjagt]] 36-yard field goal, 14:18. ''Chargers 7–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 5:30.'''''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 50-yard field goal, 12:46. ''Chargers 10–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 1:32.'''''
*SDG – [[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]] 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 7:09. ''Chargers 17–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 4:03.'''''
*IND – Mike Vanderjagt 26-yard field goal, 4:30. ''Chargers 17–6. '''Drive: 6 plays, 28 yards, 2:39.'''''
*IND – Mike Vanderjagt 23-yard field goal, 0:18. ''Chargers 17–9. '''Drive: 10 plays, 85 yards, 2:32.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*SDG – [[Antonio Gates]] 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 9:24. ''Chargers 24–9. '''Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 4:40.'''''
*IND – [[James Mungro]] 3-yard pass from [[Peyton Manning]] (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 6:11. ''Chargers 24–16. '''Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:13.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson 16-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 14:55. ''Chargers 31–16. '''Drive: 11 plays, 71 yards, 6:16.'''''
*IND – [[Dominic Rhodes]] 88-yard kickoff return (Mike Vanderjagt kick), 14:42. ''Chargers 31–23. '''Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:13.'''''
*IND – [[Brandon Stokley]] 14-yard pass from Peyton Manning ([[Edgerrin James]] run), 0:56. ''Tied 31–31. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:46.'''''
'''Overtime'''
*IND – Mike Vanderjagt 30-yard field goal, 12:13. ''Colts 34–31. '''Drive: 5 plays, 61 yards, 2:47.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SDG – Drew Brees – 21/31, 290 yards, 3 TD, INT
*IND – Peyton Manning – 27/44, 383 yards, 2 TD, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*SDG – LaDainian Tomlinson – 21 rushes, 81 yards, TD
*IND – [[Edgerrin James]] – 22 rushes, 86 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*SDG – Eric Parker – 7 receptions, 103 yards, TD
*IND – Brandon Stokley – 7 receptions, 123 yards, TD
}}


====Week 16: at Indianapolis Colts====
==== Week 17: vs. Kansas City Chiefs ====
{{Americanfootballbox
{{Seealso|2004 Indianapolis Colts season}}
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse
{{AFB game box start
|title=Week 17: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers
|Title=
|date=January 2
|Visitor=Chargers
|time=1:15 p.m. [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
|V1=7 |V2=10 |V3= 7|V4=7 |VOT=0
|Road=Chiefs
|Host='''Colts'''
|H1=0 |H2=9 |H3= 7|H4=15 |HOT= 3
|R1=0 |R2=3 |R3=0 |R4=14
|Home='''Chargers'''
|Date=December 26
|H1=3 |H2=14 |H3=0 |H4=7
|Location=[[RCA Dome]], [[Indianapolis, IN]]
|stadium=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|StartTime=
|attendance=64,920
|TimeZone=
|weather={{convert|59|F}}, humidity 87 percent, wind {{convert|9|mph|km/h knot}}
|ElapsedTime=
|referee=Bill Leavy
|Attendance=
|TV=CBS
|Weather=none (domed stadium)
|TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle, Solomon Wilcots and Scott Kaplan
|Referee=
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200501020sdg.htm Box score]
|TVAnnouncers=
|scoring=
|TVStation=
'''First quarter'''
*SDG – [[Nate Kaeding]] 34-yard field goal, 10:56. ''Chargers 3–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 4:04.'''''
'''Second quarter'''
*KAN – [[Lawrence Tynes]] 50-yard field goal, 7:08. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 39 yards, 5:26.'''''
*SDG – [[Doug Flutie]] 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick), 2:24. ''Chargers 10–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 4:44.'''''
*SDG – [[Ryan Krause]] 10-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Nate Kaeding kick), 0:12. ''Chargers 17–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 0:40.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*''No scoring plays.''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – [[Malcom Floyd]] 13-yard pass from [[Philip Rivers]] (Nate Kaeding kick), 7:11. ''Chargers 24–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 2:11.'''''
*KAN – [[Larry Johnson (running back)|Larry Johnson]] 2-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick), 4:10. ''Chargers 24–10. '''Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:01.'''''
*KAN – Larry Johnson 14-yard pass from [[Trent Green]] (Lawrence Tynes kick), 2:10. ''Chargers 24–17. '''Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 2:00.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*KAN – Doug Flutie – 13/22, 199 yards, TD
*SDG – Drew Brees – 28/37, 378 yards, 2 TD
'''Top rushers'''
*KAN – Larry Johnson – 17 rushes, 46 yards, TD
*SDG – [[Michael Turner (American football)|Michael Turner]] – 15 rushes, 87 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*KAN – [[Tony Gonzalez]] – 14 receptions, 144 yards
*SDG – Ryan Krause – 5 receptions, 81 yards, TD
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=241226011]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=4:48 |Team= SD|Event=[[LaDainian Tomlinson]] 74-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick) |Score=SD 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=14:18 |Team=IND |Event= [[Mike Vanderjagt]] 36-yard field goal|Score= SD 7–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=11:46 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 50-yard field goal |Score= SD 10–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=7:09 |Team=SD |Event= [[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]] 19-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 17–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=4:30 |Team=IND |Event=Mike Vanderjagt 26-yard field goal |Score= SD 17–6}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:18 |Team=IND |Event=Mike Vanderjagt 23-yard field goal |Score= SD 17–9}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=9:24 |Team=SD|Event=[[Antonio Gates]] 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score=SD 24–9}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=6:11 |Team=IND |Event=[[James Mungro]] 3-yard pass from [[Peyton Manning]] (Mike Vanderjagt kick) |Score= SD 24–16}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:55 |Team=SD |Event=LaDainian Tomlinson 16-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 31–16}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:42 |Team=IND |Event=[[Dominic Rhodes]] 88-yard kickoff return (Mike Vanderjagt kick) |Score= SD 31–23}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=0:56 |Team=IND |Event=[[Brandon Stokley]] 14-yard pass from Peyton Manning ([[Edgerrin James]] run) |Score= Tied 31–31}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=OT |Time=12:13 |Team=IND |Event=Mike Vanderjagt 30-yard field goal |Score=IND 34–31 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}


=== Standings ===
{{-}}
==== Division ====
{{2004 AFC West standings}}


====Week 17: vs. Kansas City Chiefs====
==== Conference ====
{{2004 AFC standings|team=SD}}


==Postseason==
{{AFB game box start
{{main|2004–05 NFL playoffs}}
|Title=
|Visitor=Chiefs
|V1= 0|V2=3 |V3=0 |V4=14
|Host='''Chargers'''
|H1=3 |H2=14 |H3=0 |H4=7
|Date=January 2
|Location=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, CA]]
|StartTime=
|TimeZone=
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=
|Weather= {{convert|59|F}}, humidity 87 percent, wind {{convert|9|mph|km/h knot}}
|Referee=
|TVAnnouncers=
|TVStation=
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=250102024]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=10:56 |Team=SD |Event=[[Nate Kaeding]] 34-yard field goal |Score= SD 3–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=7:08 |Team= KC|Event=[[Lawrence Tynes]] 50-yard field goal |Score= Tied 3–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=2:24 |Team=SD |Event=[[Doug Flutie]] 1-yard run (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 10–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:12 |Team=SD |Event=[[Ryan Krause]] 10-yard pass from Doug Flutie (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score=SD 17–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=7:19 |Team=SD |Event=[[Malcom Floyd]] 13-yard pass from [[Philip Rivers]] (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= SD 24–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=4:10 |Team=KC |Event=[[Larry Johnson (running back)|Larry Johnson]] 2-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick) |Score= SD 24–10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=2:10 |Team=KC |Event=Larry Johnson 14-yard pass from [[Trent Green]] (Lawrence Tynes kick) |Score=SD 24–17 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{{-}}

==Playoffs==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Round
! Week
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Date
! Date
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Opponent (seed)
! Opponent
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Result
! Result
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Record
! TV
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Venue
! Attendance
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}}"| Attendance
|-style="background: #ffdddd;"
|-style="background:#fcc"
| Wildcard
! Wild Card
| January 8, 2005
| January 8, 2005
| [[New York Jets]]
| [[2004 New York Jets season|New York Jets]] (5)
| L 20–17
| '''L''' 17–20
| ABC
| 0–1
| [[San Diego Stadium|Qualcomm Stadium]]
| <center>67,536</center>
| 67,536
|}
|}


===Game summaries===
=== Game summary ===
====Wild Card: vs. New York Jets====
==== AFC Wild Card playoffs: vs. New York Jets ====
{{Americanfootballbox
{{AFB game box start
|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|San Diego Chargers|year=2004|border=2}};text-align:center;
|Title=
|state=autocollapse
|Visitor='''Jets'''
|title=AFC Wild Card playoffs: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers
|V1=0 |V2=7 |V3= 10|V4=0 |VOT=3
|Host=Chargers
|H1=0 |H2= 7|H3=0 |H4=10 |HOT=0
|Date=January 8
|Date=January 8
|time=5:14 p.m. [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]]
|Location=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, CA]]
|Road='''Jets'''
|StartTime=
|R1=0 |R2=7 |R3=10 |R4=0 |R5=3
|TimeZone=
|Home=Chargers
|ElapsedTime=
|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=0 |H4=10 |H5=0
|Attendance=
|stadium=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]]
|Weather= {{convert|55|F|1}}, humidity 86 percent, wind {{convert|8|mph|km/h knot}}
|attendance=67,536
|Referee=
|weather={{convert|55|F|1}}, humidity 86 percent, wind {{convert|8|mph|km/h knot}}
|TVAnnouncers=
|referee=[[Ed Hochuli]]
|TVStation=
|TV=[[NFL on ABC|ABC]]
|TVAnnouncers=[[Al Michaels]], [[John Madden]] and [[Michele Tafoya]]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200501080sdg.htm Box score]
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*''No scoring plays.''
'''Second quarter'''
*SDG – [[Keenan McCardell]] 26-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick), 9:26. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 13 plays, 88 yards, 8:25.'''''
*NYJ – [[Anthony Becht]] 13-yard pass from [[Chad Pennington]] ([[Doug Brien]] kick), 2:54. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 2:19.'''''
'''Third quarter'''
*NYJ – [[Santana Moss]] 45-yard pass from Chad Pennington (Doug Brien kick), 10:29. ''Jets 14–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:31.'''''
*NYJ – Doug Brien 42-yard field goal, 1:23. ''Jets 17–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 5:31.'''''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SDG – Nate Kaeding 35-yard field goal, 10:43. ''Jets 17–10. '''Drive: 12 plays, 54 yards, 5:40.'''''
*SDG – [[Antonio Gates]] 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick), 0:11. ''Tied 17–17. '''Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:35.'''''
'''Overtime'''
*NYJ – Doug Brien 28-yard field goal, 0:05. ''Jets 20–17. '''Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 4:14.'''''
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*NYJ – Chad Pennington – 23/33, 279 yards, 2 TD
*SDG – Drew Brees – 31/42, 319 yards, 2 TD, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*NYJ – [[Curtis Martin]] – 18 rushes, 66 yards
*SDG – [[LaDainian Tomlinson]] – 26 rushes, 80 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*NYJ – Santana Moss – 4 receptions, 100 yards, TD
*SDG – [[Eric Parker (American football)|Eric Parker]] – 9 receptions, 93 yards
}}
}}
*'''Source:''' [http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=250108024]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=2 |Time=9:26 |Team=SD |Event=[[Keenan McCardell]] 26-yard pass from [[Drew Brees]] ([[Nate Kaeding]] kick) |Score= SD 7–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=2:54 |Team=NYJ |Event=[[Anthony Becht]] 13-yard pass from [[Chad Pennington]] ([[Doug Brien]] kick) |Score=Tied 7–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=10:29 |Team=NYJ |Event=[[Santana Moss]] 45-yard pass from Chad Pennington (Doug Brien kick) |Score= NYJ 14–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=1:23 |Team=NYJ |Event=Doug Brien 42-yard field goal |Score=NYJ 17–7}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=10:47 |Team=SD |Event=Nate Kaeding 35-yard field goal |Score= NYJ 17–10}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=0:11 |Team=SD |Event=[[Antonio Gates]] 1-yard pass from Drew Brees (Nate Kaeding kick) |Score= Tied 17–17}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=OT |Time=0:05 |Team=NYJ |Event=Doug Brien 28-yard field goal |Score=NYJ 20–17 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}

{{-}}


==See also==
== See also ==
*[[2004 NFL season]]
* [[2004 NFL season]]


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


Line 1,028: Line 1,255:
[[Category:2004 National Football League season by team|San Diego Chargers]]
[[Category:2004 National Football League season by team|San Diego Chargers]]
[[Category:San Diego Chargers seasons]]
[[Category:San Diego Chargers seasons]]
[[Category:2000s in San Diego]]
[[Category:AFC West championship seasons]]
[[Category:AFC West championship seasons]]
[[Category:2004 in sports in California|San Diego]]
[[Category:2004 in sports in California|San Diego]]

Latest revision as of 18:30, 25 August 2024

2004 San Diego Chargers season
OwnerAlex Spanos
General managerA.J. Smith
Head coachMarty Schottenheimer
Home fieldQualcomm Stadium
Results
Record12–4
Division place1st AFC West
Playoff finishLost Wild Card Playoffs
(vs. Jets) 17–20 (OT)
Pro Bowlers
AP All-Pros

The 2004 San Diego Chargers season was the franchise's 35th season in the National Football League (NFL), its 45th overall and the third under head coach Marty Schottenheimer. It would be the first season the franchise would have involving quarterback Philip Rivers. The team improved on their 4–12 record in 2003 and finished the regular season 12–4, made the playoffs for the first time in nine years, and captured their first division title since the 1994 season. In the playoffs they lost in overtime to the New York Jets. At the end of the season Marty Schottenheimer was named NFL Coach of the Year.

Offseason

[edit]
Additions Subtractions
WR Keenan McCardell (Buccaneers) DE Raylee Johnson (Broncos)
T Roman Oben (Buccaneers) C Cory Raymer (Redskins)
LB Randall Godfrey (Seahawks) G Kelvin Garmon (Browns)
WR David Boston (Dolphins)

NFL draft

[edit]

Entering the draft, the consensus top pick was Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning. However, Manning had said prior to the draft that he did not want to play for the Chargers and would not sign with them if he was drafted. The Chargers would strike a deal with the Giants before the draft that would shape the future of both franchises. The Chargers would select Manning first overall, as they had intended to. The Giants would then draft quarterback Philip Rivers of North Carolina State, and then swap him and two 2005 draft picks for Manning.

2004 San Diego Chargers draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 1 Eli Manning *  QB Ole Miss traded to NY Giants
2 35 Igor Olshansky  DT Oregon
3 65 Nate Kaeding *  K Iowa From NY Giants
3 66 Nick Hardwick *  C Purdue
4 98 Shaun Phillips *  DE Purdue
5 133 Dave Ball  DE UCLA
5 154 Michael Turner *  RB NIU from Miami
6 169 Ryan Krause  TE Nebraska-Omaha
7 204 Ryon Bingham  DT Nebraska
7 209 Shane Olivea  OT Ohio State from Atlanta
7 254 Carlos Joseph  OT Miami (FL)
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Personnel

[edit]

Staff

[edit]
2004 San Diego Chargers staff

Front office

  • Owner – Alex Spanos
  • President/chief executive officer – Dean Spanos
  • Executive vice president – Michael Spanos
  • Executive vice president/general manager – A. J. Smith
  • Assistant general manager/director of player personnel – Buddy Nix
  • Vice president of football operations – Ed McGuire
  • Director of college scouting – Jimmy Raye
  • Director of pro scouting – Fran Foley

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – Dave Redding
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Matt Schiotz


[3]

Roster

[edit]
2004 San Diego Chargers 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

Rookies in italics
53 active, 9 reserve, 7 practice squad

Regular season

[edit]

Schedule

[edit]
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 12 at Houston Texans W 27–20 1–0 Reliant Stadium Recap
2 September 19 New York Jets L 28–34 1–1 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
3 September 26 at Denver Broncos L 13–23 1–2 Invesco Field at Mile High Recap
4 October 3 Tennessee Titans W 38–17 2–2 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
5 October 10 Jacksonville Jaguars W 34–21 3–2 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
6 October 17 at Atlanta Falcons L 20–21 3–3 Georgia Dome Recap
7 October 24 at Carolina Panthers W 17–6 4–3 Bank of America Stadium Recap
8 October 31 Oakland Raiders W 42–14 5–3 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
9 November 7 New Orleans Saints W 43–17 6–3 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
10 Bye
11 November 21 at Oakland Raiders W 23–17 7–3 McAfee Coliseum Recap
12 November 28 at Kansas City Chiefs W 34–31 8–3 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
13 December 5 Denver Broncos W 20–17 9–3 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
14 December 12 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 31–24 10–3 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
15 December 19 at Cleveland Browns W 21–0 11–3 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
16 December 26 at Indianapolis Colts L 31–34 (OT) 11–4 RCA Dome Recap
17 January 2, 2005 Kansas City Chiefs W 24–17 12–4 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

[edit]

Week 1: at Houston Texans

[edit]
Week 1: San Diego Chargers at Houston Texans
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 7 10727
Texans 3 10 7020

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

Week 2: vs. New York Jets

[edit]
Week 2: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jets 14 3 10734
Chargers 0 7 71428

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: September 19
  • Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 73 °F (22.8 °C), humidity 67 percent, wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
  • Game attendance: 57,310
  • Referee: Peter Morelli
  • TV announcers (CBS (Blacked out locally)): Ian Eagle, Solomon Wilcots and Scott Kaplan
  • Box score
Game information

Week 3: at Denver Broncos

[edit]
Week 3: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 0 7313
Broncos 7 6 7323

at Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

Week 4: vs. Tennessee Titans

[edit]
Week 4: Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Titans 0 7 01017
Chargers 7 14 31438

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: October 3
  • Game time: 1:15 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 74 °F (23.3 °C), humidity 69 percent, wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
  • Game attendance: 54,006
  • Referee: Mike Carey
  • TV announcers (CBS (Blacked out locally)): Bill Macatee, Steve Beuerlein and Scott Kaplan
  • Box score
Game information

Week 5: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

[edit]
Week 5: Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jaguars 0 7 01421
Chargers 14 7 6734

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: October 10
  • Game time: 1:05 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C), humidity 76 percent, wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
  • Game attendance: 52,101
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (CBS (Blacked out locally)): Ian Eagle, Solomon Wilcots and Scott Kaplan
  • Box score
Game information

Week 6: at Atlanta Falcons

[edit]
Week 6: San Diego Chargers at Atlanta Falcons
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 14 3320
{{{home}}} 0 7 01421

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: October 17
  • Game time: 1:02 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: N/A (game played indoors)
  • Game attendance: 70,187
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson and Brent Jones
  • Box score
Game information

Week 7: at Carolina Panthers

[edit]
Week 7: San Diego Chargers at Atlanta Falcons
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 0 10717
Panthers 6 0 006
  • Date: October 24
  • Game time: 1:02 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 58 °F (14.4 °C), humidity 90 percent, wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
  • Game attendance: 73,096
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson and Brent Jones
  • Box score
Game information

Week 8: vs. Oakland Raiders

[edit]
Week 8: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 7 7014
Chargers 14 14 14042

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: October 31
  • Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 69 °F (20.6 °C), humidity 57 percent, wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
  • Game attendance: 66,210
  • Referee: Bill Carollo
  • TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson, Brent Jones and Scott Kaplan
  • Box score
Game information

Week 9: vs. New Orleans Saints

[edit]
Week 9: New Orleans Saints at San Diego Chargers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 0 7 01017
Chargers 14 6 16743

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Game time: 1:05 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17.2 °C), humidity 78 percent, wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
  • Game attendance: 59,662
  • Referee: Peter Morelli
  • TV announcers (FOX (Blacked out locally)): Thom Brennaman and JC Pearson
  • Box score
Game information

Week 11: at Oakland Raiders

[edit]
Week 11: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 6 7 3723
Raiders 0 7 7317

at McAfee Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: November 21
  • Game time: 1:05 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 61 °F (16.1 °C), humidity 28 percent, wind 18 miles per hour (29 km/h; 16 kn)
  • Game attendance: 46,905
  • Referee: Bernie Kukar
  • TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui and Steve Tasker
  • Box score
Game information

Week 12: at Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]
Week 12: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 7 31734
Chiefs 7 10 01431

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: November 28
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 35 °F (1.7 °C), humidity 75 percent, wind 14 miles per hour (23 km/h; 12 kn)
  • Game attendance: 77,447
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Randy Cross
  • Box score
Game information

Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos

[edit]
Week 13: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 7 01017
Chargers 7 10 3020

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 5
  • Game time: 1:05 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 58 °F (14.4 °C), humidity 77 percent, wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
  • Game attendance: 65,395
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Bonnie Bernstein
  • Box score
Game information

Week 14: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

[edit]
Week 14: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Diego Chargers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 7 71024
Chargers 0 14 71031

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 12
  • Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 69 °F (20.6 °C), humidity 63 percent, wind 8 miles per hour (13 km/h; 7.0 kn)
  • Game attendance: 65,858
  • Referee: Mike Carey
  • TV announcers (FOX): Thom Brennaman, JC Pearson and C. S. Keys
  • Box score
Game information

Week 15: at Cleveland Browns

[edit]
Week 15: San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 7 7021
Browns 0 0 000

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: December 19
  • Game time: 1:03 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 18 °F (−7.8 °C), humidity 68 percent, wind 30 miles per hour (48 km/h; 26 kn), wind chill −10 °F or −23.3 °C
  • Game attendance: 72,489
  • Referee: Tom White
  • TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson and Brent Jones
  • Box score
Game information

San Diego clinches its first division title since 1994.

Week 16: at Indianapolis Colts

[edit]
Week 16: San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Chargers 7 10 77031
Colts 0 9 715334

at RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: December 26
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: N/A (game played indoors)
  • Game attendance: 57,330
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Randy Cross
  • Box score
Game information

Week 17: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]
Week 17: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 3 01417
Chargers 3 14 0724

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: January 2
  • Game time: 1:15 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C), humidity 87 percent, wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
  • Game attendance: 64,920
  • Referee: Bill Leavy
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Solomon Wilcots and Scott Kaplan
  • Box score
Game information

Standings

[edit]

Division

[edit]
AFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) San Diego Chargers 12 4 0 .750 5–1 9–3 446 313 W1
(6) Denver Broncos 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 381 304 W2
Kansas City Chiefs 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 483 435 L1
Oakland Raiders 5 11 0 .313 1–5 3–9 320 422 L2

Conference

[edit]
AFC[4]
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1 Pittsburgh Steelers North 15 1 0 .938 5–1 11–1 .484 .479 W14
2 New England Patriots East 14 2 0 .875 5–1 10–2 .492 .478 W2
3[a] Indianapolis Colts South 12 4 0 .750 5–1 8–4 .500 .458 L1
4[a] San Diego Chargers West 12 4 0 .750 5–1 9–3 .477 .411 W1
Wild cards
5[b] New York Jets East 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .523 .406 L2
6[b] Denver Broncos West 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .484 .450 W2
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[c][d] Jacksonville Jaguars South 9 7 0 .563 2–4 6–6 .527 .479 W1
8[c][d] Baltimore Ravens North 9 7 0 .563 3–3 6–6 .551 .472 W1
9[c] Buffalo Bills East 9 7 0 .563 3–3 5–7 .512 .382 L1
10 Cincinnati Bengals North 8 8 0 .500 2–4 4–8 .543 .453 W2
11[e] Houston Texans South 7 9 0 .438 4–2 6–6 .504 .402 L1
12[e] Kansas City Chiefs West 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 .551 .509 L1
13[f] Oakland Raiders West 5 11 0 .313 1–5 3–9 .570 .450 L2
14[f] Tennessee Titans South 5 11 0 .313 1–5 3–9 .512 .463 W1
15[g] Miami Dolphins East 4 12 0 .250 1–5 2–10 .555 .438 L1
16[g] Cleveland Browns North 4 12 0 .250 1–5 3–9 .590 .469 W1
Tiebreakers[h]
  1. ^ a b Indianapolis clinched the AFC #3 seed instead of San Diego based upon head-to-head victory.
  2. ^ a b New York Jets clinched the AFC #5 seed instead of Denver based upon better record against common opponents (New York Jets were 5–0 to Denver’s 3–2 against San Diego, Cincinnati, Houston, and Miami).
  3. ^ a b c Jacksonville and Baltimore finished ahead of Buffalo because they each defeated Buffalo head-to-head.
  4. ^ a b Jacksonville finished ahead of Baltimore based upon better record against common opponents (Jacksonville were 3–2 against Baltimore’s 2–3 versus Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Buffalo and Kansas City).
  5. ^ a b Houston finished ahead of Kansas City based upon head-to-head victory.
  6. ^ a b Oakland finished ahead of Tennessee based upon head-to-head victory.
  7. ^ a b Miami finished ahead of Cleveland based upon head-to-head victory.
  8. ^ 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.


Postseason

[edit]
Main article: 2004–05 NFL playoffs
Round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Venue Attendance
Wild Card January 8, 2005 New York Jets (5) L 17–20 0–1 Qualcomm Stadium 67,536

Game summary

[edit]

AFC Wild Card playoffs: vs. New York Jets

[edit]
AFC Wild Card playoffs: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Jets 0 7 100320
Chargers 0 7 010017

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2004 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  2. ^ "2004 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  3. ^ 2012 San Diego Chargers Media Guide. pp. 263–264. Archived from the original on October 15, 2014. Retrieved October 28, 2014.
  4. ^ "2004 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
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