What Is 2004 Denver Broncos football team

Overview

The 2004 Denver Broncos season marked a downturn in performance for the franchise after years of consistent playoff appearances. Under the leadership of head coach Mike Shanahan, who was in his seventh season, the team struggled to maintain offensive consistency and defensive discipline.

Playing their home games at Invesco Field at Mile High, the Broncos finished with a 7-9 record, their first losing season since 1999. Despite high expectations following a 10-6 campaign in 2003, the team faltered in key games and failed to secure a playoff berth.

• Jake Plummer became the full-time starting quarterback, throwing for 3,603 yards and 18 touchdowns with 14 interceptions over 16 games.
• The offense averaged 20.7 points per game, ranking 17th in the NFL, a drop from previous seasons.
• Defensively, the Broncos allowed 22.6 points per game, finishing 21st in the league in points allowed.
• The team went 4-4 at home and 3-5 on the road, showing inconsistent performance away from Denver.
• Notable players included running back Mike Anderson, who rushed for 700 yards, and linebacker Al Wilson, who recorded 103 tackles.

Performance Breakdown

The 2004 season revealed several weaknesses in the Broncos' roster and game planning, especially in close contests and divisional matchups. Injuries and lack of depth impacted both lines, contributing to inconsistent results.

• Division Struggles: The Broncos went 3-5 against AFC West opponents, including losses to the eventual division-winning San Diego Chargers.
• Turnover Margin: Denver had a -4 turnover differential, with 24 turnovers forced and 28 committed, indicating poor ball security.
• Red Zone Efficiency: The offense scored on 86% of red zone trips but converted only 54% of those into touchdowns.
• Fourth Quarter Issues: The team lost four games by a touchdown or less, highlighting late-game execution problems.
• Special Teams: Jason Elam kicked 23 of 29 field goals (79.3%), while punt returner Allen Rossum averaged 9.8 yards per return.
• Coaching Decisions: Mike Shanahan faced criticism for play-calling, especially in two consecutive losses to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2004 Broncos compared to the previous season across key performance metrics:

The decline in turnover margin and point differential from 2003 to 2004 illustrates a team regressing in critical areas. While offensive talent remained, defensive lapses and quarterback decisions contributed to a losing record and missed postseason.

Why It Matters

The 2004 season was a pivotal moment in the Broncos' early 2000s trajectory, signaling the end of a competitive era and prompting front-office changes. It exposed vulnerabilities that led to roster overhauls in the following years.

• The failure to make the playoffs ended a streak of seven consecutive postseason appearances dating back to 1996.
• It raised questions about Jake Plummer's long-term fit as franchise quarterback, leading to future competition and eventual replacement.
• The defensive unit's decline prompted management to prioritize draft picks in the 2005 NFL Draft, including selecting D.J. Williams.
• Coaching scrutiny increased, though Mike Shanahan retained his position, emphasizing the need for improved game management.
• The season highlighted the growing strength of the AFC West, with the Chargers and Chiefs both finishing above .500.
• It served as a wake-up call, setting the stage for a rebound in 2005 when the Broncos returned to the playoffs with an 13-3 record.

Ultimately, the 2004 campaign remains a cautionary chapter in Broncos history, underscoring how quickly team performance can shift without sustained depth and consistency.