Record 4–12 Playoff finish did not qualify Owner Wayne Huizenga Head coaches Dave Wannstedt, Jim Bates | Division place 4th AFC East Start date 2004 Home field Hard Rock Stadium | |
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Similar 1996 Miami Dolphins, 1999 Miami Dolphins, 1985 Miami Dolphins, 1982 Miami Dolphins | ||
The 2004 Miami Dolphins season was the team's 39th overall, and 35th as a member of the National Football League. The Dolphins were unable to improve upon their previous season's output of 10–6, instead only going 4–12 after starting the season 0–6. The team was adversely affected by the premature (drug-related) retirement of their star running back, Ricky Williams. With this season record below .500 the team would have their first losing season since 1988.
Their match with the Buffalo Bills in Week 6 is the only time in the NFL since 1968 that the last two winless teams have met each other.
"The Night That Courage Wore Orange"
More info: The Night That Courage Wore Orange
On December 20th, the 2-11 Dolphins upset the 12-1 defending Super Bowl champion Patriots on ABC's Monday Night Football by a score of 29-28. It was a miraculous win for the struggling Dolphins, having never recovered from the loss of Ricky Williams. The stunning upset came in dramatic fashion, with A.J. Feeley throwing a game-winning touchdown to Derrius Thompson on 4th down and 10. The then-normally conservative and traditional Dolphins broke out an unusual bright orange uniform for the game, hoping to change their luck. Thus, the game has become known in some circles as The Night That Courage Wore Orange.