The 2004 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the tenth season in franchise history, Jack Del Rio's second year as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Byron Leftwich's first full year as starting quarterback. In a time of transition for the franchise, Del Rio's coaching and Leftwich's play helped to pull the Jaguars out of a four season slump to a finish of 9âÂÂ7, placing second in the AFC South. However, they missed the playoffs for the fifth successive season.
In addition to their regular games with AFC South rivals, the Jaguars played teams from the AFC West and NFC North as per the schedule rotation, and also played intraconference games against the Steelers and the Bills based on divisional positions from 2003.
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
A fumble by Colts tight end Dallas Clark allowed the Jaguars to capitalize with a field goal, giving them a 16âÂÂ14 lead as the fourth quarter began. In response, Manning led the Colts down the field to score a field goal, reclaiming the lead. On the subsequent drive, Leftwich connected with Jimmy Smith for a 25âÂÂyard touchdown and then successfully targeted wide receiver Ernest Wilford for a twoâÂÂpoint conversion. The Colts quickly answered back, with Manning finding Marvin Harrison for a 39âÂÂyard touchdown that leveled the score. During the Jaguars next possession, Leftwich completed two passes of over ten yards, advancing into Indianapolis territory. On a 3rdâÂÂandâÂÂ7, Leftwich located Wilford, which positioned the Jaguars within field goal range. KickerJosh Scobee then successfully converted a 53âÂÂyard field goal, allowing the Jaguars to take the lead with under a minute left in the game. With no timeouts left, the Colts were unable to mount a comeback, resulting in a 27âÂÂ24 victory for the Jaguars, marking their first win in Indianapolis. This win propelled them to the top of the AFC South standings. This would ultimately be the Colts' sole defeat in the RCA Dome during the 2004 season.