2004 New York Jets season

The 2004 New York Jets season was the franchise's 35th season in the National Football League and the 45th season overall.

The season began when the jets were attempting to improve on their 6–10 2003 record. The Jets started the season by winning their first five games, which was a franchise record. They ultimately finished 10–6, and clinched the fifth seed in the playoffs, reaching the postseason for the third time in four seasons.

They upset the AFC West champion San Diego Chargers in the Wild Card round, winning in overtime 20–17, but would lose in the Divisional round to the Pittsburgh Steelers, also by a score 20–17 in overtime.

The Jets were granted the 12th pick in the first round of the NFL Draft by virtue of their 6–10 record in 2003. They used this pick to take linebacker Jonathan Vilma from the University of Miami. They were also granted the maximum four compensatory draft picks as a result of losing premium free agents before the 2003 season.

The major story heading into this game was the professional debut of Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer. However, the Jets' offense, led by running back Curtis Martin, spearheaded the Jets' victory. After an early fumble led to a Bengals touchdown, the Jets took the lead late in the first quarter and never trailed. Martin ran for 196 yards and a touchdown, as well as a touchdown reception, and was an opening day record for Jets running backs. Quarterback Chad Pennington, making his first opening day start in his career, threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns and was an efficient 20-for-27 passing.

The Jets got out to a 20-point lead before holding off a second-half comeback by San Diego. Two Curtis Martin touchdowns helped stake New York to a 17–0 lead, which grew to 27–7 after a field goal and a touchdown pass from Chad Pennington to Jerald Sowell. The Chargers finally responded late in the third quarter with a four-yard touchdown run from LaDainian Tomlinson, followed by a 33-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Drew Brees to Reche Caldwell. A one-yard touchdown pass from Pennington to Chris Baker in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach for San Diego.

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