Miami Dolphins

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Lore & Background

The narrative of the 2004 Dolphins is one of sudden collapse and resilient defiance. After starting the season 0–6, the team faced career-ending injuries to fullback Rob Konrad and defensive tackle Tim Bowens, while also dealing with external disruptions like two games postponed due to Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Jeanne. Despite these setbacks, a singular moment of brilliance emerged in Week 15 on December 20, known as "The Night That Courage Wore Orange." In this Monday Night Football showdown, the 2–11 Dolphins upset the 12–1 New England Patriots, the defending Super Bowl champions. Quarterback A. J. Feeley connected with Derrius Thompson for a game-winning touchdown on 4th down and 10 late in the fourth quarter. Shortly after, Arturo Freeman sealed the victory by intercepting Tom Brady, handing the Patriots only their second loss of the season.

In Their Own Story

Week 6 presented a unique historical anomaly when the Dolphins met the Buffalo Bills; it was the only time since 1968 that the NFL's last two winless teams faced each other. However, the season is forever defined by the December 20 victory over New England. Bleacher Report writer Thomas Galicia coined the nickname "The Night That Courage Wore Orange" for this dramatic upset. The game showcased a team that refused to fold despite a 0–6 start and the departure of their head coach, proving they could still compete with the league's best when it mattered most.

Reader's Guide

For fans revisiting this specific season, the key turning points are the coaching transition from Dave Wannstedt to Jim Bates after nine games and the pivotal upset against the Patriots. The roster was decimated by injuries to Rob Konrad and Tim Bowens, while Ricky Williams' retirement significantly altered the offensive landscape. The trade of Adewale Ogunleye for Marty Booker also shifted the team's dynamic. Weather played an unusual role, with two regular-season games postponed due to hurricanes. Historically, this season is noted for the Week 6 meeting between winless teams and the specific date of the Patriots upset: December 20, 2004.

Did You Know?

• In Week 6 of the 2004 season, the Dolphins played the Buffalo Bills in the only time since 1968 that the NFL's last two winless teams met.
• The famous upset against the Patriots on December 20, 2004, was nicknamed "The Night That Courage Wore Orange" by Bleacher Report writer Thomas Galicia.
• Two of the Dolphins' games in the 2004 season were postponed due to Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Jeanne.
• The 2004 season marked the first time since 1988 that the Miami Dolphins finished with a losing record.
• A. J. Feeley threw the game-winning touchdown to Derrius Thompson on 4th down and 10 during the upset victory over New England.