2004 Regular Season

Lore & Background

In 2004, Houston continued its journey in professional football after joining the league as an expansion franchise in 2002. The team had already hosted regular-season games at Reliant Stadium in 2002 and 2003, so the 2004 season was not the city's first taste of NFL action since the Oilers departed. The season was characterized by growing pains, particularly for quarterback David Carr, who faced an immense learning curve under the pressure of leading the offense. Despite the struggles on the scoreboard, wide receiver Andre Johnson—drafted in 2003 and now in his second season—provided a beacon of hope and future stardom. His speed and ability to make contested catches became the identity of the young team's passing game. The Texans' sole victories came against fellow struggling franchises, yet every win was celebrated as a step forward. The 2-14 finish, while statistically poor, laid essential groundwork for the franchise's culture, proving that patience and resilience were required to build a contender in Houston.

In Their Own Story

The humid air of August hung heavy over Reliant Stadium as the first Texans fans filed through the gates, their red jerseys a sea of anticipation. Inside, David Carr adjusted his helmet, the weight of a city's dream resting on his shoulders. The opposing defense loomed large, a wall of pads and aggression testing the resolve of a team that had only practiced together for months.

Reader's Guide

The 2004 roster was constructed primarily through an expansion draft, selecting players who were unprotected by their former teams. This strategy resulted in a mix of veteran leaders like Andre Johnson and rookie sensations, though cohesion remained elusive throughout the year. Head coach Dom Capers implemented a defensive scheme that emphasized aggression, but the unit often struggled to contain established offenses without a fully gelled secondary or pass rush. The offense relied heavily on David Carr's arm talent, yet he was frequently targeted by opposing defenses looking to exploit his inexperience. Pivotal moments included the team's first-ever victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars and their second win later in the season against the New Orleans Saints. These games provided crucial morale boosts, even as the team finished with a 2-14 record, setting the stage for future rebuilding efforts.

Did You Know?

• David Carr started every game for the Texans in 2004, continuing his streak from the 2002 inaugural season.
• Andre Johnson was selected fourth overall in the 2003 NFL Draft and was in his second season in 2004.
• The Texans played their home opener against the San Diego Chargers on September 19, 2004, losing 27-20.
• This season did not mark the first time Houston hosted an NFL regular-season game since the Oilers departed; the Texans had already hosted games in 2002 and 2003.