Expectations were high for Mike Holmgren’s squad following a playoff appearance the prior year. The 2004 Seattle Seahawks entered the season determined to assert dominance over the NFC West. General manager Bob Ferguson added free agent defensive end Grant Wistrom and drafted tackle Sean Locklear to fortify the lines. The Seahawks experienced a mixed regular season campaign, finishing with a 9-7 record. Despite their erratic play, Seattle captured the NFC West division title. However, their journey ended abruptly in the opening round of the postseason, leaving a lingering sense of unfinished business.

Seattle’s offense operated a balanced West Coast system again, ranking eighth in yards with 5,634 and 12th in scoring with 371 points (23.2 ppg). Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck started 14 games, throwing for 3,382 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. The engine of the unit was running back Shaun Alexander, who rushed for 1,696 yards and accounted for 20 total touchdowns. Wide receiver Darrell Jackson served as the primary deep threat, logging 87 receptions for 1,199 yards and seven scores, while the legendary Jerry Rice joined midseason to contribute three touchdowns and 362 yards.

Ray Rhodes’ defensive unit struggled with consistency, surrendering 373 points to finish 22nd in scoring defense conceding 23.3 per contest. While the front four struggled to stop the run, defensive end Chike Okeafor provided a reliable pass rush, leading the team with 8.5 sacks. The strength of the defense lay in an opportunistic secondary that helped rank the unit third in interceptions with a total of 23. Cornerback Ken Lucas led the team with six picks, Marcus Trufant added five and safety Ken Hamlin secured four to fuel an impressive 35 forced turnovers.

The regular season was full of dramatic streaks. Seattle started hot at 3-0, including a 34-0 shutout of the San Francisco 49ers. Momentum shifted in Week 5 against the St. Louis Rams, where a fourth-quarter collapse led to a 33-27 overtime loss and a three-game slide with further loses to the Patriots and Cardinals. After erratic late-season losses to Buffalo and Dallas, Holmgren’s group showed resolve. Crucial victories over the Vikings and Cardinals set up a Week 17 win against the Atlanta Falcons to clinch the division title.

The postseason brought a bitter conclusion in the NFC Wild Card round against the St. Louis Rams. Seattle fell short in a tight 27-20 home loss, cementing a three-game seasonal sweep by their division rivals. In the loss, Hasselbeck threw for 341 yards and Jackson grabbed 12 passes but it wasn't enough. Reflecting on the season the team showcased individual brilliance; Shaun Alexander and guard Steve Hutchinson earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro accolades as this campaign set the baseline for the franchise’s conference championship run the following year.