Game story
In Week 16 of the 2004 NFL season on 2004-12-26, the Seattle Seahawks took care of business against the Arizona Cardinals, pulling away with a 24–21 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. McCown (Arizona Cardinals) paced the passing game, with +2.10 total EPA.
On the individual side, A. Boldin (Arizona Cardinals) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.88 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+12.9% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Arizona Cardinals changed the game: (2:37) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-J.McCown pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 21 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 0 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 A. Boldin · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +9.88 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.41 EPA/play
- 2 L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +8.69 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.17 EPA/play
- 3 D. Jackson · Seattle Seahawks · Receiving · +6.17 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
- 4 B. Johnson · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +4.78 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.19 EPA/play
- 5 S. Alexander · Seattle Seahawks · Rushing · +4.29 total EPA · 30 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
- 6 J. McCown · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +2.10 total EPA · 38 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
- 7 O. Ayanbadejo · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.90 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
- 8 R. Hannam · Seattle Seahawks · Receiving · +1.64 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.64 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
A. Boldin — ARI · Receiving
A. Boldin posted the highest total EPA (+9.88) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Arizona Cardinals's efficiency. Across 7 counted snaps, they averaged +1.41 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.90 EPA) came from Arizona Cardinals: (:25) 12-J.McCown pass intended for 11-L.Fitzgerald INTERCEPTED by 21-K.Lucas at SEA 0. Touchback.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Arizona Cardinals — A. Boldin (J. McCown pass)
- Seattle Seahawks — S. Alexander
- Seattle Seahawks — S. Alexander
- Seattle Seahawks — S. Alexander
- Arizona Cardinals — L. Fitzgerald (J. McCown pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — L. Fitzgerald (J. McCown pass)
Field goals
- Seattle Seahawks — J. Brown
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 7–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the SEA 31 (Q1 49:31) — (4:31) 12-J.McCown pass to 81-A.Boldin for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the SEA 2 (Q1 49:23) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player..
The second quarter: Seattle Seahawks won the period 10–0. Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q2 34:51); Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 34:44) — 3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-52-J.Darche, Holder-13-K.Walter.; Seattle Seahawks connected on a field goal from the ARI 16 (Q2 30:03) — (:03) 3-J.Brown 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-52-J.Darche, Holder-13-K.Walter..
The third quarter: Seattle Seahawks won the period 7–0. Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the ARI 17 (Q3 18:13) — (3:13) 37-S.Alexander right guard for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 18:06) — 3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-52-J.Darche, Holder-13-K.Walter..
The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 14–7. Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the ARI 23 (Q4 14:57) — (14:57) 37-S.Alexander right end for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q4 14:50) — 3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-52-J.Darche, Holder-13-K.Walter.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the SEA 29 (Q4 11:40) — (11:40) 12-J.McCown pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the SEA 2 (Q4 11:32) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the SEA 29 (Q4 2:37) — (2:37) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-J.McCown pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the SEA 2 (Q4 2:30) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 2:37) — (2:37) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-J.McCown pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 45:25) — (:25) 12-J.McCown pass intended for 11-L.Fitzgerald INTERCEPTED by 21-K.Lucas at SEA 0. Touchback.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 21:40) — (6:40) 12-J.McCown sacked at ARI 45 for -11 yards (56-C.Okeafor). FUMBLES (56-C.Okeafor), recovered by ARI-65-A.Clement at ARI 47. 65-A.Clement to ARI 47 for no gain (99-R.Bernard).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 50:15) — (5:15) 12-J.McCown pass to 81-A.Boldin to SEA 31 for 14 yards (42-K.Richard, 33-M.Manuel).
- Seattle Seahawks (Q4 2:18) — (2:18) 4-T.Dilfer left end to SEA 31 for 7 yards. FUMBLES, ball out of bounds at SEA 32.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 45:25) — (:25) 12-J.McCown pass intended for 11-L.Fitzgerald INTERCEPTED by 21-K.Lucas at SEA 0. Touchback.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 2:37) — (2:37) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-J.McCown pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 11:40) — (11:40) 12-J.McCown pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 49:31) — (4:31) 12-J.McCown pass to 81-A.Boldin for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
J.McCown led all passers in efficiency for Arizona Cardinals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.McCown (Arizona Cardinals) · 38 dropbacks · 55.3% completion · +0.06 EPA/play · +2.10 total EPA
- T.Dilfer (Seattle Seahawks) · 29 dropbacks · 34.5% completion · -0.21 EPA/play · -6.15 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Arizona Cardinals | Seattle Seahawks |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.030 | -0.028 |
| Offensive success rate | 48.8% | 41.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.039 | -0.197 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.077 | +0.127 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.028 | +0.030 |
| Defensive success rate | 58.1% | 51.2% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Arizona Cardinals -0.03, Seattle Seahawks -0.03) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Arizona Cardinals: 13 drives, -2.56 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Seattle Seahawks: 14 drives, -2.38 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Seattle Seahawks leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- A. Boldin (Arizona Cardinals) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q1 49:31 · SEA 31 · Score 6-0
(4:31) 12-J.McCown pass to 81-A.Boldin for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q1 49:23 · SEA 2 · Score 7-0
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q2 34:51 · ARI 1 · Score 7-6
(4:51) 37-S.Alexander left guard to ARI 1 for no gain (54-G.Hayes). FUMBLES (54-G.Hayes), and recovers at ARI 0. TOUCHDOWN. Play Challenged by ARI and Upheld. ( - Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q2 34:44 · ARI 2 · Score 7-7
3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-52-J.Darche, Holder-13-K.Walter. - Seattle Seahawks FG (+3) — Q2 30:03 · ARI 16 · Score 7-10
(:03) 3-J.Brown 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-52-J.Darche, Holder-13-K.Walter. - Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q3 18:13 · ARI 17 · Score 7-16
(3:13) 37-S.Alexander right guard for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q3 18:06 · ARI 2 · Score 7-17
3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-52-J.Darche, Holder-13-K.Walter. - Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q4 14:57 · ARI 23 · Score 7-23
(14:57) 37-S.Alexander right end for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q4 14:50 · ARI 2 · Score 7-24
3-J.Brown extra point is GOOD, Center-52-J.Darche, Holder-13-K.Walter. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 11:40 · SEA 29 · Score 13-24
(11:40) 12-J.McCown pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 11:32 · SEA 2 · Score 14-24
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 2:37 · SEA 29 · Score 20-24
(2:37) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-J.McCown pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 2:30 · SEA 2 · Score 21-24
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks?
The Seattle Seahawks beat the Arizona Cardinals 24-21 in Week 16, 2004 on 2004-12-26.
What was the final score of Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks?
The final score was Arizona Cardinals 21, Seattle Seahawks 24 (ARI 21-24 SEA) in Week 16, 2004 on 2004-12-26.
What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks?
Q1: Arizona Cardinals 7, Seattle Seahawks 0; Q2: Arizona Cardinals 0, Seattle Seahawks 10; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 0, Seattle Seahawks 7; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 14, Seattle Seahawks 7; Final: Arizona Cardinals 21, Seattle Seahawks 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks?
Arizona Cardinals touchdown — A. Boldin (J. McCown pass) (Q1 49:31) Seattle Seahawks touchdown — S. Alexander (Q2 34:51) Seattle Seahawks touchdown — S. Alexander (Q3 18:13) Seattle Seahawks touchdown — S. Alexander (Q4 14:57) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Fitzgerald (J. McCown pass) (Q4 11:40) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Fitzgerald (J. McCown pass) (Q4 2:37) Seattle Seahawks field goal — J. Brown (Q2 30:03, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks?
J. McCown (Arizona Cardinals), 55.3% completion, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +2.10 total passing EPA. T. Dilfer (Seattle Seahawks), 34.5% completion, -0.21 EPA per dropback, -6.15 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks?
A. Boldin (Arizona Cardinals) led the game in total EPA with +9.88 on receiving plays. across 7 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.90 EPA): (:25) 12-J.McCown pass intended for 11-L.Fitzgerald INTERCEPTED by 21-K.Lucas at SEA 0. Touchback.. The biggest win-probability swing was +12.9%.
Was Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Seattle Seahawks won 24-21 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Arizona Cardinals
Entered 5-9 Now 5-10 L
Seattle Seahawks
Entered 7-7 Now 8-7 W
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