However, despite the Steelers playing their third stringers (which, notably, included Willie Parker, who would have his breakout performance in the game) and having a 17–16 lead in the fourth quarter, Buffalo lost 29–24 and subsequently missed the playoffs.
[2] The Bills set an NFL record by returning six kicks (3 punts + 3 kickoffs) for touchdowns in 2004.
[3] The Bills failed to re-sign guard Ruben Brown and cornerback Antoine Winfield Sr.
To replace the departed players, the Bills signed former Chicago Bears guard Chris Villarrial and former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Troy Vincent.
Buffalo also signed undrafted tight end Jason Peters from Arkansas and converted him into a Pro Bowl offensive tackle.