The 2004 season was the New York Giants' 80th in the National Football League (NFL) and their first under head coach Tom Coughlin.

Longtime veteran defensive tackle Keith Hamilton, the longest-tenured Giant on the roster, would also retire.

The Giants also selected former Boston College offensive guard Chris Snee, Auburn linebacker Reggie Torbor, and strong safety Gibril Wilson.

[2] Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams Reserve Although the Giants had traded for Eli Manning, the season began with veteran quarterback and former league MVP Kurt Warner as the starter.

After a season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Warner and the Giants enjoyed surprising success, starting a four-game winning streak that included road victories over the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers.

After another loss, this time on the road against the Arizona Cardinals, Giants coach Tom Coughlin decided to replace Warner with Manning.

The decision did not show immediate success, as the Giants turned the ball over ten times in the next four games, scoring a total of 37 points.

Manning threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes, and Tiki Barber scored the game winner.