Los Angeles Rams in the 1970's
In January 1970, the Rams defeat Dallas in the Playoff Bowl, propelling them into their 25th season. George Allen's contract with the Rams is not renewed after finishing second behind the 49ers with a 9-4-1 record. 1970 All-Pro selections include Merlin Olsen, Deacon Jones, Eddie Meador, and Bob Brown.
In 1972, Carroll Rosenbloom acquires the Los Angeles Rams and begins making changes. First, he hires former Detroit Assistant Coach Chuck Knox, who leads the Rams to a 12-2 season, the most wins in franchise history. As a result, Knox is named "Coach of the Year."
Their new quarterback, former San Diego Charger John Hadl, is named NFC "Player of the Year." Joe Scibelli, Harold Jackson, Jack Youngblood, Tom Mack, and Isiah Robertson join Hadl on the All-Pro First Team. The Rams win the NFC West title but lose to Dallas in the first round of the playoffs.
Rosenbloom also introduced changes to the uniforms, returning to the classic blue and gold style.
After a 3-2 start in 1974, a dramatic move stuns the football world — the Rams trade Quarterback John Hadl to Green Bay for five draft picks. James Harris, Hadl's backup, takes over as starter and leads the Rams to a 10-4 record, their second consecutive NFC Western title, and their first playoff victory since 1951. Unfortunately, they are defeated 14-10 by Minnesota in the NFC final game. Merlin Olsen is named MVP with the Bert Bell Trophy.
With a 12-2 season, the Rams capture their third consecutive NFC Western title in 1975. Along with Tom Mack and Isiah Robertson, Jack Youngblood is chosen NFC Defensive Player of the Year and wins first-team All-Pro honors.
After defeating St. Louis in the playoffs, the Rams end up losing to Dallas in the '75 NFC Championship Game. In 1975, the Rams have the greatest three-year record in the NFL, with a 34-8 record.
With a 10-3-1 record in 1976, the Rams won the NFC West for the fourth year in a row. Quarterback injuries wreak havoc on the season, as rookie Pat Haden becomes Knox's fourth different playoff quarterback in four years. The Rams' 351 points in '76 are the highest in the NFC. All-Pro honors go to Jack Youngblood, Isiah Robertson, and Monte Jackson.
The Rams (10-4) win their sixth consecutive division title in '77, despite a 14-7 playoff defeat by Minnesota in the Coliseum. In addition, Lawrence McCutcheon sets a new club career rushing record of 5,523 yards.
Ray Malavasi takes over as head coach and leads the team to a 12-4 record, tying an NFL record for most consecutive division titles. The Rams beat Minnesota 34-10 in the playoffs, but Dallas wins the NFC title.
Facing several injuries, the Rams win their seventh straight division title in 1979, tying an NFL record. The team then defeats Dallas (21-19) and Tampa Bay (9-0) in the NFC Playoffs. In Super Bowl XIV, the Rams lose 31-19 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A custom throwback NFL Rams jersey is the perfect way to honor this unforgettable decade for the Los Angeles Rams.