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This was a Rams team coming off a 10-4 season, where they were favored by some to win it all after going 12-2 in 1973. But disappointing playoff losses to Dallas (27-16) in 1973 and Minnesota (14-10) in 1974 (after a 19-10 playoff victory over Washington, capped by a 58 yard pick 6 by Isaiah Robertson), had some thinking they just weren't good enough. The 73 season was remarkable because following the Miami Dolphins "Perfect Season", the Rams were 5 points from perfection after losing to Minnesota 10-9 in week 7 and Atlanta 15-13 in week 8. In the 74 postseason after beating Washington, the Rams lost to Minnesota with the help of a phantom false start by Tom Mack. Down 7-3, the Rams offense went 98 yards early in the 3rd quarter but the false start backed them up 5 and after a 3 yard scramble by Harris, his pass was tipped and picked off on the next play. Minnesota's offense went on an 80 yard drive to go up 14-3 and Harris hit Harold Jackson on a 44 yard TD but the Rams never threatened again. The 75 season was described this way.....
From the Football Encyclopedia
"The Rams had never jelled into the superpower some people expected but they still had undeniable quality and depth in all phases. The defensive unit, featuring Jack Youngblood and Isaiah Robertson, ranked next to the Minnesota Vikings in frugality of points allowed. The offense had a solid line led by Tom Mack, fine charging runners like Larry McCutcheon, Cullen Bryant, Jim Bertelson and John Cappellleti. James Harris at quarterback was just good enough to lead this club to a runaway victory in the Western Division. Chuck Knox found richeds on his bench when Harris injured his shoulder on December 14th and backup Ron Jaworski took the team to a victory in the finale."
That Rams team lost the opener to Dallas 18-7 and week 8 to SF, 24-23 but won everything else. With Jaws subbing for Harris they dominated the St. Louis Cardinals taking a 28-9 lead into the second half and winning 35-23 and then hosted the Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game. I thought this was going to be the year. James Harris started but was yanked early after a pick and Dallas never looked back winning 37-7. Fans talk about being embarrassed by the 30-3 NFC Championship loss to San Francisco or the 2022 defending Champion Rams season but that loss was the most embarrassing in my memory. And I guess, in a way, it started the 25 year stretch of suffering for Rams fans until the GSOT arrived. We were in for more suffering though, with the 2001 SB where prophetic Ricky Proehl told the camera, "a dynasty will be born tonight!" and that 13-3 loss to those same Patriots in 2018. But Matt Stafford saved the franchise in 2021. And now, in 2025, the Rams may not be THE favorite to win the Superbowl but anybody who sleeps on them should be in for a rude awakening. This team might be one of the best McVay has fielded and could jell into the Superpower team many thought it would 50 years ago, but of course, we're gonna have to wait and see.
One thing is for sure......it is a great time to be a Ram fan.
From the Football Encyclopedia
"The Rams had never jelled into the superpower some people expected but they still had undeniable quality and depth in all phases. The defensive unit, featuring Jack Youngblood and Isaiah Robertson, ranked next to the Minnesota Vikings in frugality of points allowed. The offense had a solid line led by Tom Mack, fine charging runners like Larry McCutcheon, Cullen Bryant, Jim Bertelson and John Cappellleti. James Harris at quarterback was just good enough to lead this club to a runaway victory in the Western Division. Chuck Knox found richeds on his bench when Harris injured his shoulder on December 14th and backup Ron Jaworski took the team to a victory in the finale."
That Rams team lost the opener to Dallas 18-7 and week 8 to SF, 24-23 but won everything else. With Jaws subbing for Harris they dominated the St. Louis Cardinals taking a 28-9 lead into the second half and winning 35-23 and then hosted the Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game. I thought this was going to be the year. James Harris started but was yanked early after a pick and Dallas never looked back winning 37-7. Fans talk about being embarrassed by the 30-3 NFC Championship loss to San Francisco or the 2022 defending Champion Rams season but that loss was the most embarrassing in my memory. And I guess, in a way, it started the 25 year stretch of suffering for Rams fans until the GSOT arrived. We were in for more suffering though, with the 2001 SB where prophetic Ricky Proehl told the camera, "a dynasty will be born tonight!" and that 13-3 loss to those same Patriots in 2018. But Matt Stafford saved the franchise in 2021. And now, in 2025, the Rams may not be THE favorite to win the Superbowl but anybody who sleeps on them should be in for a rude awakening. This team might be one of the best McVay has fielded and could jell into the Superpower team many thought it would 50 years ago, but of course, we're gonna have to wait and see.
One thing is for sure......it is a great time to be a Ram fan.