1947 Los Angeles Rams

The 1947 Los Angeles Rams had a memorable season that was marked by strong performances, individual standout players, and the continued evolution of the franchise following their relocation to Los Angeles in 1946. Here’s a breakdown of the 1947 Los Angeles Rams season:

Key Points about the 1947 Los Angeles Rams:

1. Record:

   • The 1947 Rams finished the regular season with an 8-4 record, which was a significant improvement over their performance in 1946 (6-4). They finished in 2nd place in the NFL’s Western Division.
   • The Rams were competitive, but their record was still not enough to win the division, as they finished behind the Chicago Bears.

2. Coaching:

   • Robert “Pete” Cawthon remained the head coach of the Rams for the 1947 season. Under his leadership, the Rams showed improvement, and the team became more competitive. However, Cawthon was ultimately replaced after the 1947 season due to the team’s inability to win a championship or consistently perform at the highest level.

3. Key Players:

   • Bob Waterfield, the Rams’ Hall of Fame quarterback, was the leader of the team’s offense. Waterfield had a strong 1947 season, showcasing his passing skills and leadership on the field.
   • Tom Fears, the future Hall of Fame wide receiver, had a breakout year in 1947. He led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns and became a key weapon for Waterfield.
   • Ace Parker, another talented back, contributed to the offense and was one of the standout players of the era.

4. Team Performance:

   • The 1947 Rams’ offense was potent, led by Bob Waterfield’s passing and the playmaking ability of Tom Fears. They had one of the top offenses in the league.
   • However, the defense was a bit more inconsistent. While the team had a solid defensive lineup, they weren’t quite as dominant on that side of the ball compared to their offensive power.

5. End of the Pete Cawthon Era:

   • Despite the 8-4 record, Pete Cawthon was let go as head coach after the 1947 season. The Rams had shown improvement, but they were still not able to compete for a championship. The team’s ownership and management felt that a new direction was needed, and Joe Stydahar, a former NFL player, was hired as the new head coach for the following season.

6. Notable NFL Developments:

   • The 1947 season was also significant for the league as a whole. The NFL continued to grow in popularity, and the Rams were at the forefront of the league’s expansion into new markets, especially on the West Coast.
   • Teams like the Chicago Bears, New York Yankees, and Green Bay Packers continued to be strong competitors in the league.

7. Playoffs:

   • The 1947 Rams did not make the playoffs. Their 8-4 record was strong but not enough to clinch a spot in the postseason. The Chicago Bears, who won the Western Division that year, went on to represent the division in the NFL Championship Game, where they defeated the New York Giants.

Legacy:

• The 1947 Rams are remembered for their strong offensive performances and the playmaking ability of stars like Bob Waterfield and Tom Fears. While they didn’t win the division or make it to the playoffs, they were a competitive and improving team.
• The team’s performance in 1947 showed promise for the future, but the Rams still needed more consistent play, especially on defense, to make a deeper run in the NFL standings.
• The Rams were beginning to build a strong foundation for future success, and with the move to Los Angeles, the franchise had a bright future ahead of it. The addition of new coaching leadership in the coming seasons would help the team refine its strategy and reach greater heights in the following decades.

Conclusion:

The 1947 Los Angeles Rams had a solid, competitive season with an 8-4 record, showing progress from their inaugural year in Los Angeles. Despite not making the playoffs, the team had a strong offense led by Bob Waterfield and Tom Fears. With their 1947 performance, the Rams laid the groundwork for a future championship-contending team in the years to come, although they would soon undergo changes in leadership to reach that next level of success.

Head Coach: Bob Snyder

• To be listed, a player must have played at least one game for the team during this season.
• * Hall of Fame
• + Primary starter