The 1955 Los Angeles Rams experienced a season of decline, finishing with a disappointing record and missing out on the playoffs. Here’s a detailed look at their season:
Team Overview (1955 Los Angeles Rams):
- Record: 5-6-1
- Finish: 4th in the Western Division
- Head Coach: Joe Stydahar (sixth season as head coach)
The Rams’ 1955 season was a stark contrast to their earlier successes. After several years of strong playoff contention, they failed to make a significant impact this season, finishing with a losing record and ending up in the middle of the pack in the highly competitive Western Division. The team’s performance was inconsistent, and they were unable to reach the level of play needed to contend for a playoff spot.
Key Players:
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Norm Van Brocklin (Quarterback):
- Van Brocklin remained the starting quarterback, but his performance in 1955 was not up to the standard of previous seasons. He struggled with consistency and was often unable to lead the offense effectively. While he still had flashes of brilliance, the team as a whole underperformed.
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Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch (Wide Receiver):
- Hirsch, one of the best receivers of his era, continued to be the top target in the passing game. However, due to the inconsistency of the offense, his impact was somewhat limited, and he couldn’t carry the team the way he had in earlier seasons.
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Tom Fears (Wide Receiver):
- Fears, another reliable receiver, was still a key contributor, but like Hirsch, he was affected by the team’s offensive struggles. The passing game as a whole was not as explosive as in previous years.
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Les Richter (Linebacker/Fullback):
- Richter remained one of the team’s more consistent and versatile players, contributing on both sides of the ball. His leadership and all-around play were important for the Rams, but even his efforts couldn’t elevate the team into the playoff race.
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Dick “Night Train” Lane (Cornerback):
- Lane continued to be a dominant presence in the secondary. Known for his ability to make big plays and his tough, physical style of defense, Lane was one of the few bright spots on the Rams’ defense during the 1955 season.
Season Summary:
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Offensive Struggles: The Rams’ offense was inconsistent throughout the season. Van Brocklin struggled with turnovers and was unable to establish a reliable passing game. While Hirsch and Fears were still talented playmakers, the Rams’ offensive line struggled, and the running game wasn’t able to generate consistent yards either. This lack of offensive cohesion was a major factor in the team’s subpar performance.
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Defensive Play: The Rams’ defense, led by Lane and Richter, was solid but not exceptional. The defense kept the team in games at times, but they were often on the field too long due to the offensive inefficiencies. Their inability to stop opposing offenses when it mattered most contributed to their poor record.
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Key Games: The Rams had several close games but lost key matchups against strong divisional rivals, such as the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions. Their inability to win crucial games led to their 5-6-1 finish.
Missed Playoffs:
- The Rams’ 5-6-1 record placed them in fourth place in the Western Division. The top two teams in each division advanced to the playoffs, and the Rams were nowhere near that level of competition this season. The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears had much stronger records, leaving the Rams out of the postseason once again.
Aftermath:
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The 1955 season was a turning point for the Rams. After a string of successful seasons in the early 1950s, the team faced a significant decline. The offense and defense both regressed, and the Rams were unable to maintain their place as a top contender in the NFL.
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Head coach Joe Stydahar continued to struggle with finding the right formula for success. His leadership was questioned, and it seemed clear that the Rams were in need of a change if they hoped to return to their previous level of competitiveness.
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Roster Changes: The Rams made moves in the following years to improve the team, including adjustments in personnel and strategy, though it would take a few more years for the team to become a true contender again.
Legacy:
- The 1955 season is often seen as a year of transition and disappointment for the Rams, marking the end of their dominance in the early 1950s. Despite the struggles, key players like Van Brocklin, Hirsch, Fears, and Lane remained among the NFL’s best, though their individual performances couldn’t overcome the team’s overall shortcomings.
Though the Rams had a tough season in 1955, this period of decline would eventually lead to an overhaul in the coming years, as the team retooled for future success.
