The 1960 Los Angeles Rams continued their struggles from previous seasons and faced another disappointing year. The team was still dealing with issues on both sides of the ball and had trouble competing in the NFL’s tough Western Division. Here’s an overview of their 1960 season:
Team Overview (1960 Los Angeles Rams):
- Record: 4-8
- Finish: 5th in the Western Division
- Head Coach: Joe Stydahar (11th and final season as head coach)
The 1960 season was another disappointing chapter for the Rams, as they finished with a 4-8 record, marking another year of mediocrity. Despite some individual talent on the roster, the Rams struggled with consistency and were unable to put together a competitive team.
Key Players:
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Norm Van Brocklin (Quarterback):
- Van Brocklin continued as the starting quarterback in 1960, but his age and declining performance were evident. Although still a capable player, his inability to lead the offense with consistency was a significant issue. His play was hampered by a lack of protection from the offensive line and the team’s failure to establish a balanced offensive attack.
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Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch (Wide Receiver):
- Hirsch was still one of the Rams’ top playmakers, and he continued to make his mark as a wide receiver. Despite his ability to create big plays, the Rams’ offense was far too inconsistent to rely on him as a primary offensive weapon. Hirsch’s impact was somewhat limited by the team’s struggles at quarterback and offensive line.
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Tom Fears (Wide Receiver):
- Fears remained a steady presence in the Rams’ receiving corps, known for his route-running ability and sure hands. However, like Hirsch, he was unable to elevate the Rams’ passing game to a competitive level, as the quarterback play and offensive line protection were both weak.
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Les Richter (Linebacker/Fullback):
- Richter continued to be one of the Rams’ best all-around players, contributing both offensively and defensively. He was known for his leadership and toughness, but once again, his individual brilliance was not enough to overcome the overall problems the team faced.
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Dick “Night Train” Lane (Cornerback):
- Lane remained one of the league’s top cornerbacks, known for his physical style of play and ability to make big plays. He was a key contributor on the defensive side of the ball and helped keep the Rams’ defense competitive. However, the defense overall was inconsistent, and the team could not win enough games to stay in playoff contention.
Season Summary:
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Offensive Struggles: As with previous seasons, the Rams’ offense struggled with inconsistency. Van Brocklin was not able to guide the team to sustained offensive success, and the offensive line struggled to provide him with the protection he needed. The running game was also ineffective, and while Hirsch and Fears were capable receivers, the offense as a whole was too erratic to produce enough points.
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Defensive Play: The Rams’ defense, led by players like Lane and Richter, was competitive but not dominant. While Lane was still an elite cornerback, the team’s overall defensive performance was inconsistent. They were often on the field too long because of the offensive struggles, and they could not consistently make stops when needed.
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Key Games: The Rams were competitive in some games, but they were unable to beat the top teams in their division, including the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers. Their inability to win games within the division again kept them out of playoff contention.
Missed Playoffs:
- With a 4-8 record, the Rams finished 5th in the Western Division, once again far from playoff contention. The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears were the dominant teams in the division, and the Rams were not in a position to challenge for the top spots.
Aftermath:
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Joe Stydahar‘s time as head coach came to an end after the 1960 season. Despite having some of the league’s best individual players, the Rams could not compete at a high level, and the team’s struggles led to growing calls for a change in leadership.
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The 1960 season marked the end of Stydahar’s tenure as head coach, and the Rams would look for a new direction in the following years. The team had not made the playoffs in several years, and a new coaching regime would take over in hopes of rebuilding and improving the team’s fortunes.
Legacy:
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The 1960 Rams were another chapter in the team’s decline after their earlier success. Despite having Hall of Fame-caliber players like Van Brocklin, Hirsch, Lane, and Richter, the Rams were unable to put together a consistent and competitive team.
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Stydahar’s departure marked a turning point for the Rams, who were hoping that new leadership would help them return to being a playoff contender.
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While the 1960 season was disappointing, the Rams still had some of the key pieces needed to rebuild, and changes would be made to try to rejuvenate the team. However, they were in need of a major overhaul, particularly on offense, and would look to improve their performance in the coming seasons.
In conclusion, the 1960 Los Angeles Rams faced another year of struggles, finishing with a 4-8 record. Despite the presence of some great individual talents, the team was unable to compete consistently, and changes were inevitable. The Rams would soon enter a period of transition, hoping to rebuild and improve for the future.
