1963 Los Angeles Rams

The 1963 Los Angeles Rams had a notable season, finishing with a 11–1–2 record, which was one of their best performances during the 1960s. This season marked a big step forward for the team, particularly in terms of their defensive prowess. Here’s an overview of the 1963 Rams:

Team Overview:

• The team was still coached by Harland Svare, who had led the Rams since 1960.
• They played their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
• The Rams finished second in the NFL Western Conference, but their record still wasn’t enough to make it to the playoffs, as only one team from each conference would qualify.

Performance:

• With an 11-1-2 record, the Rams were one of the top teams in the NFL, and this was their most successful regular-season finish since moving to Los Angeles.
• The team’s defense was a key factor in their success. The Rams had one of the top defenses in the league, and their “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line—featuring Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, Lamar Lundy, and Rosie Grier—began to form, though they were still not at the peak of their dominance.

Key Players:

• Norm Van Brocklin: The veteran quarterback, at the age of 36, led the team for much of the season. Although his play was not as sharp as it had been in previous years, he still provided stability under center.
• Deacon Jones: In 1963, Jones was starting to become one of the league’s most feared pass rushers, and his dominance on the defensive line began to shine through. He earned the first of many Pro Bowl selections.
• Merlin Olsen: The young defensive tackle had already shown his potential and was becoming one of the top interior defensive players in the NFL.
• Tom Fears: The veteran wide receiver still contributed to the offense, providing leadership and solid hands in the passing game.
• Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch: While no longer in his prime, Hirsch was still a valuable weapon on offense.
• Lamar Lundy and Rosie Grier: As part of the “Fearsome Foursome,” these two defensive linemen played a big role in the team’s dominant defense.

Notable Events:

• The Rams’ 11-1-2 record was impressive, but they fell just short of making it to the NFL Championship game because of the playoff format at the time, where only one team from each conference advanced to the postseason.
• The “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line, while not yet in its most famous form, started to come together. This defensive front would later become one of the most famous in NFL history in the mid-to-late 1960s.
• Despite the strong season, the Rams couldn’t overcome the Green Bay Packers, who finished the season with a 11-2-1 record, winning the NFL Western Conference and advancing to the playoffs.

Legacy:

• The 1963 season is one of the high points for the Rams in the early 1960s, as they established a reputation for a tough, hard-hitting defense.
• While they didn’t make the playoffs, their performance set the stage for future success, especially on defense. The Rams would continue to build on the defensive dominance that would make them a contender throughout the rest of the decade.

The 1963 Los Angeles Rams were a team on the rise, and although they did not reach the ultimate goal of a playoff appearance, their impressive season marked the beginning of an era where their defense would become legendary.

Head Coach: Harland Svare

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