1979 Los Angeles Rams
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1979 Los Angeles Rams

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The 1979 Los Angeles Rams had one of their most successful seasons in recent history, culminating in a trip to the Super Bowl. It marked a significant improvement for the team, especially in terms of offensive production, while their defense continued to be strong.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of their 1979 campaign:

1979 Los Angeles Rams Overview:

  • Regular Season Record: 9–7
  • Head Coach: Chuck Knox
  • Key Players:
    • Pat Haden (Quarterback): Pat Haden continued to be the starter and showed significant growth as a leader. While not a flashy quarterback, Haden made the key throws and decisions that helped guide the Rams to success.
    • Eric Dickerson (Running Back): This season marked the emergence of Eric Dickerson, who would go on to become one of the NFL’s all-time great running backs. In his rookie year, Dickerson quickly became a star and provided a dynamic presence in the Rams’ backfield.
    • Jack Youngblood (Defensive End): A staple of the Rams’ defense for years, Youngblood remained one of the league’s premier pass rushers and a key defensive leader.
    • Fred Dryer (Defensive End): Along with Youngblood, Dryer continued to be a vital part of the Rams’ defensive line, helping to keep opposing offenses in check.

Key Achievements:

  • Strong Defensive Play: The Rams’ defense remained one of the best in the NFL, led by their fearsome front line, including Jack Youngblood and Fred Dryer. They ranked among the league leaders in total defense, and their ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback were key assets.

  • Offensive Improvement: While the offense had been a weak point in past seasons, the Rams’ offense in 1979 was much more balanced. This was particularly due to the addition of Eric Dickerson, who quickly became one of the league’s top running backs, giving the Rams an explosive threat in the backfield.

  • NFC Championship: The Rams managed to win the NFC Championship, securing a 9–7 regular-season record and advancing to their first Super Bowl appearance since the 1969 season. It was a significant achievement for a team that had often been plagued by offensive struggles in previous years.

Playoffs:

  • NFC Wild Card Game: The Rams faced the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round. They won this game 21–19, in a thrilling contest where the Rams were able to come from behind in the second half to secure the victory.

  • NFC Divisional Round: In the Divisional Round, the Rams played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They won this game 9–0, with a dominant defensive performance, shutting out the Buccaneers and earning a trip to the NFC Championship.

  • NFC Championship: The Rams faced the Dallas Cowboys again, this time in the NFC Championship game. The Rams won 23–19, avenging their earlier loss to the Cowboys in the regular season and securing a trip to the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XIV:

  • The 1979 Los Angeles Rams played in Super Bowl XIV against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite a strong defensive performance and a late push, the Rams were defeated 31–19.
  • The Rams’ offense was able to move the ball but struggled in key moments, while the Steelers, led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw, made crucial plays when it mattered most.
  • Despite the loss, reaching the Super Bowl was a huge accomplishment for the Rams, as it was their first appearance in the big game since the 1969 season. The Rams’ defense kept them in the game, but their offense ultimately couldn’t keep pace with the Steelers’ high-powered attack.

Offensive Highlights:

  • Eric Dickerson, in his rookie season, became an immediate star, rushing for 1,808 yards—an impressive total for a first-year player. He quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic and dangerous running backs in the league.
  • Pat Haden’s steady play helped the Rams stay competitive, even though they weren’t known for their offensive explosiveness. Haden’s ability to manage the game and rely on the defense and Dickerson’s running game allowed the Rams to be successful.

Defense:

  • The Rams’ defense was again one of the top units in the league, particularly in the NFC Championship win over Dallas and their shutout victory over Tampa Bay.
  • The defensive line, featuring Jack Youngblood and Fred Dryer, was one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the league. They continued to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks and helped keep games close when the offense struggled.

Notable Moments:

  • The 1979 Rams overcame a midseason stretch of inconsistency to become one of the most formidable teams in the league by the end of the season.
  • The emergence of Eric Dickerson in his rookie year was one of the highlights of the season, and his dynamic running style became a key part of the Rams’ success.
  • The Rams’ NFC Championship win over the Cowboys was a dramatic moment for the team, as they had to overcome one of their toughest opponents to make it to the Super Bowl.

Summary:

The 1979 Los Angeles Rams had a successful and memorable season, finishing with a 9–7 record and advancing to Super Bowl XIV. Despite a tough loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl, the Rams had a strong year. Their defense remained one of the best in the league, while the emergence of Eric Dickerson on offense was a game-changer. The team’s journey to the Super Bowl was a major achievement, marking the pinnacle of the Chuck Knox era and setting the stage for the future of the franchise.

Head Coach: Ray Malavasi

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

Pos # Player GP GS Start Pos Exp DOB Ht Wt College
LB George Andrews 16 R 11/28/1955 ‘ “ Nebraska
G/T Bill Bain 8 4 08/09/1952 ‘ “ Southern California
DT Larry Brooks 16 8 06/10/1950 ‘ “ Virginia State
DB Eddie Brown 16 6 02/19/1952 ‘ “ Tennessee
LB Bob Brudzinski 16 3 01/01/1955 ‘ “ Ohio State
RB Cullen Bryant 16 7 05/20/1951 ‘ “ Colorado
P Ken Clark 16 1 05/26/1948 ‘ “ St. Mary’s (Canada)
K Frank Corral 16 2 06/16/1955 ‘ “ UCLA
DB Nolan Cromwell 16 3 01/30/1955 ‘ “ Kansas
WR Preston Dennard 15 2 11/28/1955 ‘ “ New Mexico
DE/DT Reggie Doss 16 2 12/07/1956 ‘ “ Hampton (VA)
DE Fred Dryer 16 11 07/06/1946 ‘ “ San Diego State
DB Bill Dunstan 10 6 01/03/1949 ‘ “ Utah State
DB Ken Ellis 3 9 09/27/1947 ‘ “ Southern
DB Dave Elmendorf 16 9 06/20/1949 ‘ “ Texas A&M
DT/DE Mike Fanning 16 5 02/02/1953 ‘ “ Notre Dame
QB Vince Ferragamo 8 3 04/24/1954 ‘ “ Nebraska
T Doug France 16 5 04/26/1953 ‘ “ Ohio State
T Gordon Gravelle 8 8 06/12/1949 ‘ “ Brigham Young
QB Pat Haden 10 4 01/23/1953 ‘ “ Southern California
G/C Dennis Harrah 13 5 03/09/1953 ‘ “ Miami (FL)
LB Joe Harris 13 3 12/06/1952 ‘ “ Georgia Tech
WR Drew Hill 16 R 10/05/1956 ‘ “ Georgia Tech
RB Eddie Hill 16 R 05/13/1957 ‘ “ Memphis
G/T Kent Hill 16 R 03/07/1957 ‘ “ Georgia Tech
WR Ron Jessie 6 9 02/04/1948 ‘ “ Kansas
RB Jim Jodat 7 3 03/03/1954 ‘ “ Carthage
DB Sidney Justin 13 1 08/14/1954 ‘ “ Long Beach State
QB/P Bob Lee 3 11 08/07/1945 ‘ “ University of Pacific
RB Lawrence McCutcheon 11 8 06/02/1950 ‘ “ Colorado State
LB Kevin McLain 10 4 09/15/1954 ‘ “ Colorado State
WR Willie Miller 3 4 04/26/1947 ‘ “ Colorado State
TE Terry Nelson 16 7 05/20/1951 ‘ “ Arkansas – Pine Bluff
DB Ricky Odom 3 2 09/16/1956 ‘ “ Southern California
DB Dwayne O’Steen 16 2 12/20/1954 ‘ “ San Jose State
RB Elvis Peacock 11 1 11/07/1956 ‘ “ Oklahoma
DB Rod Perry 9 5 09/11/1953 ‘ “ Colorado
LB Jack Reynolds 16 10 11/22/1947 ‘ “ Tennessee
QB Jeff Rutledge 3 R 01/22/1957 ‘ “ Alabama
C Dan Ryczek 16 7 08/24/1949 ‘ “ Virginia
C/G/T/LB Rich Saul 16 10 02/05/1948 ‘ “ Michigan State
DB Jeff Severson 1 7 09/16/1949 ‘ “ Long Beach State
T * Jackie Slater 16 4 05/27/1954 ‘ “ Jackson State
C/G/T Doug Smith 4 2 11/25/1956 ‘ “ Bowling Green State
WR Ron Smith 12 2 11/20/1956 ‘ “ San Diego State
DB Ivory Sully 8 1 06/20/1957 ‘ “ Delaware
DB Pat Thomas 8 4 09/01/1954 ‘ “ Texas A&M
RB Wendell Tyler 16 3 05/20/1955 ‘ “ UCLA
WR Billy Waddy 13 3 02/19/1954 ‘ “ Colorado
DB Jackie Wallace 4 6 03/13/1951 ‘ “ Arizona
LB Greg Westbrooks 5 5 02/24/1953 ‘ “ Colorado
DE Jerry Wilkinson 16 R 02/27/1956 ‘ “ Oregon State
T/G/DE John Williams 11 12 10/27/1945 ‘ “ Minnesota
TE Charle Young 15 7 02/05/1951 ‘ “ Southern California
DE * Jack Youngblood 16 9 01/26/1950 ‘ “ Florida
LB Jim Youngblood 16 7 02/23/1950 ‘ “ Tennessee Tech

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