The 1981 Los Angeles Rams had a competitive season in the NFL.
Here’s a quick look at the key details of the team during that year:
Record:
- Regular Season Record: 6–10
- The Rams finished 4th in the NFC West, which was a tough division at the time.
Head Coach:
- Ray Malavasi was the head coach of the Rams in 1981. He had been with the team since 1976, taking them to the playoffs in several seasons.
Key Players:
- Vince Ferragamo: The quarterback for the Rams during the 1981 season. He was known for being a solid, if unspectacular, leader of the offense.
- Eric Dickerson: While he was drafted by the Rams in 1983, the team was already gearing up to draft him as a future star in the backfield, which was a big part of their offensive plans.
- Lawrence McCutcheon: A running back who had been a key contributor for the Rams before Eric Dickerson’s arrival.
- Jack Youngblood: The legendary defensive end was still a key part of the team in 1981. He had been with the Rams for years and continued to be one of the top defensive players.
Offense:
- The Rams’ offense in 1981 wasn’t the strongest in the league. Vince Ferragamo had his moments, but the team lacked consistency in scoring, which contributed to their losing record. The running game also had its ups and downs.
Defense:
- The Rams had a solid defense, led by the likes of Jack Youngblood and other stalwarts. However, the lack of an explosive offense meant that the defense often had to carry a heavy load, which can be difficult over a full season.
Season Overview:
- The Rams’ 1981 season wasn’t as successful as many had hoped. Despite some strong individual performances, they were unable to secure a playoff berth that year. They faced some stiff competition within their division, and the overall offensive struggles limited their ability to truly compete for a postseason spot.
Post-1981:
- While 1981 wasn’t a playoff year, the Rams rebounded quickly. In 1983, the team drafted Eric Dickerson, who would become one of the best running backs in NFL history. The Rams had a great run in the following years, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance in 1984 (Super Bowl XIV), although they were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
So, while the 1981 Rams season wasn’t a great one, the team laid the groundwork for future success in the coming seasons.
