1987 Los Angeles Rams

The 1987 Los Angeles Rams had a season that was marked by both highs and lows. While the Rams had a solid record, the season was affected by a players’ strike and inconsistent performances.

Here’s a detailed overview of their 1987 season:

Record:

• Regular Season Record: 6–9
• The Rams finished 3rd in the NFC West behind the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints. The team’s 6-9 record was disappointing, especially given their competitive nature in previous seasons.

Key Points of the 1987 Season:

• The NFL players’ strike in 1987 caused a significant disruption to the season, with three games missed due to the strike. The strike led to the use of replacement players for those games, which affected the Rams and the entire league’s competition and dynamics.

Playoffs:

• The Rams did not make the playoffs in 1987, as their record of 6–9 was insufficient to earn a spot in the postseason. Their performance was hindered by the disruption caused by the strike and their inability to find consistent success throughout the regular season.

Head Coach:

• John Robinson continued as the Rams’ head coach in 1987. Robinson, who had taken over in 1983, tried to instill discipline and a balanced approach to the team, but the effects of the strike, combined with the team’s overall inconsistency, made it difficult for the Rams to find their footing.

Key Players:

• Eric Dickerson (RB):

  • Eric Dickerson remained the focal point of the Rams’ offense. He had another solid season, rushing for 1,283 yards and 9 touchdowns. Even though the strike shortened the season, Dickerson’s ability to dominate on the ground was key for the Rams.

• Jim Everett (QB):

  • Jim Everett became the starting quarterback for the Rams in 1987, and this was the year he took over the job full-time after splitting time with Vince Ferragamo in previous seasons. Everett threw for 2,488 yards, with 15 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. While he showed flashes of potential, his inconsistency and turnovers hurt the Rams’ offense.

• Henry Ellard (WR):

  • Henry Ellard remained one of the Rams’ most reliable and explosive offensive weapons. He was a consistent deep threat for Everett, finishing the season with over 1,100 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns.

• Jack Youngblood (DE):

  • Jack Youngblood continued to be a leader on defense, providing a veteran presence and still capable of being disruptive on the defensive line. However, at this stage in his career, Youngblood was beginning to show signs of aging, and the Rams’ defense as a whole had weaknesses that they couldn’t always overcome.

• Kevin Greene (OLB):

  • Kevin Greene, who was beginning to emerge as one of the NFL’s top pass rushers, was still a key player on the defense. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback remained a strong point for the Rams’ defense.

Offensive Overview:

• Eric Dickerson remained the primary weapon for the Rams’ offense in 1987. With Jim Everett taking over at quarterback full-time, the team tried to mix the run and pass, but Everett’s inconsistency at quarterback and the strike-related disruption made it hard to find offensive rhythm.

• The strike caused a lot of uncertainty for teams, and the Rams were no exception. The three games played with replacement players didn’t provide much stability for the offense, which hurt their chances to gel and develop continuity.

• The passing game was erratic, and while Henry Ellard was a dangerous target, there wasn’t enough consistency in the aerial attack to give the offense balance. This meant the offense continued to lean heavily on Dickerson, who had another strong year.

Defensive Overview:

• The Rams’ defense in 1987 was solid but not great, finishing the season ranked 12th in total defense. While the team had strong individual players like Jack Youngblood and Kevin Greene, they were inconsistent as a unit, particularly against high-powered offenses.

• Kevin Greene was a bright spot for the Rams’ defense, contributing to the pass rush and making plays. LeRoy Irvin, one of the key cornerbacks, continued to be a staple of the Rams’ defensive secondary.

• The defense’s ability to stop the run was decent, but they were inconsistent in the secondary, allowing teams to pass effectively on them, especially in key games.

Season Overview:

• The 1987 season for the Rams was a year full of challenges. The players’ strike disrupted the rhythm of the team, as the Rams were forced to play with replacement players for three games. Despite the strong performance from Eric Dickerson, the offense lacked balance, and Jim Everett’s growth was hampered by inconsistency at quarterback.

• The defense had some bright spots but wasn’t dominant enough to carry the team to the playoffs. Even though the Rams had the talent to compete, they failed to put together a complete season. A record of 6–9 in the NFC West left them out of postseason contention.

Post-1987:

• After the disappointment of 1987, the Rams would continue to rebuild and look for a more balanced approach going into the future. The quarterback situation remained unresolved, as Jim Everett showed promise but also inconsistency.

• The team would rely on Eric Dickerson as a cornerstone for their offense, but they would need to improve on both sides of the ball if they hoped to become serious contenders in the future. The 1988 season would be another chance for the Rams to regroup, with Everett continuing to develop and the defense looking to become more consistent.

In conclusion, the 1987 Los Angeles Rams had a season of challenges, with their 6–9 record not reflecting the full potential of their roster. The strike disrupted the season, and the team struggled with quarterback play and offensive inconsistency. Despite another solid year from Eric Dickerson, the Rams couldn’t capitalize on their talent and missed the playoffs.

Head Coach: John Robinson

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