The first time I ever laid eyes on the Rams was during an early-to-mid January 1974 playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings. I didn’t see much—maybe three and a half minutes of actual game action—but that brief glimpse was enough to spark a lifelong fascination with the blue and yellow. What I really remember were the interviews afterward. The team had a black quarterback, James Harris, and seeing him lead the team on national television in that era felt impressive and groundbreaking. I knew it was not the norm because the Roger Staubacks and fran Rakington’s ruled the sports news wires those years. Plus, the Rams never got any news coverage back then. After all, they were a West Coast team. No one paid attention to West Coast Football teams. There were only four West Coast teams then if you count Denver.
The game itself was a close loss for the Rams, but the details of the scoreboard faded compared to the imagery etched into my memory. I also remember that this was around the time they first went with the striking yellow and blue uniforms, which immediately stood out to me. Those bold colors, combined with the energy of the playoff moment and the charisma of the players, cemented my admiration for the team.
It’s amazing to think that even just a few minutes of a broadcast could leave such a lasting impression. That short January moment in 1974 was the start of a love affair with the Rams that has lasted decades—a connection rooted in style, history, and a sense of seeing something new and exciting in the world of football.
Regardless of my daydreaming about the first time I ever saw th Rams play (sorta), the Rams have played on Thanksgiving before, but appearances have been infrequent, with a long drought stretching decades.
I’m wondering if the next time I ever got to watch a Rams game could have feasibly been on Thanksgiving Day. I don’t remember it clearly, but back then, we rarely saw any games outside of the Philadelphia matchups, and even those were hardly broadcast because they didn’t sell out. As a result, most games were never shown on TV.
Rams all-time Thanksgiving games
| Date | Opponent | Final Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 22, 1945 | Detroit Lions | 28–21 W | Detroit, MI |
| Nov 23, 1967 | Detroit Lions | 31–7 W | Detroit, MI |
| Nov 25, 1971 | Dallas Cowboys | 21–28 L | Dallas, TX |
| Nov 27, 1975 | Detroit Lions | 20–0 W | Detroit, MI |
Other Historical Notes
- St. Louis years: While the team was in St. Louis (1995–2015), the Rams never played on Thanksgiving, largely due to a longstanding local high school game and the NFL’s focus on the Dallas Cowboys as a holiday fixture.
- Reasons for the drought: Traditionally, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are the guaranteed hosts for Thanksgiving games. With these two teams dominating the holiday schedule, opportunities for other franchises have been extremely limited.
I’m wondering if the next time I ever got to watch a Rams game could have feasibly been on Thanksgiving Day in 1975. I don’t remember it clearly, but back then, I rarely saw any games outside of the Philadelphia matchups, and even those were hardly broadcast because they didn’t sell out. As a result, most games were never shown on TV. We had Monday Night Football games which were a big deal.
Regardless of my daydreaming, the Rams Crush Buccaneers in Dominant Sunday Night Victory. The Los Angeles Rams put on a masterclass performance Sunday night, dismantling the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34–7 in a game that showcased both offensive brilliance and defensive supremacy. With the win, the Rams improve to 9–2, cementing their status as the NFC’s top team, while the Buccaneers drop to 6–5, suffering their third consecutive defeat.
From start to finish, the Rams were in complete control, with quarterback Matthew Stafford delivering a near-perfect performance and the defense suffocating every Tampa Bay offensive attempt.
Stafford Leads Offensive Explosion
MVP-caliber first half: Stafford was unstoppable, completing his first 12 passes and finishing the game with 273 yards and three touchdowns, without a single interception. His early-game dominance reinforced his standing as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks and highlighted the firepower of the Rams’ offense.
Fast start pays dividends: Stafford connected with Davante Adams for two early touchdowns, while Colby Parkinson added another score, giving the Rams a commanding lead in the first half.
Receiving weapons shine: Rookie sensation Puka Nacua led the team with seven receptions for 97 yards, and Adams continued his touchdown streak, hauling in his 11th and 12th of the season, demonstrating why he’s one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL.
First-half domination: By halftime, the Rams led 31–7, scoring on every offensive drive. Their high-octane attack left Tampa Bay’s defense scrambling and set the tone for the rest of the game.
Defense Steals the Show
The Rams’ defense was equally impressive, turning the game into a one-sided affair.
Early takeaway sets the tone: Cornerback Cobie Durant intercepted a pass intended for Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown, quickly giving Los Angeles a 14–0 lead in the opening quarter.
Pressure from every angle: The Rams’ pass rush was relentless. Jared Verse and Kobie Turner each recorded two sacks, constantly disrupting Tampa Bay’s rhythm.
Stifling performance: The defense held the Buccaneers to just 193 total yards, including only 70 net passing yards. Two first-half interceptions and consistent pressure forced Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield out of the game with a left shoulder injury, with Teddy Bridgewater taking over.
Other Highlights
New kicking presence: Rookie kicker Harrison Mevis made an immediate impact, connecting on both of his field goal attempts, including a clutch 52-yarder in the fourth quarter, addressing a long-standing team weakness.
Honoring a legend: The Rams paid tribute to retired defensive lineman Aaron Donald, recognizing his lasting impact on the franchise and the league during the game.
Second-half management: While the offense slowed down after halftime, the Rams’ defense continued to dominate, keeping Tampa Bay scoreless in the second half and ensuring the win remained secure. Not that it slowed down, it was all about smart game and time management, and honestly, I don’t have much to critique today. The team played a nearly perfect game. The coaching was outstanding yesterday, and the play-calling was excellent—I don’t remember asking for more runs or passes at any point. The defense was nearly flawless. Everything was firing on all cylinders all game long; there was no real letdown.
I like Baker Mayfield, and I felt bad for his team, but I also know what the Rams are capable of this year. I’ve said it many times: this team should be undefeated if they play their game. Not a single team can match them unless they play out of their minds and ferociously, like what happened in the second half of that Eagles game this season while the Rams faltered to the point where they allowed it to happen.
Looking Ahead
This victory reinforces the Rams as serious NFC contenders, demonstrating their ability to dominate top-tier opponents on prime-time stages. Stafford’s performance, combined with a suffocating defense and emerging playmakers like Nacua, signals that Los Angeles is firing on all cylinders. If this team maintains its balance and intensity, the road to the playoffs looks extremely promising.