This was a Rams team coming off a 10-4 season, where they were favored by some to win it all after going 12-2 in 1973. But disappointing playoff losses to Dallas (27-16) in 1973 and Minnesota (14-10) in 1974 (after a 19-10 playoff victory over Washington, capped by a 58 yard pick 6 by Isaiah Robertson), had some thinking they just weren't good enough. The 73 season was remarkable because following the Miami Dolphins "Perfect Season", the Rams were 5 points from perfection after losing to Minnesota 10-9 in week 7 and Atlanta 15-13 in week 8. In the 74 postseason after beating Washington, the Rams lost to Minnesota with the help of a phantom false start by Tom Mack. Down 7-3, the Rams offense went 98 yards early in the 3rd quarter but the false start backed them up 5 and after a 3 yard scramble by Harris, his pass was tipped and picked off on the next play. Minnesota's offense went on an 80 yard drive to go up 14-3 and Harris hit Harold Jackson on a 44 yard TD but the Rams never threatened again. The 75 season was described this way.....
From the Football Encyclopedia
"The Rams had never jelled into the superpower some people expected but they still had undeniable quality and depth in all phases. The defensive unit, featuring Jack Youngblood and Isaiah Robertson, ranked next to the Minnesota Vikings in frugality of points allowed. The offense had a solid line led by Tom Mack, fine charging runners like Larry McCutcheon, Cullen Bryant, Jim Bertelson and John Cappellleti. James Harris at quarterback was just good enough to lead this club to a runaway victory in the Western Division. Chuck Knox found richeds on his bench when Harris injured his shoulder on December 14th and backup Ron Jaworski took the team to a victory in the finale."
One thing is for sure......it is a great time to be a Ram fan.
