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1979 Los Angeles Rams season

NFL team season

NFL team season

FieldValue
teamLos Angeles Rams
year1979
record9–7
division_place1st NFC West
coachRay Malavasi
ownerGeorgia Rosenbloom
stadiumLos Angeles Memorial Coliseum
playoffs**Won Divisional Playoffs**
(at [Cowboys](1979-dallas-cowboys-season)) 21–19
**Won NFC Championship**
(at [Buccaneers](1979-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season)) 9–0
Lost Super Bowl XIV
(vs. [Steelers](1979-pittsburgh-steelers-season)) 19–31
shortnavlinkRams seasons

(at Cowboys) 21–19 Won NFC Championship (at Buccaneers) 9–0 Lost Super Bowl XIV (vs. Steelers) 19–31

The 1979 season was the Los Angeles Rams' 42nd season in the National Football League (NFL), their 43rd overall, and their 34th in the Greater Los Angeles Area. It was the final season for the franchise in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum until 2016, as late owner Carroll Rosenbloom previously announced the Rams would move to Anaheim Stadium for the 1980 season.

The Rams won their seventh-consecutive NFC West title in 1979 and went to the Super Bowl for the first time. It was the team's only Super Bowl appearance during their first stint in Los Angeles, and their first appearance in a league championship game since 1955. It would be the Rams' last division title for six seasons and the last time they would win consecutive division titles until 2017–18. The Rams wouldn't return to the Super Bowl based in Los Angeles until 2018 (their next one as a franchise was in 1999 while based in St. Louis). Their streak of 7 straight division titles stood as an NFL record for 38 years until the New England Patriots won their 8th straight AFC East championship in 2016, a streak that eventually reached 11 straight in 2019. The Kansas City Chiefs have since moved into 2nd place for the most consecutive division titles, having currently won 8 straight AFC West division titles from 2016 to 2024.

The 1979 Rams were the first team in NFL history to have a less than a +50 point differential and make it to the Super Bowl. (The Rams scored only 14 points more than their opponents in 1979.) Thirty-two years later, the 2011 New York Giants, also with a 9–7 record, became the first team to reach the Super Bowl with a negative point differential (−6); unlike the 1979 Rams, the Giants would go on to win the Super Bowl, defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. The 2008 Arizona Cardinals also reached the Super Bowl, but lost in the final moments of Super Bowl XLIII, also to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Because of this, the 1979 Rams are often cited as one of the worst Super Bowl teams of all time.

Offseason

Owner Caroll Rosenbloom drowned on April 2, 1979, while swimming in the Atlantic Ocean just off of his home in Golden Beach, Florida, leaving the team to his widow, Georgia.

Draft

Main article: 1979 NFL draft

Personnel

Staff / Coaches

  • Owner/President – Georgia Frontiere

  • Executive Vice President/General Manager – Don Klosterman

  • Vice President of Special Projects - James D. Dooley

  • Director of Player Personnel – John Math

  • Head Coach – Ray Malavasi

  • Offensive Coordinator / Wide Receivers – Lionel Taylor

  • Quarterbacks – Paul Lanham

  • Offensive Backfield / Special Assistant – Jack Faulkner

  • Offensive Line – Dan Radakovich

  • Defensive Coordinator – Bud Carson

  • Defensive Line – LaVern Torgeson

  • Linebackers – Frank Lauterbur

  • Special Teams – Paul Lanham

  • Conditioning – Clyde Evans

Final roster

|

  • Jack Reynolds MLB

  • Bill Simpson S (Ret.) [[Image:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

  • Leon White G (IR) [[Image:Injury icon.svg|7px]]

Preseason

Schedule

Los Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"WeekLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"DateLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"OpponentLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"ResultLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"RecordLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"VenueLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"AttendanceLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"NFL.com
recap1234
[Oakland Raiders](1979-oakland-raiders-season)**W** 20–17 (OT)1–0Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum54,575
August 12at [New England Patriots](1979-new-england-patriots-season)**W** 15–32–0Schaefer Stadium44,955
[Seattle Seahawks](1979-seattle-seahawks-season)**W** 21–173–0Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum46,083
[San Diego Chargers](1979-san-diego-chargers-season)**W** 23–74–0Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum50,089

Regular season

Schedule

Los Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"WeekLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"DateLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"OpponentLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"ResultLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"RecordLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"VenueLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"AttendanceLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"Recap12345678910111213141516
September 2[Oakland Raiders](1979-oakland-raiders-season)**L** 17–240–1Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum59,000[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197909020ram.htm)
at [Denver Broncos](1979-denver-broncos-season)**W** 13–91–1Mile High Stadium74,884[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197909060den.htm)
September 16**[San Francisco 49ers](1979-san-francisco-49ers-season)****W** 27–242–1Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum44,303[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197909160ram.htm)
September 23at [Tampa Bay Buccaneers](1979-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season)**L** 6–212–2Tampa Stadium69,497[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197909230tam.htm)
September 30[St. Louis Cardinals](1979-st-louis-cardinals-nfl-season)**W** 21–03–2Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum48,160[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197909300ram.htm)
October 7at **[New Orleans Saints](1979-new-orleans-saints-season)****W** 35–174–2Louisiana Superdome68,986[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197910070nor.htm)
October 14at [Dallas Cowboys](1979-dallas-cowboys-season)**L** 6–304–3Texas Stadium64,462[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197910140dal.htm)
October 21[San Diego Chargers](1979-san-diego-chargers-season)**L** 16–404–4Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum64,245[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197910210ram.htm)
October 28[New York Giants](1979-new-york-giants-season)**L** 14–204–5Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum43,376[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197910280ram.htm)
November 4at [Seattle Seahawks](1979-seattle-seahawks-season)**W** 24–05–5Kingdome62,048[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197911040sea.htm)
November 11at [Chicago Bears](1979-chicago-bears-season)**L** 23–275–6Soldier Field51,483[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197911110chi.htm)
**[Atlanta Falcons](1979-atlanta-falcons-season)****W** 20–146–6Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum54,097[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197911190ram.htm)
November 25at **[San Francisco 49ers](1979-san-francisco-49ers-season)****W** 26–207–6Candlestick Park49,282[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197911250sfo.htm)
December 2[Minnesota Vikings](1979-minnesota-vikings-season)**W** 27–21 (OT)8–6Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum56,700[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197912020ram.htm)
December 9at **[Atlanta Falcons](1979-atlanta-falcons-season)****W** 34–139–6Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium49,236[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197912090atl.htm)
December 16**[New Orleans Saints](1979-new-orleans-saints-season)****L** 14–299–7Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum53,879[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197912160ram.htm)
**Note:** Intra-division opponents are in **bold** text.

Notes: :All times are PDT/PST (UTC–7 and UTC–8 starting October 28)

Season summary

Week 1

The Rams jumped out to an early 14–0 lead, but a failure to protect the punter led to two blocks and 10 Raiders points before halftime. The Raiders also intercepted three second-half passes and turned two into Ken Stabler-to-Raymond Chester touchdown passes.

Week 2

Rams tackle John Williams held Bronco LB Larry Evans in the end zone in the first quarter for a safety. The Rams appeared on verge of going 0–2 until, late in the fourth, safety Dave Elmendorf laid a hit on QB Craig Morton and LB Jack Reynolds picked up the fumble and reached the end zone for the winning score.

Week 3

After spotting the 49ers 10 points, the Rams scored 24 unanswered, Pat Haden passing for two touchdowns and Cullen Bryant rushing for 106 yards and another to secure the win.

Week 4

Jim Youngblood put the Rams on the board early with an interception return touchdown, but from then on it was all Buccaneers as Doug Williams tossed two touchdowns in the second quarter and the Tampa Bay defense shut down the Rams.

Week 5

The Rams bounced back with a shutout. Speedy Wendell Tyler started at running back and scored a touchdown.

Week 6

Haden threw for three touchdowns in the blowout, but WR Ron Jessie was injured and lost for the remainder of the season along with fellow WR Willie Miller.

Week 7

In a dominating performance by the Cowboys, Roger Staubach passed for three touchdowns and Tony Dorsett ran for 103 and a touchdown.

Week 8

The Chargers forced eight turnovers, including four interceptions and four fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown), with five sacks and numerous hits on Haden. Dan Fouts passed for 326 yards and two touchdowns.

Week 9

Haden passed for 282 yards and two touchdowns but also threw four more interceptions and had trouble making big plays. Giants rookie QB Phil Simms found success running and passing.

Week 10

The Rams defense turned in a record-setting performance, holding the Seahawks to minus-7 yards of total offense and one first down. Haden threw two touchdowns on 21-of-24 passing and set a team record with 13 straight completions, but fractured his right pinky finger and would be lost for the rest of the season.

Week 11

With both Haden and backup Vince Ferragamo out, the Rams turned to quarterback Jeff Rutledge, who threw for a touchdown and helped the Rams to a 23–14 lead after three quarters, but the defense faltered.

Week 12

Ferragamo made his first start of the season in this Monday night game and showed his big-play capability, completing long touchdown passes to young speedsters Preston Dennard and Billy Waddy.

Week 13

An unexpectedly tough game against the 1–11 49ers featured many big plays, including an 80-yard blocked field-goal return touchdown by Rams CB Sid Justin and a 71-yard touchdown pass from Ferragamo to Tyler.

Week 14

After the Rams gained only 44 yards in the first half, Malavasi benched Ferragamo in favor of backup Bob Lee after halftime. In overtime, the Rams ran a fake field goal and holder Nolan Cromwell scored on a five-yard touchdown run to lift the Rams into first place in the NFC West. The Rams took sole possession of the division lead the next night when the Saints lost.

Week 15

Scoring 28 points in the second quarter and forcing five Falcons turnovers, the Rams clinched their seventh straight NFC West division title, an NFL record. Tyler gained 150 yards from scrimmage in the win.

Week 16

Having clinched the division the previous week, the Rams played a sloppy game, committing six turnovers and allowing 422 yards to the Saints. Tyler rushed for 141 yards and a first-quarter touchdown, but New Orleans scored the next 27 points. This was the Rams' final home game at the Los Angeles Coliseum before their relocation to Anaheim Stadium.

Standings

Playoffs

Main article: 1979–80 NFL playoffs

Los Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"RoundLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"DateLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"OpponentLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"KickoffLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"TVLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"ResultLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"RecordLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"Game SiteLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"AttendanceLos Angeles Ramsyear=1979border=2}}"Recap[Wild Card](1979-80-nfl-playoffs)[Divisional](1979-80-nfl-playoffs-nfc-los-angeles-rams-21-dallas-cowboys-19)[NFC Championship](1979-80-nfl-playoffs-nfc-los-angeles-rams-9-tampa-bay-buccaneers-0)[Super Bowl XIV](1979-80-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-xiv-pittsburgh-steelers-31-los-angeles-rams-19)
*First Round Bye*
December 30at [Dallas Cowboys](1979-dallas-cowboys-season) (1)1:00 p.m. PSTCBS**W** 21–191–0Texas Stadium64,792[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197912300dal.htm)
January 6at [Tampa Bay Buccaneers](1979-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season) (2)2:00 p.m. PSTCBS**W** 9–02–0Tampa Stadium72,033[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198001060tam.htm)
January 20vs. [Pittsburgh Steelers](1979-pittsburgh-steelers-season) (A2)3:00 p.m. PSTCBS**L** 19–312–1Rose Bowl103,985[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198001200pit.htm)

Notes: : All times are PACIFIC time.

NFC Divisional Playoffs (Sunday, December 30, 1979): at (1) [[1979 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]]

;Vegas Odds

  • Vegas Line=LA +8.5 (Won) ;Rams ;Cowboys ;Game Length
  • Time of Game:

Quarterback Vince Ferragamo led the Rams to a victory by throwing for 3 touchdown passes, the last one with 2:06 left in the game. The Cowboys scored first when defensive tackle Randy White sacked Ferragamo in the end zone for a safety. However, Ferragamo responded by throwing a 32-yard touchdown pass to running back Wendell Tyler. Dallas kicker Rafael Septién kicked a 33-yard field goal with 52 seconds left in the first half, but Ferragamo completed a 43-yard touchdown pass to Ron Smith before time expired to make it a 14–5 halftime lead. The Cowboys, led by quarterback Roger Staubach in what proved to be his last NFL game of his Hall of Fame career, then scored 2 unanswered touchdowns in the second half to take the lead, 19–14. With about 2 minutes left in the game and the Rams at midfield, Ferragamo found wide receiver Billy Waddy on a short crossing route and Waddy sprinted the rest of the way for a game winning 50-yard touchdown. Staubach was unable to engineer a late fourth quarter comeback like the ones that made him famous throughout his career. The Rams defense pressured the Dallas quarterback to throw a pass illegally to an ineligible receiver, guard Herbert Scott, on third down, the last pass of his career to be caught; on fourth down, he overthrew Drew Pearson.

Conference Championship

In a defensive battle in which the Rams squandered numerous scoring opportunities, Rams kicker Frank Corral kicked 3 field goals to win the game. Los Angeles was able to record 369 yards of total offense, while running backs Cullen Bryant and Wendell Tyler rushed for 106 and 86 yards, respectively. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers only had 177 total offensive yards, including 92 rushing yards and 85 passing yards. Most of Tampa Bay's passing yards came from a 42-yard halfback option pass from Jerry Eckwood to wide receiver Larry Mucker in the fourth quarter. During the game, two touchdowns were nullified by penalties, one by each team: A four-yard run by Bryant and a 27-yard reception by Buccaneers' tight end Jimmie Giles.

Super Bowl

Main article: Super Bowl XIV

Though listed as a 10.5-point underdog, the NFC champion Rams were the designated visitors against the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers. After giving up an early field goal, Los Angeles took its first lead when Wendell Tyler's 39-yard run to the Pittsburgh 14 led to a 1-yard touchdown run by fullback Cullen Bryant for a 7-3 advantage. The Steelers responded with a Franco Harris touchdown run from a yard out. Two field goals by kicker Frank Corral put the Rams on top 13-10 at halftime. Pittsburgh went back on top early in the third quarter with wide receiver Lynn Swann catching a 47-yard TD pass from quarterback Terry Bradshaw. But the Rams responded quickly, driving down to the Pittsburgh 24. Taking a pitchout, running back Lawrence McCutcheon pulled up and threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Ron Smith for a 19-17 lead, but Corral missed his PAT attempt. L.A.'s defense kept the Rams in the game, holding the Steelers to just 84 rushing yards while the secondary picked off Bradshaw three times. But the Steelers QB rallied back and his 73-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver John Stallworth gave Pittsburgh the lead for good early in the fourth quarter. The Rams' last chance for victory came late in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Vince Ferragamo, who threw for 212 yards in the game, led L.A. to the Pittsburgh 32 but linebacker Jack Lambert intercepted Ferragamo's pass intended for Smith. The Steelers then finished the scoring as Harris scored his second 1-yard TD of the game for the game's final margin. The Rams were the first team to play in the Super Bowl in their home market.

References

References

  1. (August 11, 1980). "Rams open in 'new' home". Spokesman-Review.
  2. [http://www.footballoutsiders.com/game-previews/2012/super-bowl-xlvi-preview Football Outsiders: Super Bowl XLVI Preview]
  3. (April 3, 1979). "Carroll Rosenbloom drowns in Florida". Spokesman-Review.
  4. (April 3, 1979). "Rosenbloom remembered fondly by friends and foes". Eugene Register-Guard.
  5. "1979 Los Angeles Rams Draftees". Pro Football Reference.
  6. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979090210 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  7. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979090601 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  8. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979092306 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  9. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979093010 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  10. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979100706 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  11. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979101406 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  12. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979102112 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  13. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979102801 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  14. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979110405 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  15. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979111104 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  16. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979111901 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  17. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979112504 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  18. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979120209 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  19. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979120906 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
  20. [https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore.html?gid=1979121606 The Football Database]. Retrieved 2018-Feb-17.
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