The Los Angeles Rams stepped into the 1969 season with one of the most talented teams in franchise history. They had the chemistry to make a serious run for the championship, and they did.
There were some front office personnel changes, including the loss of Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch, who left the Rams after 20 years to become the athletic director at the University of Wisconsin. Public relations director Jack E. Teele replaced Hirsch, and John Sanders became the team’s new assistant general manager. The Rams were also the first team to hire a full time special teams coach, Dick Vermeil.
The team opened the season in Baltimore against the Colts. It was Roman Gabriel vs. Johnny Unitas, a game that featured two of the league’s best quarterbacks. Gabriel finished with 268 yards and three touchdowns while Unitas threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Rams picked off Unitas three times, which is one reason why they were able to earn the 27-20 victory over the Colts.
The Rams won their next 10 games, including a decisive victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The offense racked up the points but also had help from the defense. DB Ron Smith returned an interception 24 yards for a touchdown to begin the game. Smith picked off another pass along with fellow DB Richie Petitbon. Meanwhile, Gabriel carved up the Falcons’ secondary for three touchdown passes as the Rams cruised to the 38-6 win.
The team’s run ended in Week 12 when the Rams hosted the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. The Rams struggled against the Vikings defense and fell 20-13. The loss put Los Angeles on a regular season-ending downward spiral. The Rams were humiliated in Detroit (28-0) and lost a heartbreaker in Los Angeles against the Colts, 13-7.
The Rams finished first in the NFL Coastal Division with an 11-3 record. Unfortunately, their late-season struggles continued in their divisional playoff rematch with with Vikings. The 23-20 loss put the Rams in the Playoff Bowl, which was an exhibition game that decided third place.
The Rams finished their season with a 31-0 demolition of the Dallas Cowboys in the Playoff Bell. Gabriel picked apart the Cowboys’ defense and passed for 224 yards and had four touchdowns.
The Rams had many Pro Bowlers such as QB Roman Gabriel, LT Charlie Cowan, LG Tom Mack, RT Bob Brown, DE Deacon Jones, DT Merlin Olsen, LB Maxie Baughan and DB Eddie Meador. They also had a team record of seven All-Pros which featured Brown, Cowan, Mack, Gabriel, Jones, Olsen and Meador. Gabriel was named Most Valuable Player by unanimous decision.
Season Notes
– The Rams selected Florida University RB Larry Smith in first round (eighth overall) in the 1969 NFL Draft.
– Roman Gabriel finished with 2,549 passing yards and 24 touchdowns; he led the league in passing touchdowns.
– Eddie Meador only had five interceptions but was highly regarded for his ability to tackle.
| 1969 Los Angeles Rams | ||||
| Week | Date | Opponent | Score | Record |
| 1 | Sunday, Sept. 21 | @Baltimore Colts | W, 27-20 | 1-0 |
| 2 | Sunday, Sept. 28 | Atlanta Falcons | W, 17-7 | 2-0 |
| 3 | Sunday, Oct. 5 | New Orleans Saints | W, 36-17 | 3-0 |
| 4 | Sunday, Oct. 12 | @San Francisco 49ers | W, 27-21 | 4-0 |
| 5 | Sunday, Oct. 19 | Green Bay Packers | W, 34-21 | 5-0 |
| 6 | Sunday, Oct. 26 | @Chicago Bears | W, 9-7 | 6-0 |
| 7 | Sunday, Nov. 2 | @Atlanta Falcons | W, 38-6 | 7-0 |
| 8 | Sunday, Nov. 9 | San Francisco 49ers | W, 41-30 | 8-0 |
| 9 | Sunday, Nov. 16 | @Philadelphia Eagles | W, 23-17 | 9-0 |
| 10 | Sunday, Nov. 23 | Dallas Cowboys | W, 24-23 | 10-0 |
| 11 | Sunday, Nov. 30 | @Washington Redskins | W, 24-13 | 11-0 |
| 12 | Sunday, Dec. 7 | Minnesota Vikings | L, 13-20 | 11-1 |
| 13 | Sunday, Dec. 14 | @Detroit Lions | L, 0-28 | 11-2 |
| 14 | Sunday, Dec. 21 | Baltimore Colts | L, 7-13 | 11-3 |
| 1969 NFL Playoffs | ||||
| Div. | Saturday, Dec. 27 | @Minnesota Vikings | L, 20-23 | 11-4 |
| Playoff | Saturday, Jan. 3 | Dallas Cowboys | W, 31-0 | – |
Sources: Profootballreference.com, Stlouisrams.comYou can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
