The Los Angeles Rams went 12-2 in the previous season and nearly missed a championship run. Expectations were high and fans were anxious to get their first whiff of gold since 1951. This caused the Rams’ ownership to make an impulsive and controversial transaction in the middle of the 1974 season.
The wheels were set in motion during a Week 5 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Both teams’ quarterbacks struggled with their passing games. Rams’ veteran QB John Hadl had an off game, passing for only 109 yards and had four interceptions, which forced the team to bench him the following game. The Packers’ QB Jerry Tagge had a miniscule 17 yards passing with one interception. Neither team managed much of an offense, but the Packers were able to take the win with a17-6 final score. However, it wasn’t the Packers win that was important; it was the quarterback comparison that was vital for the future transaction.
The Packers’ front office was aware of their QB situation and knew that change was needed to become more efficient in their passing game. They decided to propose a trade with the Los Angeles Rams for the once beloved QB John Hadl. Rams’ owner Carroll Rosenbloom was no stranger to wheeling and dealing top players and decided to pull the trigger on the deal. The Rams received five NFL Draft picks for Hadl. The deal included the Packers’ first, second and third round picks in the 1975 NFL Draft, and the first and second round picks in the 1976 draft.
The Rams traded their aging QB for five potential young stars, but the fans were devastated when the news circulated. Rosenbloom was highly criticized in a public uproar, since Hadl led the team to the playoffs the previous season.
Backup QB James Harris became the starter for the rest of the season and fared well. Harris led the Rams to four-straight victories against the San Francisco 49ers (37-14), New York Jets (20-13), 49ers (15-13) and the Atlanta Falcons (21-0).
The most impressive victory came later on in the season when the Minnesota Vikings arrived to play in a full house at the L.A. Coliseum ( 90,266 fans). The Rams struggled in the first-half despite a Harris rushing touchdown; they trailed 17-6 at halftime. But the Rams rallied back in the fourth quarter when Harris rushed for another touchdown and also threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jack Snow. The Rams won, 20-17.
The Rams captured their second NFC Western Title and finished with a record of 10-4. They also earned a playoff spot and faced the Washington Redskins in the divisional round.
In the game against the Redskins, neither offense was able to spark any momentum. But, it was the Rams’ defense that won the game. The defense created six turnovers; three fumble recoveries and three interceptions. The most important play came from LB Isiah Robertson. He intercepted a pass and returned it 59 yards for a touchdown, which sealed the game. The final score was 19-10, Rams. It was the first playoff victory for the Rams since 1951.
After beating the Redskins, the Rams advanced to the NFC Title game to face the Minnesota Vikings but lost the game. The Rams trailed 14-3 early in the fourth quarter and attempted to rally back. But the Rams fell short and lost a heart breaker, 14-10.
The Pro Bowl roster featured six Rams players including: QB Jerry Harris, RB Lawrence McCutcheon, G Tom Mack, DE Jack Youngblood, DT Merlin Olsen and LB Isiah Robertson. Youngblood was the only player on the team to earn All-Pro honors.
Season Notes
– Merlin Olsen earned the Bert Bell Trophy for the league’s Most Valuable Player.
– The Rams were first in the league in least points allowed with only 181 points.
– Penn State University RB John Cappelletti was drafted in the first round (11th overall).
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Sources: Profootballreference.com
