Everything changed for the Los Angeles Rams in 1970. The team celebrated its 25th season in Los Angeles, but it was also the year that the NFL merged with the AFL. The league expanded to 26 teams, and the Rams were now part of the NFC West Division along with the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints.
Led by “The Fearsome Foursome,” the Rams defense continued to dominate the league. The team only allowed 202 points in 14 regular season games. This dominance was displayed in the first three games of the season when the Rams picked up wins against the St. Louis Cardinals (34-13), Buffalo Bills (19-0) and the San Diego Chargers (37-10).
The Los Angeles defense also made its presence felt when the Rams faced the division-rival Falcons in Week 10. The unit forced five turnovers, three of which were interceptions. DB Kermit Alexander recorded two interceptions, including a 25-yard return for a touchdown. DB Clancy Williams also had an interception in the Rams’ 17-7 victory over the Falcons. Atlanta did hold Los Angeles to a tie earlier in the season (10-10).
The tie cost the Rams in the standings, but it didn’t hurt as much as the team’s home loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4. The 49ers’ defense shut down the Rams throughout all four quarters as San Francisco earned a 20-6 victory. Quarterback Roman Gabriel was limited to 126 passing yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. The Rams’ running game also struggled throughout the game and finished 104 rushing yards.
The Rams got their revenge in San Francisco when they overcame a 13-6 halftime deficit to beat the 49ers 30-13 in Week 11. Los Angeles earned the win by wearing down the 49ers’ front-seven for 155 rushing yards; RB Willie Ellison led the Rams with three rushing touchdowns.
The Rams won two of their final three games, but the team’s efforts weren’t enough to make the playoffs. The 49ers won the NFC West with a 10-3-1 mark, which was one game better than the Rams’ 9-4-1 record. The team’s failure to take that final step and win a championship resulted in owner Dan Reeves’ choosing to let head coach George Allen’s contract expire. However, Allen is still regarded as one of the most successful coaches in Rams’ history after finishing with a 49-19-4 record.
Season Notes
– The Rams finished fourth in the league in points scored with 325 points.
– Five players made the Pro Bowl: LT Chris Cowan, LG Tom Mack, RT Rob Brown, DE Deacon Jones and DT Merlin Olsen. Brown and Olsen were named to the All-Pro team.
– The Rams selected Tennessee LB Jack Reynolds in the first round (22nd overall) in the 1970 NFL Draft.
-Another notable draftee was Michigan State C Rich Saul (204th overall).
| 1970 Los Angeles Rams | ||||
| Week | Date | Opponent | Score | Record |
| 1 | Friday, Sept. 18 | St. Louis Cardinals | W, 34-13 | 1-0 |
| 2 | Sunday, Sept. 27 | @Buffalo Bills | W, 19-0 | 2-0 |
| 3 | Sunday, Oct. 4 | San Diego Chargers | W, 37-10 | 3-0 |
| 4 | Sunday, Oct. 11 | San Francisco 49ers | L, 6-20 | 3-1 |
| 5 | Sunday, Oct. 18 | @Green Bay Packers | W, 31-21 | 4-1 |
| 6 | Monday, Oct. 26 | @Minnesota Vikings | L, 3-13 | 4-2 |
| 7 | Sunday, Nov. 1 | @New Orleans Saints | W, 30-17 | 5-2 |
| 8 | Sunday, Nov. 8 | Atlanta Falcons | T, 10-10 | 5-2-1 |
| 9 | Sunday, Nov. 15 | New York Jets | L, 20-31 | 5-3-1 |
| 10 | Sunday, Nov. 22 | @Atlanta Falcons | W, 17-7 | 6-3-1 |
| 11 | Sunday, Nov. 29 | @San Francisco 49ers | W, 30-13 | 7-3-1 |
| 12 | Sunday, Dec. 6 | New Orleans Saints | W, 34-16 | 8-3-1 |
| 13 | Monday, Dec. 14 | Detroit Lions | L, 23-28 | 8-4-1 |
| 14 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | @New York Giants | W, 31-3 | 9-4-1 |
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
Sources: Profootballreference.com, Stlouisrams.com
