What Is 1986 Los Angeles Rams football team

Overview

The 1986 Los Angeles Rams represented a solid season in the midst of a transitional era for the franchise. Under head coach John Robinson, the team posted a winning record and returned to playoff contention after missing the postseason in 1985.

Playing their home games at Anaheim Stadium in Orange County, the Rams relied on a balanced offense and a resilient defense to secure a 10-6 record. Despite their success, they fell short in the postseason, continuing a pattern of playoff struggles during the 1980s.

• Dieter Brock started at quarterback and passed for 2,741 yards and 16 touchdowns, marking one of his best statistical seasons in the NFL.
• The team’s leading receiver was Henry Ellard, who caught 59 passes for 1,016 yards, becoming the first Rams rookie to surpass 1,000 receiving yards.
• Eric Dickerson, acquired in a trade before the season, rushed for 1,808 yards in 1986, setting a new single-season rushing record at the time.
• The defense was led by linebacker Jim Youngblood, who recorded 107 tackles and anchored a unit that allowed only 17.8 points per game.
• The Rams finished second in the NFC West, behind the San Francisco 49ers, who won the division with a 10-5-1 record.

Season Performance

The 1986 campaign featured key victories and notable developments, especially on offense. With Robinson emphasizing a balanced attack, the Rams adapted well to the loss of veteran quarterback Vince Ferragamo, who retired after 1985.

• Week 1: The Rams opened with a 27-24 win over the New Orleans Saints, sparked by two touchdown passes from Dieter Brock.
• Midseason surge: Los Angeles won 5 of 6 games from Weeks 7 to 12, including a 35-23 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
• Eric Dickerson’s record: On December 14, 1986, Dickerson broke O.J. Simpson’s single-season rushing record with 215 yards against the New Orleans Saints.
• Defensive consistency: The Rams allowed only 20 points or fewer in 8 of 16 games, showcasing their ability to contain high-powered offenses.
• Playoff berth: Secured in Week 16 with a 20-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons, clinching a wild card spot.
• Wild Card loss: On December 28, 1986, the Rams were defeated 24-10 by the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1986 Rams stack up against division rivals and league averages:

The Rams outperformed most of their division and ranked above average in both scoring and defense. However, their playoff exit highlighted the gap between regular-season success and postseason performance, especially compared to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants, who dominated defensively.

Why It Matters

The 1986 season remains a notable chapter in Rams history due to Eric Dickerson’s record-breaking year and the team’s return to relevance after a down season.

• Eric Dickerson’s 1,808 rushing yards set a new NFL single-season record, surpassing O.J. Simpson’s 1973 mark of 1,817, later adjusted to 1,816.
• The season solidified John Robinson as one of the franchise’s most successful coaches, with a 41-36 record from 1983 to 1986.
• Henry Ellard’s rookie performance signaled the emergence of a future All-Pro and long-term Rams cornerstone.
• The Rams’ playoff loss underscored the need for stronger quarterback play, leading to changes in the 1987 offseason.
• Attendance at Anaheim Stadium averaged 58,322 per game, reflecting strong fan support despite the team’s location outside Los Angeles proper.
• The 1986 campaign laid groundwork for future success, including the Rams’ NFC Championship appearance in 1989.

Ultimately, the 1986 Los Angeles Rams are remembered for individual brilliance and near misses, embodying both promise and frustration during a pivotal decade for the franchise.