What Is 1987 Los Angeles Rams football team

Overview

The 1987 Los Angeles Rams were a competitive team in the National Football League, navigating a turbulent season marked by a players' strike and a shortened schedule. Despite the disruptions, they managed to win the NFC West division and secure a playoff berth under head coach John Robinson.

Playing their home games at Anaheim Stadium, the Rams relied on a balanced offense and a resilient defense to finish with a 10-6 record. Their playoff run ended decisively in the Divisional Round, highlighting both their strengths and vulnerabilities.

• Season record: The Rams finished the regular season 10-6, the best in the NFC West, winning the division by one game over the New Orleans Saints.
• Strike-affected schedule: The 1987 season was shortened to 15 games due to a 24-day players' strike, leading to the use of replacement players for Week 3.
• Division dominance: Los Angeles went 5-1 within the NFC West, defeating rivals like the San Francisco 49ers twice and the Atlanta Falcons.
• Offensive leader: Quarterback Jim Everett threw for 2,540 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading the team in passing efficiency.
• Defensive strength: The defense, led by linebacker Tommy Hart and safety Kevin Greene, recorded 42 sacks and forced 23 turnovers.

Performance and Season Highlights

The 1987 campaign was defined by resilience and adaptation, especially during the strike-interrupted weeks. The Rams used a mix of starters and replacement players, ultimately maintaining momentum through the final stretch.

• Replacement games: During Week 3, the Rams fielded a replacement team and lost to the Redskins 27-17, a rare blemish in an otherwise strong season.
• Key victory: A 35-20 win over the 49ers in Week 11 solidified their division lead and showcased their offensive firepower.
• Jim Everett's role: Everett started all 15 games, completing 58.2% of his passes and throwing only 10 interceptions.
• Running game: Running back Eric Dickerson rushed for 1,035 yards despite missing part of the season due to injury.
• Playoff berth: The Rams clinched the NFC West title with a 28-17 win over Atlanta in the final week of the regular season.
• Postseason collapse: In the Divisional Round, Los Angeles was overwhelmed 51-7 by Washington, one of the most lopsided playoff losses in franchise history.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1987 Rams season compared to recent years reveals both progress and shortcomings:

The 1987 season stands out as the only year between 1985 and 1989 when the Rams won their division. While their playoff performance was disappointing, their regular-season consistency under Robinson's leadership marked a high point in a transitional era.

Why It Matters

The 1987 Los Angeles Rams season is a notable chapter in NFL history due to its intersection with labor unrest and competitive resilience. It demonstrated how teams adapted during a strike year and highlighted emerging stars like Everett and Dickerson.

• Strike context: The season underscored the impact of labor disputes on professional sports, with three weeks featuring replacement players.
• Division title: Winning the NFC West gave the Rams their first division crown since 1979, restoring regional pride.
• Quarterback development: Jim Everett’s performance solidified him as the franchise’s long-term starter into the 1990s.
• Defensive evolution: The rise of Kevin Greene, who recorded 8.5 sacks, signaled a shift toward aggressive pass rushing.
• Playoff lessons: The 51-7 loss to Washington exposed defensive weaknesses that persisted into future seasons.
• Historical marker: The 1987 team remains a reference point for Rams fans during discussions of pre-St. Louis era competitiveness.

Ultimately, the 1987 Rams exemplified perseverance amid adversity, achieving success on the field while operating in a uniquely chaotic NFL season.