What Is 2012 Los Angeles Rams season

Overview

The 2012 season for the Los Angeles Rams is a misnomer, as the team was still based in St. Louis at the time. Officially known as the St. Louis Rams, they competed in their 75th NFL season and 17th in St. Louis, finishing with a 7-8-1 record. Despite improvements from the previous year, they failed to qualify for the postseason.

Under head coach Jeff Fisher, in his second year with the franchise, the Rams showed flashes of progress on defense but struggled with consistency on offense. Quarterback Sam Bradford remained the starter, throwing for over 3,000 yards, though his touchdown-to-interception ratio remained uneven. The team played its home games at the Edward Jones Dome.

• Relocation context: The Rams did not return to Los Angeles until the 2016 season, making the '2012 Los Angeles Rams' an anachronism.
• Final record: The team ended the season at 7-8-1, a slight improvement from their 2-14 record in 2011.
• Head coach: Jeff Fisher, hired in 2012, continued his rebuilding effort in his second season.
• Quarterback performance: Sam Bradford threw for 3,012 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 15 starts.
• Defensive progress: The Rams ranked 10th in total defense, allowing 316.1 yards per game.

How It Works

The 2012 Rams season reflects a transitional year in franchise history, marked by coaching changes, roster development, and strategic shifts ahead of a future relocation. Understanding the team's structure and performance reveals how rebuilding efforts unfold over multiple seasons.

• Team location: In 2012, the Rams were officially the St. Louis Rams, playing all home games in Missouri.
• Coaching strategy: Jeff Fisher emphasized defensive discipline, leading to a top-10 defensive ranking despite offensive struggles.
• Offensive scheme: The Rams utilized a West Coast offense, focusing on short passes and ball control under coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
• Key player: Running back Steven Jackson rushed for 874 yards, his lowest total since 2006, signaling a decline in production.
• Defensive standout: Rookie cornerback Janoris Jenkins recorded 3 interceptions and 17 passes defended in his debut season.
• Special teams: Kicker Greg Zuerlein made 28 of 31 field goals, earning Pro Bowl consideration and setting a rookie record with a 57-yarder.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2012 Rams to their 2011 and 2013 seasons highlights the team's gradual rebuilding process under new leadership.

The 2012 season marked a turning point in win-loss record compared to the disastrous 2011 campaign, but the lack of playoff success continued. The Rams showed improvement under Fisher, but inconsistency and injuries prevented a breakout. The team’s move to Los Angeles in 2016 was years in the making, with 2012 serving as a foundational year in the rebuild.

Why It Matters

The 2012 season is significant as a stepping stone in the Rams’ long-term franchise evolution, setting the stage for future changes both on and off the field. Though not a playoff year, it provided critical experience for young players and coaching staff ahead of the eventual relocation.

• Rebuilding blueprint: The 2012 season demonstrated how a new coach can stabilize a struggling franchise over time.
• Player development: Rookie Janoris Jenkins and Greg Zuerlein emerged as long-term contributors.
• Relocation groundwork: Improved performance helped maintain fan interest during years of uncertainty about the team’s future.
• Front office strategy: The 7-8-1 record kept draft positioning moderate, influencing future draft picks.
• Coaching continuity: Jeff Fisher’s presence provided stability, though he was later replaced in 2016.
• Historical context: The season reminds fans that successful franchises often endure difficult rebuilding phases before resurgence.

While the 2012 Rams did not achieve postseason success, they laid the foundation for future competitiveness, culminating in the team’s eventual return to Los Angeles and later Super Bowl LVI victory in 2022.