The 1987 Los Angeles Rams: A Season of Strikes and Struggles
The 1987 Los Angeles Rams season was a rollercoaster of chaos, controversy, and calamity. It was a year when the NFL was rocked by a players' strike, replacement players took the field, and the Rams found themselves in the middle of a tumultuous season. The Rams, led by head coach John Robinson, played their home games at Anaheim Stadium in California. The season was marked by a players' strike that began in September and lasted for 24 days, leading to the use of replacement players for three games. The Rams, like many teams, struggled to find their footing in this bizarre season, ultimately finishing with a disappointing 6-9 record.
The Rams kicked off the season with a promising start, winning their first two games against the Houston Oilers and the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the players' strike threw a wrench into their momentum. The strike, which began after the second week of the season, was a result of players demanding better free agency rights and improved salaries. The NFL's decision to use replacement players during the strike was a controversial move that divided fans and players alike. The Rams, like many teams, were forced to field a team of replacement players, leading to a mixed bag of results.
The Rams' replacement players managed to win one of the three games they played, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the team struggled in the other two games, losing to the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons. The return of the regular players after the strike did little to improve the Rams' fortunes. The team lost six of their final nine games, including a humiliating 48-0 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. The Rams' offense, led by quarterback Jim Everett, struggled to find consistency throughout the season. Everett, who was in his second year as the Rams' starting quarterback, showed flashes of brilliance but was often let down by a lack of support from his offensive line and receiving corps.
The Rams' defense, which had been a strength in previous seasons, also struggled in 1987. The team gave up an average of 24.1 points per game, ranking them 22nd in the league. The defense was particularly vulnerable against the run, allowing an average of 143.3 rushing yards per game. The Rams' inability to stop the run was a major factor in their disappointing season. The team's struggles on both sides of the ball were compounded by injuries to key players, including running back Charles White and wide receiver Henry Ellard.
Despite the challenges they faced, the Rams had a few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season. Running back Charles White, who had been a backup for most of his career, emerged as a key player for the Rams, rushing for 1,374 yards and 11 touchdowns. White's performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. Wide receiver Henry Ellard also had a strong season, catching 54 passes for 811 yards and three touchdowns. Ellard's performance was one of the few highlights in an otherwise lackluster passing game.
The 1987 season was a turning point for the Rams, as it marked the beginning of a period of decline for the franchise. The team's struggles on the field were mirrored by declining attendance at Anaheim Stadium, as fans grew frustrated with the team's lack of success. The Rams would go on to miss the playoffs for the next two seasons, leading to significant changes in the team's coaching staff and roster. The 1987 season was a reminder of the challenges and unpredictability of professional football, as well as the impact that labor disputes can have on the game.