| 1974 Los Angeles Rams season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Carroll Rosenbloom |
| Head coach | Chuck Knox |
| Home field | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum |
| Results | |
| Record | 10–4 |
| Division place | 1st NFC West |
| Playoff finish | Won Divisional Playoffs (vs. Redskins) 19–10 Lost NFC Championship (at Vikings) 10–14 |
The 1974 Los Angeles Rams season was the team's 37th year with the National Football League and the 29th season in Los Angeles. The Rams looked to improve on their 12–2 season from 1973. While not improving on their record, they successfully defended their NFC West division title with a 10–4 record, the second-best in the NFC.
In the playoffs, Los Angeles hosted the Washington Redskins in a rematch of week 13's game, which Washington won 23–17 on Monday night, in the Rams' only home loss of the season.[1] In the postseason game, L.A. forced six turnovers to win 19–10 and advance to their first NFC Championship Game,[2] but committed five turnovers and lost 14–10 on the road to the Minnesota Vikings.[3]
During week 5 of the regular season, the Rams were upset 17–6 in Milwaukee by the Green Bay Packers; veteran quarterback John Hadl was benched in the second half after throwing three interceptions, replaced by James Harris.[4] The next game, a 37–14 home win over rival San Francisco, was the first NFL start for Harris,[5] and Hadl was traded two days later to Green Bay for five future draft picks.[6]
The win over Washington in the playoffs was the Rams' first postseason victory in 23 years, when they won the NFL title. (Los Angeles won the third-place Playoff Bowl twice (after the 1967 and 1969 seasons); these consolation games are now considered exhibition contests.)
- ^ "Billy's arm sends 'Skins to playoffs". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. December 10, 1974. p. 3C.
- ^ "Rams do it Allen's way – with defense". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. December 23, 1974. p. 3B.
- ^ "Ram errors make Viks NFL kings". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. December 30, 1974. p. 3B.
- ^ "Startling Pack batters Rams". Toledo Blade. (Ohio). Associated Press. October 14, 1974. p. 18.
- ^ "Hadl helps call plays Rams' Harris rips 49ers". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. October 21, 1974. p. 5D.
- ^ "Hadl dealt as NFL clubs switch QBs". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). Associated Press. October 23, 1974. p. 1D.