Memory Lane - 1976 Los Angeles Rams Preview

Head coach Chuck Knox is heading into his fourth year with the Rams, his first three resulted in a 34-8 record and three Western Division titles. After two straight NFC Championship game defeats, last years brutal defeat by the Cowboys, 37-7 set the rumor mill afire. Rumors of Knox coaching the Jets or Namath being traded to the Rams.

Owner Carroll (yes, his name is Carroll) Rosenbloom ended the rumor of Knox leaving by signing him to a five year contract with a five year option. The second rumor didn’t materialize so the Rams enter the season with QB’s James Harris, Ron Jaworski and Pat Haden. The favorite going into the season would likely be 29 yr old Harris, in the 22 games started in the past two years he is 18-4. Jaworski is entering his third year but only has one start to his credentials. Haden is WFL pickup and he has a couple things going against him, he is only 5’10” and his arm strength.

At RB, Lawrence McCutcheon is entering his fifth season (fourth as starter) and has two thousand yard seasons so far, he just fell short of the mark in 1975 with 911 yds. They also have 1973 Heisman Trophy winner John Cappelletti and Cullen Bryant. At WR they have a pair of veterans in Harold Jackson and Ron Jessie.

The 1976 Draft added: DB Pat Thomas, T Jackie Slater (HOF) and LB Carl Ekern.

The Ram defense in 1975 only gave up 135 points, second fewest since the move to a 14 game schedule. You ask, how did that defense give up 37 points to Dallas? You could say everyone has a bad game, they unfortunately had their bad game in the NFC Championship. The DE’s All-Pro Jack Youngblood (HOF) and Pro Bowler Fred Dryer, DT Pro Bowler Merlin Olsen (HOF) (would retire at end of season) and Pro Bowler Larry Brooks. LB” Jim Youngblood (no relation), Pro Bowler Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds and All-Pro Isiah Robertson. The secondary also had All-Pro Monte Jackson All-Pro Dave Elmendorf.

You may be wondering, how did Jack Reynolds get his nickname? If I remember correctly, he took a hacksaw and cut a car in half. According to Wikipedia, in 1969 while in college at Tennessee, the Volunteers lost 38-0 and to take out his frustration he cut a 1953 Chevy Bel Air in half to use as a trailer for his Jeep. After working thru the night and using 13 hacksaw blades he finished the job. He returned the next day with teammates to show his work and both halves of the car was gone but the nickname stuck.

1975 Rankings

Tot Yds Off: 11

Tot Yds Def: 2

Tot Pts Scored: 11

Tot Pts Against: 1

1975 Results

1976 Opening Day Roster

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