What Is 1955 Los Angeles Rams football team

Overview

The 1955 Los Angeles Rams marked the franchise's 18th season in the National Football League and their eighth year based in Los Angeles. Under new head coach Sid Gillman, the team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a losing record and missing the playoffs.

The season reflected a transitional period for the Rams, who were rebuilding after earlier successes in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Despite flashes of offensive potential, defensive shortcomings and inconsistent performances led to a disappointing campaign.

• Record: The team finished with a 5–7 win-loss record, their first losing season since 1951.
• Conference Standing: They placed 5th in the NFL's Western Conference, ahead of only the Chicago Cardinals.
• Head Coach: Sid Gillman took over as head coach in 1955, beginning a tenure that would later revolutionize passing offenses.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which had a seating capacity of over 100,000.
• Scoring: The Rams scored 207 total points (17.3 per game), ranking 8th out of 12 teams in the league.

Season Performance

The 1955 season was defined by missed opportunities and underperformance relative to preseason expectations. While the Rams showed offensive flashes, their defense ranked among the league's worst, allowing 252 points over 12 games.

• Passing Game: Quarterback Billy Wade led the team with 1,279 passing yards, completing 106 of 215 attempts with 10 touchdowns.
• Running Back: Tom Fears, primarily a receiver, also contributed on the ground with 125 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Receiving Leader: Harold Jackson recorded 445 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, emerging as a key target.
• Defensive Struggles: The team allowed 252 points (21.0 per game), ranking 10th in defensive efficiency.
• Notable Game: On November 27, the Rams defeated the Green Bay Packers 37–21, their highest-scoring game of the season.
• Final Game: Their season ended with a 31–10 loss to the Detroit Lions on December 11.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1955 Rams' performance can be better understood when compared to other teams in the NFL and their own recent history.

This comparison highlights that while the Rams were not the worst team in the conference, they regressed offensively from the previous year and failed to improve defensively. Their 5–7 record placed them above only the Lions and 49ers in the Western Conference, reflecting a middling performance in a competitive era.

Why It Matters

The 1955 season, while unremarkable in the short term, was a pivotal chapter in the Rams' evolution and the broader development of modern football strategy.

• Sid Gillman's Influence: His arrival signaled a shift toward innovative passing concepts that would later define professional football.
• Player Development: Young talents like Harold Jackson gained experience that would shape future team dynamics.
• Stadium Legacy: Continued use of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum reinforced the Rams’ deep roots in Southern California.
• Rebuilding Phase: The season underscored the need for roster upgrades, leading to strategic changes in the 1956 offseason.
• Historical Context: It marked the last Rams season before a major shift in coaching and personnel that eventually led to a 1958 playoff appearance.
• Media Coverage: Games were broadcast locally, helping grow the NFL’s popularity in non-traditional markets like Los Angeles.

The 1955 Los Angeles Rams may not be remembered for victories, but their season laid groundwork for future innovation and regional football culture that persists today.