What Is 1985 Los Angeles Rams football team

Overview

The 1985 Los Angeles Rams were a competitive NFL team that advanced deep into the playoffs, marking one of the stronger seasons of the franchise during the 1980s. Under the leadership of head coach John Robinson, the team posted a 10-6 record, finishing second in the NFC West behind the San Francisco 49ers.

Despite not winning their division, the Rams secured a wild card berth and defeated the New York Giants in the postseason before falling to Washington in the Divisional Round. Their performance highlighted a balanced offense and a resilient defense, showcasing the team's depth and coaching acumen.

• Regular season record: The Rams finished with a 10-6 win-loss record, demonstrating consistent performance across 16 games during the 1985 NFL season.
• Head coach:John Robinson was in his sixth season as head coach and led the team to three playoff appearances in the 1980s, including this campaign.
• Home stadium: The team played its home games at Anaheim Stadium in Orange County, California, which had a capacity of over 65,000 spectators.
• Division standing: They finished second in the NFC West, trailing the San Francisco 49ers, who dominated the division with a 10-6 record and better tiebreaker.
• Playoff run: The Rams defeated the New York Giants 16-13 in the Wild Card Round before losing 20-24 to Washington in the Divisional Round.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 1985 Rams had a balanced offensive attack and a disciplined defense, allowing them to remain competitive throughout the season. Quarterback Jeff Kemp led the passing game, while running back Eric Dickerson emerged as a dominant force in the backfield.

• Eric Dickerson: Rushed for 1,808 yards in the regular season, setting a then-NFL single-season record and earning Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors.
• Jeff Kemp: Threw for 2,410 yards and 13 touchdowns, serving as a steady presence at quarterback despite limited deep-ball efficiency.
• Defensive strength: The Rams' defense allowed only 287 points (17.9 per game), ranking them in the top half of the league in points allowed.
• Key win: A 24-14 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 13 showcased their ability to beat top-tier teams, despite Chicago's dominant defense.
• Regular season finale: A 35-31 win over the Atlanta Falcons secured their playoff berth and highlighted their offensive firepower.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1985 Rams compared to other top NFC teams that season:

This comparison shows that while multiple teams shared a 10-6 record, tiebreakers and division performance played a crucial role in playoff seeding and outcomes. The Rams' win over the Giants and narrow loss to Washington demonstrated their ability to compete with elite teams.

Why It Matters

The 1985 Rams season remains significant for its standout individual performances and playoff competitiveness during a transitional era for the franchise. Eric Dickerson’s record-breaking year placed him among the NFL’s all-time greats and elevated the team’s national profile.

• Historical achievement: Dickerson’s 1,808 rushing yards broke O.J. Simpson’s previous record and stood for over 30 years until broken in 2019 by Derrick Henry.
• Franchise legacy: The season reinforced the Rams’ reputation for strong running games and effective coaching under John Robinson.
• Playoff relevance: Advancing past the Wild Card Round showed the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
• Coaching impact: Robinson’s leadership helped develop young talent and maintain consistency over multiple seasons.
• Regional fan support: Games at Anaheim Stadium drew strong attendance, reflecting Southern California’s enduring interest in professional football.
• Influence on future drafts: The team’s performance influenced personnel decisions, including focus on offensive line and defensive depth in subsequent years.

The 1985 season exemplifies how individual brilliance and team cohesion can lead to memorable campaigns, even without a Super Bowl appearance.