What Is 2017 Los Angeles Rams football team

Overview

The 2017 Los Angeles Rams represented a turning point in the franchise’s modern era, transforming from a struggling team into a playoff contender in just one season. After relocating back to Los Angeles in 2016, the Rams struggled with a 4-12 record, but the 2017 season brought a dramatic turnaround under new leadership.

Head coach Sean McVay, hired in January 2017, implemented an aggressive offensive scheme that revitalized quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley. The team finished the regular season with an 11-5 record, winning the NFC West division and securing a playoff berth for the first time since 2004.

• Record turnaround: The Rams improved from a 4-12 record in 2016 to 11-5 in 2017, marking the largest single-season win improvement in the NFL that year.
• Sean McVay’s impact: At age 31, McVay became the youngest head coach in the modern NFL era and was named NFL Coach of the Year for his transformative leadership.
• Offensive explosion: The Rams scored 428 total points, averaging 26.8 points per game, a massive leap from 2016’s 15.9 points per game.
• Jared Goff’s breakout: After a rough rookie season, Goff threw for 3,804 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions, posting a 101.1 passer rating.
• Todd Gurley’s dual threat: Gurley rushed for 1,378 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 788 receiving yards, showcasing his value as a versatile offensive weapon.

Key Players and Roles

The 2017 Rams' success was driven by a core group of players who thrived under McVay’s offensive system. Each position group contributed to the team’s aggressive, high-tempo style of play.

• Quarterback – Jared Goff: Goff matured significantly, throwing for 3,804 yards and 28 touchdowns with a career-high 69.1% completion rate.
• Running back – Todd Gurley: Gurley became a dual-threat force, rushing for 1,378 yards and catching 64 passes for 788 yards and 6 touchdowns.
• Wide receiver – Cooper Kupp: Rookie Cooper Kupp emerged with 88 receptions for 869 yards and 5 touchdowns, forming a key part of the passing attack.
• Defensive leader – Aaron Donald: Despite a contract dispute, Donald recorded 11 sacks and remained the anchor of the defensive line.
• Offensive line: The line improved dramatically, allowing only 23 sacks—down from 49 in 2016—thanks to better blocking schemes and cohesion.
• Special teams – Greg Zuerlein: Kicker Greg Zuerlein made 33 of 36 field goals, including 5 from 50+ yards, earning him a Pro Bowl alternate spot.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2017 Rams showed stark improvement across key performance metrics compared to the previous season, highlighting the impact of new coaching and player development.

This table illustrates the dramatic transformation the Rams underwent in just one year. The offensive overhaul under Sean McVay led to improved efficiency, better protection, and higher scoring, while defensive consistency helped secure crucial wins. The team’s ability to win close games and perform in high-pressure situations marked a cultural shift within the organization.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season reestablished the Rams as a legitimate NFL contender and set the foundation for sustained success in the late 2010s. It demonstrated how a single coaching hire could revolutionize a franchise’s trajectory.

• Revitalized fanbase: Attendance and viewership in Los Angeles surged, as fans embraced the team’s exciting new style after years of mediocrity.
• Coaching blueprint: McVay’s success inspired other NFL teams to hire younger, offensive-minded head coaches, shifting league hiring trends.
• Player development: Jared Goff and Todd Gurley evolved into stars, proving the value of patience and scheme fit in player growth.
• Competitive balance: The Rams’ rise helped reshape the NFC West, making it one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL.
• Long-term impact: The 2017 season laid the groundwork for the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory in the 2021 season.
• Franchise confidence: The turnaround justified the decision to return to Los Angeles and invest in a new stadium and training facility.

The 2017 Los Angeles Rams season remains a benchmark for rapid franchise transformation in the NFL, proving that leadership, culture, and strategic play-calling can yield immediate results.