70s Rams: The Forgotten Defense That Crushed Everyone…

This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 6 months, 2 weeks ago by zn.

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August 22, 2025 at 1:44 am #157603

joemad
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The Forgotten Defense That Quietly Crushed Everyone

The 1970s Los Angeles Rams built one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history, yet were rather underrated. Let’s take a look at how good they were and why they don’t get enough recognition.

August 22, 2025 at 7:36 am #157604

wv
Participant

Yeah, great defenses. Sigh.
1972 – Merlin Olsen, Larry Brooks, Coy Bacon, Jack Youngblood. Not bad.

w
v

August 22, 2025 at 4:11 pm #157607

zn
Moderator

Larry Brooks. I wonder if people forget how great he was. The wiki records unofficial sacks that happened before sacks became an official stat, and here’s what they say about Brooks in his earliest seasons:

From the wiki:

Brooks became a starter at right defensive tackle in the 8th game of the season during his rookie year of 1972.

He collected 9 quarterback sacks in 1973 and the Rams defense was tops in the NFL against the run (allowing 1,270 rushing yards) and led the NFL in total defense (allowing just 2,970 yards). Brooks led Ram defensive linemen in tackles for the first time with 76. The 1973 Los Angeles Rams did not allow 300 yards in all 14 games in a 14-game season. In 2008 the Steelers’ defense has held opponents to under 300 yards in all 14 games this season, tied for the longest streak to start a season since 1970. However, the Steelers did not break the Rams’ record.

In 1974, Brooks tackled opposing passers 11 times as the Rams were first in the NFC with 44 sacks and again led the NFL in allowing the fewest rushing yards with 1302 while allowing the fewest points, 181
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