NFC Championship Appearance (1978)

Lore & Background

The late 1970s marked a period of stability and high expectations for the Los Angeles Rams. Under the guidance of Dick Vermeil, who took over coaching duties in 1976, the team rebuilt its identity around a tough defense and disciplined play-calling. The 1978 season was particularly notable as it saw the Rams achieve one of their best regular-season records in years, establishing themselves as a legitimate contender for the NFC crown. The atmosphere surrounding the NFC Championship Game against Dallas was electric, fueled by decades of rivalry between the two franchises. The Cowboys, led by Tom Landry and Tony Dorsett, were the favorites playing at home in Texas Stadium. For the Rams, this game represented the culmination of a successful year that featured standout performances from defensive end Jack Youngblood and running back Chuck Muncie. Ultimately, the loss was stinging due to its finality; a shutout scoreline is rare for a team with such offensive potential entering the playoffs. This outcome underscored the difficulty of breaking through in the NFC East-dominated conference at that time. Despite the result, the 1978 appearance cemented Vermeil's legacy as a builder who brought immediate success to the franchise during its final years in Los Angeles.

In Their Own Story

The cold air hung heavy over Texas Stadium on New Year's Eve. Under the bright floodlights, the blue and gold of the Rams contrasted sharply with the silver of Dallas. Jack Youngblood stood at the line of scrimmage, his helmet reflecting the stadium lights, knowing this was the moment that would define the season. The crowd roared as the Cowboys took the field, a deafening wave of sound from the home fans. As the clock ticked down to zero, silence settled over the visiting sideline. There were no trophies to lift tonight, only the memory of a hard-fought battle lost in the shadow of the star.

Reader's Guide

NFC Championship Appearance (1978): Opponent Dallas Cowboys. Result 0-24 Loss. The Rams entered this game as NFC West champions with a 12-4 regular season record under head coach Dick Vermeil. The matchup took place at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas, on December 31, 1978. Despite strong defensive efforts led by Jack Youngblood, the offense was held scoreless against the Cowboys' defense. Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett dominated the rushing attack, preventing any Rams momentum from developing. This loss denied Los Angeles a spot in Super Bowl XIII. While no championship trophy was won, the appearance remains a key record for the franchise's late 1970s era. It highlighted the intense competition within the NFC during that decade.

Did You Know?

• The Rams were shut out completely with a final score of 24-0 in this championship game.
• Dick Vermeil coached the team to this appearance during his first tenure with Los Angeles.
• This was one of three NFC Championship appearances made by the Rams while based in Los Angeles before 1995.
• The Dallas Cowboys advanced to Super Bowl XIII after defeating the Rams but lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.