The Los Angeles Rams' biggest disappointment in the 1973 to 1979 timeframe was in the referenced games. Minnesota won both with similar plays.
1974 NFC Title Game at Minnesota Vikings won 14 to 10.
Los Angeles gained 340 yards to 269 for Minnesota. Harold Jackson for LA caught three passes for 139 yards and a touchdown; but five turnovers and seven penalties hurt the Rams. The most damaging play was when the Rams had a first and goal at the Minnesota one. Viking linebacker Wally Hilgenberg intercepted a pass from James Harris in the end zone leaving the Rams without a score.
1976 NFC Title Game at Minnesota Vikings won 24 to 13.
Each team's best rushers fared well. Lawrence McCutcheon gained 128 yards and scored a touchdown for Los Angeles. Chuck Foreman gained 118 yards for Minnesota. The Vikings virtually won the game on the first series after the opening kickoff. The Rams took the kickoff and moved steadily downfield to the Minnesota one. On third and goal from that point, Rams quarterback Pat Haden tried the forced the ball in. This was a big mistake. Haden was undersized compared to the Purple People Eaters. Lawrence McCutcheon would have had more momentum. The Vikings held.
Tom Dempsey tried an 18 yard field goal. Matt Blair blocked the kick and Bob Bryant returned the football 90 yards for a touchdown. This was a 14 point series.
Rams lose NFC Title Game 1974 and 1976
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LeonardRachiele
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Todd Pence
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Re: Rams lose NFC Title Game 1974 and 1976
Actually, the Rams had advanced to the one, but committed a procedure penalty on first down. So the interception play was run from the six.LeonardRachiele wrote: The most damaging play was when the Rams had a first and goal at the Minnesota one. Viking linebacker Wally Hilgenberg intercepted a pass from James Harris in the end zone leaving the Rams without a score.