Saints/Rams Memorable Game #4

The New Orleans Saints will play host to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La.

Of course, the Rams were formerly the Los Angeles Rams, from 1946-1998, before moving to St. Louis, from 1999-2016, and then back to Los Angeles this year.

Since the Saints played their first game back in 1967, the two franchises have played some memorable games, having competed in the NFC West together from 1970-2001.

The Rams dominated that division in the 70’s, winning six-consecutive division titles, from 1974-1979.

Sunday’s match-up will mark the 73rd all-time meeting between the two, with the Rams leading, 40-32.

This week, we’re taking a look at five memorable match-ups between the two franchises.

On Monday, we went back to 1967, the very first game in Saints’ history, for the first memorable game.

On Tuesday, we went back to September of 1971, for our second memorable game, the first ever win over the Rams by the Saints.

On Wednesday, for out third memorable game, we go back to November 26, 1972, almost 44 years ago, when the Saints stunned the Rams.

Today, for our fourth memorable game, we go back to 1983, for arguably the most heartbreaking defeat in franchise history.

The year was 1983, and the Saints went into their last game of the year, facing the Los Angeles Rams, with an opportunity to secure the first winning season in franchise history, as well as the first playoff berth.

Both came in with identical 8-7 records. If the Saints won, they were in the playoffs. If the Rams won, they would need help to reach the playoffs, which they eventually got.

The Saints led, 24-23, with under 2:00 to go, and had the Rams pinned deep in their own territory, at the 5-yard line.

Los Angeles quarterback Vince Ferragamo gave his team an opportunity however, completing 6-of-7 passes, for 70 yards, and setting-up a 42-yard field goal attempt by Mike Lansford.

Lansford kicked the ball just inside the left upright, handing the Saints one of the most devastating loses in franchise history.

That kick was only the sour exclamation point on a crazy game, and year, however.

In that Saints/Rams game, the Rams didn’t score an offensive touchdown, and the Lansford field goal was the only offensive points Los Angeles scored the whole afternoon. The Rams intercepted two Ken Stabler passes, and returned them for touchdowns, returned a punt for a touchdown, and scored on a safety.

Heartbreaking, and frustrating, to say the least.

To make matters worse, of the six losses that the Saints had in ’83, six of them were by a touchdown, or less, and in five of those six losses, the Rams finale included, the Saints actually out-gained the opposition, in terms of total yards.

Oh, and that game took place exactly week day prior to Christmas.

Merry Christmas!!!

This game, and that season, may have been the most crushing for a franchise, and it’s fans, that had way too many in their first 30-plus years.

Below is the kick by Lansford: