On October 31, 1987, the Los Angeles Rams traded Eric Dickerson to the Indianapolis Colts in a three team trade involving the Buffalo Bills. The Rams sent Dickerson to the Colts for six draft choices and two players. Buffalo obtained the rights to Cornelius Bennett from Indianapolis. Buffalo sent running back Greg Bell and three draft choices to the Rams, while Indianapolis added Owen Gill and three of their own draft picks to complete the deal with the Rams.[1]
Former Heisman Trophy winner Charles White would become the starting running back. The 1987 season would be his finest year as a pro, rushing for a league-leading 1,387 yards and 11 touchdowns, which earned him a Pro Bowl selection and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.
On November 23, 1987, linebacker Mike Wilcher recovered Doug Williams fumble and ran it back it 35 yards for a touchdown. It was Wilcher’s only touchdown in the NFL.
Rams took a 13-0 lead behind 149 yards rushing by Eric Dickerson and an interception return TD by Kevin Greene, but Oilers bounced back on two 4th-quarter TD passes by Warren Moon to Jamie Williams and Ernest Givins.
In the first "scab game", Rams were blown out courtesy of three TD passes by former Ole Miss QB John Fourcade. Rams did get their first passing TD of the season courtesy of former UCLA and CFL QB Bernard Quarles.
Rams blew another big lead, 17-0 at halftime, 20-7 after 3. Erik Kramer, who would later have great years with the Lions and Bears, threw for 355 yards and 3 TD's for the Falcons. Charles White firmly entrenched himself as the Rams' feature back with 155 yards. Former Ram Cullen Bryant, retired for 2 years, made an appearance and had a carry for 2 yards.
With the strike settled and the regular players all back, Rams were blown out by the Browns. Eric Dickerson rushed for 38 yards and a TD in his final game as a Ram.
Rams endure another blowout at home to an NFC West opponent. Saints RB Dalton Hilliard both caught a TD pass and threw one in this game. Jim Everett threw two TD's for the Rams, one to Greg Bell, newly acquired from the Colts in the Dickerson trade.
Rams broke their losing streak in a wild one at St. Louis. This game featured back to back endzone fumble recoveries for TD's by both teams. Derrick McAdoo's recovery gave the Cards a 24-14 lead in the 3rd, but then Ram CB Jerry Gray followed up with one of his own to cut it to 24-21. Rams won on two late field goals by Mike Lansford. Charles White had another banner game, rushing for 213 yards.
In this Monday night matchup, Olympic sprinter Ron Brown returned a kickoff for a TD and caught what would turn out to be the winning TD pass from Jim Everett. Ram LB Mike Wilcher had a fumble return TD and Charles White ran for 112 yards and another TD.
Rams overcame a halftime deficit and blew out the Lions on the road. Everett passed for 324 yards and two TD's, including an 81-yarder to Henry Ellard. White had 102 yards rushing and two more TD's.
All but dead five weeks ago, the Rams won their fifth straight and suddenly looked to be in the hunt for the playoffs. White had 159 yards and two TD's, Everett passed for another, and CB Michael Stewart had a safety and CB Leroy Irvin returned an interception for a TD.
Rams put an end to any playoff chances by losing to the Cowboys at home. Cowboys K Roger Ruzek kicked five field goals and Herschel Walker ran for 108 and a TD. Jim Everett was injured late and would miss the remainder of the season.
An undermanned Ram team lost badly to the 49ers, who were playing for the division title over the surprising Saints. Steve Young and Joe Montana took turns shredding the Rams' defense. Young threw three TD passes and Montana had two. Charles White capped off a stellar year by rushing for 95 yards.
Rams moved from Cleveland to LA in 1946 • Relocated in 1994 (Now the St. Louis Rams) • Previously based in Los Angeles and Anaheim, California, California
