SHACK'S FINEST HOUR
Oct 3rd, 1976, the Rams 4th game was against the Dolphins in Miami. In the first three games, the Rams used three QB's (Jaworski, Haden and Harris) that gave the rebirth to the 70's "Great LA QB Controversy." (Van Brocklin and Waterfield in the 50's, Munson and Gabriel in the 60's). James Harris had his greatest game ever against Miami. He threw 29 times and completed 17 picture perfect passes for 436 yards in a 31-28 win. Miami surprised the Rams with a 5 man line, daring the Rams to throw. But, Ground Chuck was stubborn wanting to establish the run. But, with Miami shutting out the Rams at the half 14-0. At the half, the Ram coaches did change their thinking and let Harris throw. Our defense had their worst game in years allowing Miami 215 yards on the ground. But when the Rams took a 31-28 lead, the Ram defense came through. Elmendorf and Simpson each grabbed a Griese pass in the final minutes to secure the win. In the bedlam of the winner's locker room, Carroll Rosenbloom who enjoyed beating the coach (Shula) who ran out on him (when he owned the Colts), broke threw the ring of reporters around Harris, and whispered in his ear and gave him a kiss on the cheek. But, Coach Knox didn't give the game ball to Shack-------he didn't even give it to a Ram player. The game ball went to equipment manager Don Hewitt. When the Rams arrived at the stadium that day, they found out someone had broken into their locker room and stolen a dozen helmets. Somehow, on a Sunday morning in Miami, Hewitt managed to buy a few helmets, rebuild a few extras he had, and worked out a system of trades between offensive and defensive players. Another story from the game. Flying back to LA, Jaworski and Haden were laughing at Coach Knox pre-game speech. Knox was yelling "Now let's go out and beat the shit out of these mother-fuckers". Then without missing a beat, he said calmly says "Let's say a prayer". Listen as Dick Enberg explains LISTEN Want more Ram memories? RAM PICTURES TELL A STORY
