Turf Show Times
As voted on by the TST forum community members and fans
Earlier this week, Turf Show Times asked forum members and Los Angeles Rams fans to weigh in on your favorite all-time Rams. Now, hoping to add some extra fireworks to your Fourth of July celebrations, all the votes have been tallied and can be revealed.
The TST All-Time Rams offensive and defensive lineups. Asterisk denotes NFL Hall of Fame.
Quarterback - Kurt Warner* (1998-2003)
Not surprising, Warner was the trigger man on those GSOT teams. He was a perfect fit into Mike Martz’ wide-open system, where his natural throwing skills had likely been enhanced by his past in the Arena League where quick reads and fast-paced passing were the model.
Running back - Marshall Faulk* (1999-2006), Eric Dickerson* (1983-87)
You have to wonder how many yards Dickerson would have gotten if he had stayed in John Robinson’s running offense. Contract disputes, suspensions, and injuries seemed to overshadow him after he left L.A. Faulk’s running and receiving skills were a perfect fit into the GSOT offense and had three straight seasons of over 2000 yards running/receiving.
Wide receiver - Issac Bruce* (1994-2007), Torry Holt (1998-2008), Cooper Kupp (2017- )
Kupp sneaks in over the old-time stars. Bruce has a Gold Jacket, while Holt suffers from the stigma of his WR#2 role. His numbers compare with the best.
Tight end - Tyler Higbee (2016- )
Enters his 10th season and looked refreshed coming off a major injury. Not stellar, but a versatile, hard-working piece in the McVay offense. I think he’s got one more contract (two-year deal) left in him.
Center - Rich Saul (1970-81)
Had to wait his turn behind Ken Iman and in turn, made Doug Smith wait. It is amazing that the Rams had the pivot covered so well from 1965-91.
Guard - Tom Mack* (1966-78), Dennis Harrah (1975-87)
Two totally different personalities, Mack was a studious engineer that negotiated his own contracts and went on to design and run nuclear plants. Harrah was known for pulling out handfuls of teammates chest hair and being an enforcer on field, he even got into a fight in the Pro Bowl game. Mack took the young Harrah under his wing and taught him the pro game.
Tackle - Jackie Slater* (1976-95), Orlando Pace* (1997-2008)
Slater played 20 years with the Rams, blocked for Walter Payton in college and for eight Rams 1000 yard rushers. Pace was drafted #1 overall and while known for pancake blocks, he played very clean, going four straight GSOT seasons without a holding penalty and committing just nine over a 169 game career.
Defensive tackle - Merlin Olsen* (1962-76), Aaron Donald (2014-23)
The two best ever? Olson never missed a start in 208 games. Had a string of 14 straight Pro Bowls, named First Team All-Pro five times, and Second Team three times. Donald won Defensive Rookie of the Year, Pro Bowl in all 10 seasons, and First Team All-Pro in nine...
