The 1958 season marked the 21st year for the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League and their 13th season representing the city of Los Angeles. Under the guidance of head coach Sid Gillman, the team played its home games at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. While the Rams ultimately did not qualify for the playoffs, their season was characterized by a strong overall record and memorable performances, including a high-scoring victory
that drew an immense crowd, showcasing the team's competitive spirit in the NFL's Western Division.
A Strong Showing in the Western Division
The Los Angeles Rams concluded their 1958 campaign with a respectable 8–4 record. This performance placed them in a tie for second place within the NFL Western Division, demonstrating their capability to compete at a high level. Despite this strong record, the competitive nature of the division meant that an 8–4 finish was not enough to secure a playoff berth for the team that year. The Rams' divisional record stood at 7–3, indicating consistent success against their Western Division rivals.
Their overall record of eight wins and four losses positioned them just behind the Baltimore Colts, who finished with a 9–3 record and ultimately claimed the top spot in the division. The Rams shared their second-place standing with the Chicago Bears, who also ended the season with an 8–4 record. This tight competition underscored the challenging landscape of the NFL Western Division during the 1958 season, where every game carried significant weight in the standings.
Memorable Moments and Key Victories
One of the most notable games of the 1958 season for the Los Angeles Rams occurred in Week 6, when they faced the Chicago Bears. This thrilling contest took place on November 2 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and resulted in a high-scoring 41–35 victory for the Rams. The game was a significant event, drawing an impressive attendance of 100,470 spectators, highlighting the immense popularity of professional football in Los Angeles at the time.
The scoring summary from this game illustrates its back-and-forth nature. In the first quarter, the Bears took an early lead with a 20-yard interception return. However, the Rams quickly responded with a 3-yard run by Billy Wade, followed by a 19-yard field goal from Paige Cothren, giving them a 10–7 lead. The Rams continued to build on this momentum, scoring 17 points in the first quarter and 14 in the second, establishing a substantial lead by halftime. Despite a strong fourth-quarter comeback attempt by the Bears, who scored 14 points to the Rams' zero, Los Angeles held on for the win, showcasing their offensive power and resilience.
Team Composition and Divisional Landscape
Under head coach Sid Gillman, the 1958 Rams featured a roster that included both established players and rookies. While specific details about individual player performances are limited, the team's overall record reflects a cohesive unit capable of winning games. The Rams' offensive output was notable, as they scored 344 points over the season, while their defense allowed 278 points. This offensive strength was a key factor in their ability to secure eight victories.
Looking at the broader NFL Western Division standings, the Baltimore Colts led with a 9–3 record, scoring 381 points and allowing 203. The Rams and Bears both finished at 8–4, with the Bears scoring 298 points and allowing 230. The San Francisco 49ers followed with a 6–6 record, while the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers rounded out the division with 4–7–1 and 1–10–1 records, respectively. The Rams' performance placed them firmly among the top contenders in a competitive division, even if a playoff spot ultimately eluded them.
