Random Ramsdom: ‘04 Rams named one of the worst playoff teams in history

As the 2020 season starts to head down its final stretch, Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports decided to take a look back at some of the worst teams to make the playoffs over the years. One of the teams included happened to be the 2004 Rams squad, who limped into the playoffs with an 8-8 record.

“This was the true end of the “Greatest Show on Turf” era in St. Louis,” says DeArdo. “Two years after their shocking upset loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI, the Rams suffered another heartbreaking playoff loss in 2003 after Steve Smith ended St. Louis’ season with a 69-yard touchdown in overtime.”

“St. Louis appeared to carry that loss into the ‘04 season, as the Rams lost eight of their first 14 games. The Rams, led by running backs Marshall Faulk and Steven Jackson and receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, were able to salvage their season after defeating the Eagles and Jets (in overtime) to close out the regular season. In the first round of the playoffs, two late scores propelled the Rams to an upset win over the Seahawks, who a year later would represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. The Rams were no match for Michael Vick and the Flacons in the divisional round, however, as the Falcons rushed for 327 yards in a 47-17 win. The Rams would not return to the playoffs until 2017, Sean McVay’s first season as coach.”

What are your thoughts on this team’s inclusion? Do they deserve to be called one of the worst teams to ever make the playoffs? By pure ability, I’d say no with all that star power, but it’s certainly a lot harder to make the playoffs with anything less than a .500 record.

Now for today’s links.

Rams News:

Bret Stuter lists 10 reasons why the Rams defense has been the difference this season (Ramblin’ Fan)

Andrew Whitworth’s rehab is going well (The Rams Wire)

Stu Jackson takes an early look at this week’s matchup (TheRams.com)

Notable Rams-Cardinals games through the years (TheRams.com)

NFL News:

The three Broncos QBs tested negative and will return to the team shortly (ESPN)

NFL execs predict the future of Carson Wentz (ESPN)

John Breech picks game from the Week 13 slate (CBS Sports)

Jerry Jones compares his third-string QB to a practice squad WR (Pro Football Talk)

You can vote for the Pepsi NFL rookie of the week (NFL.com)

Scott Pioli discusses three consequences of the salary cap decrease in 2021 (NFL.com)