Playing the Rams brings back lots of memories for me.
Of course, when I played, they were the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams sent scouts to look at me when I was at Iowa State, and showed an interest. Not only that, but Fred McNeill went to UCLA, and that was Rams territory. I used to go to Los Angeles frequently in the off-season to spend time with Fred.
Then there was the Mud Bowl at the L.A. Coliseum after the 1977 season. We played in the rain and mud the entire game, and that was so much fun! Playing in the mud reminded many of us of playing as youngsters. There wasn't a clean uniform on any team. Bob Lee played quarterback for us. Chuck Foreman had 31 carries for 101 yards, and had to wipe the slop off his face mask off numerous times. Jeff Wright intercepted a pass to seal the 14-7 win for us.
Doug France, my high-school teammate, played for the Rams. We were the only two from our high school in Dayton who made it to the NFL. What a coincidence! When the season was over and after we retired, we'd talk about how the Vikings beat them in crucial games. Somehow, that topic always came up. I loved the fact the Vikings reigned supreme the majority of the times we played the Rams.
Our special teams always played a big role in our victories by either blocking a kick or punt. The most memorable blocked kick came in the 1976 playoffs when Nate Allen blocked a field goal attempt. The ball bounced down the line to Bobby Bryant, who returned it 90 yards for a touchdown and got us started to a 24-13 victory over the Rams at Met Stadium that enabled us to go to Super Bowl XI, where we lost to the Raiders. Bobby also had two interceptions in that game.
Many of the victories that happened back then were outside at the Met Stadium. Other teams couldn't handle the Minnesota weather, especially the Southern teams. Now, both teams have domes so the weather won't be a factor on Sunday.
Do I think the Vikings will win this weekend? Yes. Do I think it will be easy? No. This will be a tough game for the Vikings. As many of you former and current athletes can attest, sometimes when you play a team you feel should be a cakewalk, you find yourself playing at their level or that they step it up a few notches.
