SOUTHLAND’S BEST
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Jim Plunkett, Raiders.
Only L.A. quarterback to win the Super Bowl.
Tailback: Eric Dickerson, Rams. Simpson, Dickerson 1-2 all-time NFL running backs.
Tailback: Glenn Dobbs, Dons. The last great triple-threat player.
Fullback: Dan Towler, Rams. Big-play fullback who averaged Ram-best 5.2 yards a carry.
Wide receiver: Elroy Hirsch, Rams. Right there with Hutson, Rice.
Wide receiver: Henry Ellard, Rams. Sustained his excellence longest.
Tight end: Tom Fears, Rams. NFL’s first super tight end.
Guard: Tom Mack, Rams. Well-deserved Hall of Famer.
Guard: Dennis Harrah, Rams. Also best Ram radio/TV talker.
Tackle: Jackie Slater, Rams. Mack, Slater 1-2 Los Angeles offensive linemen.
Tackle: Charlie Cowan, Rams. Reliable leader of the linemen.
Center: Leon McLaughlin, Rams. All-time Ram center since ’51.
Kicker: Bob Waterfield, Rams. Better than any specialist.
Punter: Norm Van Brocklin, Rams. Van Brocklin, Waterfield 1-2.
DEFENSE
End: Deacon Jones, Rams. Best NFL defensive player ever.
End: Jack Youngblood, Rams. Super Bowl star despite broken leg.
Tackle: Merlin Olsen, Rams. NFL’s most consistent ever.
Tackle: Big Daddy Lipscomb, Rams. Terrorized 1950s opponents.
Linebacker: Tank Younger, Rams. Doubled as superb running back.
Linebacker: Les Richter, Rams. Eleven Rams were traded for Richter.
Linebacker: Maxie Baughan, Rams. Best NFL defensive play-caller.
Linebacker: Don Paul, Rams. Meanest of the Pro Bowl players.
Cornerback: Lester Hayes, Raiders. Has Hall of Fame credentials.
Cornerback: Mike Haynes, Raiders. In Hall of Fame, Class of ’97.
Defensive back: Eddie Meador, Rams. Best of a big, good bunch.
Defensive back: Night Train Lane, Rams. Record 14 NFL interceptions in ’52.
*
Note: Oates, who has covered every Super Bowl, has selected 12-player teams to reflect changes in the game over the years from full-house backfields to single-back sets with additional wide receivers on offense, and the changes from four- to three-man fronts on defense.
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