The 1997 St. Louis Rams season was the team's 60th year with the National Football League (NFL) and the third season in St. Louis. Still struggling to find answers, the Rams looked to improve on their 6âÂÂ10 record from 1996 and make the playoffs for the first time since 1989, when the team was still based in Anaheim. The Rams started out the season mediocre, splitting their first four games. However, after beating the New York Giants at home, things began to unravel, as the Rams lost their next eight games before winning three of their last four to end the season 5âÂÂ11. This was Dick VermeilâÂÂs first season as head coach of the Rams. Despite the losing record, Vermeil had brought the Rams back to competitiveness. Of their 5âÂÂ11 record, five of those losses were only by a touchdown or less.