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.