PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Oilers’ Ryan Has Only Fighting Words

Buddy Ryan, defensive coordinator for the Houston Oilers, was not in an apologetic mood Monday. His few words carried more sting than the punch he threw at Oiler offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride on Sunday night.

At a news conference called to clear the air, Houston Coach Jack Pardee did his part, saying he hoped everyone on the Oilers realized that the enemy was the other team.

Gilbride was appropriately contrite.

And then there was Ryan.

“I said my part about it last night, and that’s all I have to say,” he said. Asked what he thought of the play calling by Gilbride in the first half of the 24-0 victory over the New York Jets that led to the heated exchange, Ryan said: “I think actions speak louder than words.”

Ryan then strode from the lectern to a roomful of laughter.

Not laughing was Oiler owner Bud Adams. “I am very concerned and disappointed about the incident that took place last night between Buddy Ryan and Kevin Gilbride,” Adams said in a prepared statement. “I understand that what took place occurred during the heat of battle, but that does not excuse it.”

Ryan openly dislikes Houston’s run-and-shoot offense, calling it the “chuck and duck,” and he was unhappy with Gilbride’s play-calling deep in Oiler territory. He said something to Gilbride when the Jets recovered quarterback Cody Carlson’s fumble at the Oiler 18 with 37 seconds to play in the half. Gilbride answered, and Ryan threw a punch that glanced off of Gilbride’s left cheek.

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Dallas Cowboy running back Emmitt Smith was still in pain because of a shoulder separation, but he told Coach Jimmy Johnson that he will be ready for the playoffs. Defensive tackle Russell Maryland, who Johnson said was the victim of a chop block, probably will be sidelined because of a severely sprained ankle.

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Pro Bowl tackle Jumbo Elliott probably will sit out the New York Giants’ game Sunday against Minnesota because of a chronic disk problem, the team said. . . . Bill Bidwill, owner of the Phoenix Cardinals, fired pro personnel director Erik Widmark and scout Carl Hairston. Bidwill said he expects to hire a new general manager and announce the fate of Coach Joe Bugel before the Super Bowl on Jan. 30. . . . The Cowboys’ Smith is joined in the backfield by Ram rookie Jerome Bettis on the Associated Press All-Pro team.