PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Ryan’s Comments Provide Motivation

After the Rams had no trouble with Buddy Ryan’s Houston defense a year ago in a 28-13 victory, Ryan had some unkind things to say about his opponents. The Rams remember those comments and find motivation in wanting to begin the 1994 season with a victory over Ryan’s Arizona Cardinals.

“Buddy Ryan came up and said we were the worst-coached team, the worst-run football team and had the worst football players in the league,” said Joe Vitt, Ram assistant head coach. “That doesn’t say much for the football team he was coaching after we absolutely pummeled them and stomped them into the ground.

“I tried to walk up and talk to him at the NFL scouting combine, but he didn’t want any part of me. He’s not going to look you in the eye like a man unless there are some cameras around.”

Ryan’s arrival in Phoenix resulted in an increased sale of 24,000 season tickets, but Vitt can’t understand what all the excitement is about.

“I just think he’s another guy,” Vitt said. “I just wish it were a playoff game, I’d guarantee a victory. He’s never won a playoff game.

“We know we have to go out and earn respect. What we don’t need is somebody from another team critiquing us. I would think he’s got enough of his own problems. For one thing, hitting the speed bag would help him after the pitiful punch I saw him throw at (Oiler offensive coordinator Kevin) Gilbride last year. He needs to mind his own business.”

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The Rams, who passed on quarterback Trent Dilfer to take tackle Wayne Gandy, will park Gandy on the bench Sunday. “We just feel at this time that we’re trying to win a football game,” Coach Chuck Knox said. “That doesn’t mean we’re totally giving up on the guy.”