Editor’s note: The following column from the Best of West Collection was originally published in the Port Arthur News on Jan. 5, 1994.

In the process of roasting Jimmy Johnson last May, Buddy Ryan made reference to Port Arthur changing the name of 75th St. to Jimmy Johnson Blvd. “Jimmy, I’ve seen a lot of streets named after you,” Ryan said. “They all say, ‘One Way.’ ”

My guess is that Ryan was repeating a line somebody once used in reference to him. Certainly, if ever there was anybody a “one way” reference fits, it’s the Houston Oilers self-centered defensive coordinator. He proved it again Sunday night with what may wind up being the most celebrated punch thrown in 1994.

Ryan clearly stepped across the line of acceptable professional behavior by swinging at Oilers offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride on the sidelines in the second quarter. Yet befitting his “one-way” mentality, there was no remorse. While Gilbride held a press conference to apologize for being part of embarrassing the Oilers organization on national TV, Buddy gave the impression he just did what was necessary.

“I think my actions spoke louder than words,” said Ryan, when quizzed about Gilbride’s play-calling late in the first half of Houston’s 24-0 crunching of the New York Jets. “I don’t think we’ll be throwing the ball in that type of situation in the playoffs.”

Typically, Ryan couldn’t let well enough — or is it bad enough? — alone. He had to get in the statement about not throwing in that type situation in the playoffs. Now Gilbride and head coach Jack Pardee are even more on the spot.

If the Oilers run out the clock under similar circumstances in the playoffs, it will appear to fans, media and players than Ryan dictated offensive strategy.

Meanwhile, the bittersweet moral to the Buddy Ryan saga in Houston is one that has been proven over and over again in sports. Winning covers a multitude of sins. Win and you can get away with things that otherwise would not be acceptable.

Since the Oilers have won a franchise record 11 straight games, and Ryan’s defense has been the catalyst, most of the criticism of him will come from afar.

For the most part, he has the support of the Houston media. Many Oilers fans perceive him as the difference. Those fans are willing to ignore his obvious shortcomings because his defense may finally get the Oilers to the Super Bowl.

Ryan, of course, takes credit for where the Oilers are. And, in truth, you have to give the devil his due. Even with injuries to three of four starters in the secondary, the Houston defense has become a terrifying, turnover-forcing unit that obliterates a running attack and pressures quarterbacks into mistakes.

Latest to pay tribute to Ryan’s unit was New York Jets head coach Bruce Coslet.

“We’ve been beaten before but not like this,” said Coslet, after his playoff-hopeful team was folded, spindled and mutilated. “His is by far the best defensive team we’ve played. We tried five-man protection, six, seven and we even tried eight sometimes.

“We couldn’t block them. I don’t have a problem with our effort. We just got beat by a better team. That is a Super Bowl defense.”

Such tributes are music to Ryan’s ears and reaffirm what he staunchly believes about being the savior in Houston. It’s also why he wasn’t the least bit contrite over swinging at Gilbride, even after a strongly worded statement by Oiler owner Bud Adams deploring the incident.

Adams’ insistence that such behavior will not be tolerated probably made about as much impact on Ryan as a sportswriter’s salary would on the national debt. Ryan knows he’s coaching in Houston at Adams’ insistence, knows he doesn’t have to answer to the head coach and knows he can pretty much do and say what he wants.

He has his own radio and television shows and doesn’t mind second guessing strategy on them. He has the total faith, commitment and loyalty of players on the defensive side of the football. He’s gotten away with being a thorn in Gilbride’s side since training camp.

He simply speaks his mind and lets the chips fall where they may. That’s Buddy Ryan, take him or leave him.

Gilbride, for sure, will leave him as soon as possible. Ryan’s barbs have made life miserable for the offensive coordinator and put increasing pressure on him. One Oilers insider maintains that the ego battle going on between the coordinators has caused Gilbride to force some things in the passing game to try and prove the merits of the run and shoot.

“The offense would be better off to run Gary Brown more,” says the insider. “But Kevin has always been caught up in showing the critics they are wrong about the run and shoot. He wants to put up big numbers in the passing game.

“Buddy has made the situation worse with the things he’s said. Kevin is more determined than ever about the passing game.”

What happened Sunday night, then, may have been inevitable. And, in all honesty, Ryan had a right to be ticked off, although not to the extreme he went. The Oilers were leading 14-0 and in complete control. Why take a chance that might provide a spark for the Jets?

Especially in light of the fact that the Oilers were have trouble pass blocking with a makeshift line.

The irony of it all is that Ryan may well have cost himself a shot at one more head coaching job. Thought to be blackballed by NFL owners after being dismissed in Philadelphia, his success with the Houston defense might have opened a door or two. Atlanta, in particular, was believed to be very interested. After Sunday night, it’s back to long-shot status.

Buddy Ryan proved again he’s too much of a one-way street.

Sports editor Bob West can be e-mailed at rdwest@ usa.net.