PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE LEAGUE : Byrd Takes First Steps in Rehabilitation

New York Jet defensive end Dennis Byrd, paralyzed because of a broken neck, is making “excellent progress” and has taken his first steps in his rehabilitation program, his doctor said Thursday.

“He has continued to gain muscle strength in both of his arms and legs,” said Kristjan Ragnarsson, chairman of rehabilitation medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

“He has been working out regularly in the therapeutic pool with his therapist and was able to stand unsupported and take a few steps. As his strength and balance have increased, his chances to learn to walk again have improved.

“(Wednesday), he stood for the first time between the parallel bars and with some help took a few steps. And in the weeks ahead we will be working with him on ambulatory exercises.”

The doctor said that although Byrd’s hands have gained strength, they are still weak.

“However, he is now able to perform by himself many of the daily self-care activities, and as a result of that, we are reducing the direct nursing assistance,” Ragnarsson said.

“He has been free of medical complications and remains highly motivated. He is most encouraged by his progress.”

Byrd was injured when he collided with teammate Scott Mersereau during a game against the Kansas City Royals on Nov. 29.

BILLS

One Game Skewed Secondary’s Play

The low point came in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. Although the Buffalo Bills won, 34-31, you couldn’t tell from the fans’ reaction.

After giving up 598 yards, Buffalo’s defense was under fire. And much of the criticism was aimed at the defensive backfield.

“I feel that the secondary was maligned all year,” free safety Mark Kelso said. “I don’t really want to even talk about it until after the Super Bowl.”

Although the criticism hurt, Kelso said it made the secondary better.

“I think that the media and everybody else gave us plenty of incentive to want to play well,” he said. “We knew the only way that people would not point their finger at the secondary is to play well.”

Except for occasional lapses, the Bills’ secondary play has improved steadily since the humbling in San Francisco.

The pass defense was ranked 20th, but that statistic is deceiving:

--Of the five longest passes completed against Buffalo, three came in the 49er game.

--In their last 13 games, including the playoffs, the Bills have given up only two passes longer than 36 yards.

--The Bills had only one game this season where they did not have an interception.

“People get the misconception that we weren’t playing well before and that’s not true,” Kelso said. “We’re making more plays, but I don’t think we’ve played any different.”

COWBOYS

Horton Remembers Getting Burned

Ray Horton knows what it’s like to play in a Super Bowl and lose. He also knows how it feels to be called the goat of the game.

Horton, a safety for the Dallas Cowboys, was burned by Joe Montana’s 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor with 34 seconds left in Super Bowl XXIII. The 49ers defeated Cincinnati, 20-16, and the next season, the Cowboys signed Horton.

“I still think about that game a lot,” Horton said. “Montana got me. The 49ers came out in some weird formation and I wanted to call time out and I didn’t. I wish I had.”