Houston: Shopping for Team, Any Team

There is little Houston businessman Bob McNair can do besides sit and wait until Sept. 15, the deadline the NFL has given Los Angeles to finalize a stadium package for an expansion team.

But McNair isn’t exactly waiting quietly. He wants an NFL team, one way or another.

“We’d immediately start talking to other teams,� McNair said of a fallback plan if Los Angeles is able to do the unlikely and meet the deadline, or the NFL extends it.

“All you have to do is look at the facts. There are some teams with unsatisfactory stadium arrangements.�

McNair has put together a strong package to entice the NFL back to Houston, including $195 million in public money for a $310 million retractable-roof stadium.

Los Angeles was awarded the 32nd NFL franchise in March, contingent on coming up with an acceptable stadium and financing plan. So far, it hasn’t.

“I try not to be too excited because the deadline is Sept. 15 and anything can happen between now and then, but as the days pass, there is less and less opportunity for something to happen [in Los Angeles],� McNair said.

While Los Angeles is still uncertain on a site for the new franchise, Houston’s plans are set. The new stadium, including plenty of parking, would be built adjacent to the Astrodome.

Houston officials say the indecision in Los Angeles is promising.

“I think it’s a clear indication that the NFL is facing the reality of the situation at the Coliseum,� Houston Sports Authority chairman Jack Rains said. “They looked at those first and selected the Coliseum. Now they’re looking at the discards.�

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In an exhibition game at Seattle, Manny Martin returned an interception 96 yards for a touchdown for Buffalo, which spoiled Mike Holmgren’s debut as the Seahawks’ coach, 24-10.

Bill quarterback Doug Flutie completed five of seven passes for 63 yards and engineered a 78-yard drive to the Seattle one-yard line in the second quarter.

But the Seahawks thwarted four attempts to score from there.

For Seattle, Jon Kitna completed six of eight passes for 63 yards and struggled to move the Seahawks under Holmgren’s West Coast-style offense.

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In other exhibitions:

* Backup quarterback Brian Griese threw two touchdown passes and completed 18 of 21 throws for 192 yards for the Broncos, who whipped Arizona, 38-7, at Denver.

Starting quarterback Bubby Brister and running back Terrell Davis also looked to be in regular-season form for the Broncos, who outgained Arizona, 448 yards to 161.

* At Green Bay, Packer backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck threw two touchdown passes in the second quarter to lead the Packers to a 27-16 victory over the New York Jets.

Jet Coach Bill Parcells suffered only his second exhibition loss in three years with New York.

* At Tampa, Buccaneer quarterback Trent Dilfer silenced his critics for at least a week, throwing two touchdown passes in a 30-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Tim Couch, the first overall pick in the draft, passed for only 27 yards and the Browns failed to make a first down on any of his six possessions.

* At Indianapolis, the Colts managed only 34 rushing yards but scored on two touchdown passes and beat the Cincinnati Bengals, 20-17. Mike Vanderjagt’s 26-yard field goal with three seconds to play was the game-winner.

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Dallas Cowboy Coach Chan Gailey said Deion Sanders will become purely a defensive player because of injuries. . . . Detroit Lion linebacker Matt Russell injured his left knee in the Lions’ 34-31 loss to Atlanta Friday night and is expected to be sidelined for the season. . . . The Jacksonville Jaguars signed fullback Tim Lester, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers, to a one-year deal. . . . Receiver Donald Sellers was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles.