http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3558526.html End of the season a welcome relief for troubled Texans By JOHN MCCLAIN Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle SAN FRANCISCO - Based on what has happened in 2005, Texans fans should not be surprised that a bizarre and disappointing season ends today with a game that is causing more excitement than the season opener against Buffalo. If the Texans lose to the 49ers in what could be Dom Capers' last game as their coach, they'll finish with an NFL-worst record of 2-14, guaranteeing them the No. 1 pick in the April draft. The Texans will use the top pick on running back Reggie Bush, who is expected to announce after Wednesday's Rose Bowl that he is leaving USC a year early. After the Texans play the 49ers, the Capers era will, in all probability, end. He'll almost certainly be fired, and the search for his replacement will begin. Today's game could also be Charley Casserly's last as general manager. Like Capers, Casserly has another year left on his contract. Owner Bob McNair, who hired Dan Reeves as his consultant, could buy out Casserly's contract and allow him to leave. Quarterback David Carr, whose performance has improved over the second half of the season, is due to receive a bonus that will extend his contract by two or three years — depending on which contract option the Texans select. Are we there yet? No matter who comes, stays or goes, most of the Texans will be glad to finish the season. "The nightmare will be over," cornerback Dunta Robinson said. The players feel bad about costing Capers his job, but there's nothing they can do about it. "If it happens, I'll hate to see Dom go," outside linebacker Antwan Peek said. "He's done a lot for my career. He's helped me mature as a player and as a person." The truth hurts If the Texans lose today, they'll be 0-8 on the road for the first time. They are 0-6 in the AFC South for the first time. "I don't ever want to be involved in another season like this one," said Peek, a three-year veteran who'll become a restricted free agent. "We can't blame anyone but ourselves about what's happened this season. No one's brought it on us. We're responsible." The Texans were 0-8 against teams with winning records, and they were outscored 32.2 to 14.3. No wonder everyone is talking about Bush. "Yeah, it has gotten a little old, but, hey, we've brought it on ourselves, and we have to deal with it," Peek said about the Bush talk. "Bush is very, very talented. If we have an opportunity to get him and he ends up coming here, of course, we'd welcome him with open arms." The Texans don't have to lose to get Bush. If they win, they could have the second pick based on strength of schedule. If they finish second to New Orleans, they would have a shot at Bush if the Saints take USC quarterback Matt Leinart. "We might be the only people that want us to win this game," Carr said about the players and coaches. "It's a very different feeling when people are telling you, 'Good luck; go get 'em, but make sure you don't win.' "It's a tough situation, but we want to win the game." The players have seen Bush's highlights that seem to play almost daily on TV. Many will watch Bush in the title game against Texas. "I don't see how he couldn't help our team," Carr said. Kudos for Capers Next season, Carr could work for a new head coach for the first time since he played at Fresno State. "There's no one I've met in this sport that I have as much respect for," Carr said of Capers. "I've met a lot of people, and as far as him being honest, straightforward and never wavering, that's impressive to me. "It's going to be hard. For him to stay as stable as he has, that's pretty impressive. Whatever happens, he's still going to be a friend of mine, someone I greatly respect." Capers, who has been a picture of calm during this turbulent season, was asked recently if he has been too loyal to his assistant coaches, particularly defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and offensive coordinator Joe Pendry, both of whom worked with him at Carolina. "I've been around this business a long time, and I view loyalty as a strength rather than a weakness," Capers said. "I think in this day and age, if you knee-jerk react the minute you face a little adversity, you just change. "I think when you change for change's sake, you can spin your wheels. I think certain organizations in the league will change every three years. "I always viewed loyalty as a strength. I think that you have to be objective in your evaluations."
