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Dec. 25, 2005, 12:21AM
Reggie Bush just may be one of those gifts you never forget
By RICHARD JUSTICE
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
He sits beneath the tree this Christmas morning with a bright-red bow and fancy wrapping paper. Go ahead and have a look. Allow yourself to dream.
Just don't touch.
Amid today's excitement and clutter, this gift will remain unopened for another week. So be patient. USC running back Reggie Bush is worth the wait.
Every decade or so, some NFL team has the opportunity to draft a player who instantly changes everything. Bush is one of those players. The Texans may be one of those teams.
They're close enough to imagine him in their uniform. They say they haven't gotten that far. Forgive them this fib.
They surely have dreamed of the dazzling runs and packed stadiums. He has averaged 8.9 yards per carry this season at Southern Cal. He has scored 41 touchdowns in 38 college games and has 93 runs of at least 20 yards.
He has the speed to outrun defensive backs and the cutback ability to leave linebackers diving for where they hope he'll be. He's one of those players who can take over games and turn losses into victories.
If you think the Texans have so many needs that they should trade the top pick and get several players, think again. Bush is too good to pass up.
One great player can change a franchise dramatically. Look what Earl Campbell did for the Oilers.
Bush has allowed the Texans to envision a time when they'll matter again in the hearts and minds of Houston football fans.
He is all that's left to win in this season of defeat. The Texans lost for the 13th time in 15 games Saturday when the Jacksonville Jaguars beat them 38-20 at Reliant Stadium.
It was another game played in a mostly empty stadium by a team that seemed to be going through the motions. Because they've got the NFL's worst record with one game remaining in the regular season, they're on track to get the first pick in the 2006 draft.
Now for the throat-clearing moment.
The Texans, despite a 2-13 record, are guaranteed of nothing. The New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers have just three victories.
If the Texans defeat the 49ers in San Francisco next weekend, they'll be tied with at least one team for the worst record.
If two or more teams are tied, the team that has played the weakest schedule will get the highest pick. After Saturday's games, the Saints and Jets had played slightly weaker schedules than the Texans.
Details aside, the Texans only have to do what they've done better than any other team this season. They need to lose one more.
"My brother is going to tell me to take a knee every down (at San Francisco)," Texans quarterback David Carr said. "That stuff is going to happen."
Barring a stunning surprise, Bush will be the first pick. Although he's a junior, indications are he will leave USC for the NFL after the Rose Bowl against Texas on Jan. 4.
"He's a great player," Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson said. "He can line up anywhere on the field. He's capable of scoring from any spot."
He would also give a nondescript franchise some badly needed personality. He would be the cornerstone for a rebuilt franchise. By next season, the Texans will have new coaches and a host of new players.
As the possibility of getting Bush has increased, team officials have combed lists of offensive coordinators looking for someone who can get the best out of Bush. He has lined up all over the field at USC and likely will be used the same way in the NFL.
He would give Carr another receiving threat. At the moment, Carr has just one Johnson. Speaking of Johnson, defenses wouldn't be able to direct their coverage toward him if the Texans had another threat.
All of a sudden, that mediocre offensive line wouldn't be so mediocre with a running back quick enough to get through the smallest holes.
The few fans who stayed around for the end of Saturday's game knew what was on the line. As the scoreboard flashed the news that the 49ers had beaten St. Louis for their third victory, the chant of "We want Reggie!" began.
Some fans showed up with signs about Bush. Some Texans didn't appreciate fans urging them to lose. A few got it.
"You understand the fans' perspective," defensive lineman Seth Payne said. "You understand it completely. But you don't think about it when you're on the field at the wrong end of a score."
richard.justice@chron.com
he needs better protection (which they have addressed and will continue to address) more weapons combined with a scheme that better fits his strengths. oh yeah, nothing calls the dogs off like a great ground attack & some skilled recievers that can stretch the field out.
.......in a few years with BUSH, The CARR SHOW,& ANDRE tha GIANT!