For the Texans, a lose-win situation?

So the Texans are facing an unusual conundrum going into Sunday's game against the 49ers: If they win, they'll close out a dismal season with a modicum of dignity; if they lose, they might be able to pick up Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush in the NFL draft. So, should the team try to lose? The Chronicle asked that question today, and the answer was a resounding "Hmm."

Though she didn't come out and endorse throwing the game, ex-Houston First Lady Elise Lanier said "[the Texans have] got to lose." Her husband, Bob, differed diplomatically, saying he "expects the results of an honest competition." Mayorbob noted what Houstonist was thinking this morning: Even if the Texans get Bush, he won't help much if the team's line stays as lousy as it is. Bum Phillips, former Oilers coach and local Voice of God on football, agreed:

"You get a really good running back, put him with a terrible team with a terrible line, and he's not going to be the back he was in college. Remember, when we got Earl [Campbell] (also with the top pick, acquired in trade from Tampa Bay), we had a good line. All we needed was a great running back.

"That guy (Bush) is worth a whole lot of good draft choices, and I would trade the pick for the right draft choices. (The Texans) need four or five people to help their football team. They don't need just one."

Phillips added that, when a team takes the field with losing on its mind, the results are injuries and disgruntled fans. Bum, buddy, we can't be much more disgruntled than we already are.

The Chron also turned to Randy Cohen, who regularly answers questions of ethics for The New York Times and NPR. Cohen's answer from the gray area was an interesting one:

"As a professional athlete, you have to play within the rules," Cohen said. "The rules are a moral code. The game wouldn't be possible without them. But I don't know that there's anything in the rules that says you have to do everything you can to win. ... So that might mean, since it's the last game of the season and a completely meaningless game — but has great consequences for the draft — why is it wrong to essentially forfeit? In any other endeavor in life, if you were managing an industry and took a determinedly short-sighted, must-adhere-to-the-rules point of view, people would think you were nuts. You would really be disapproved of."

And, of course, it's not just a question for the Texans. If the 49ers lose, they'll join the Texans and maybe the Jets, Packers and Saints in the running for the top draft pick. Houstonist is half expecting both teams to take the field and bumble around, Keystone Kops-style. But Houston fans, if you're hoping for Reggie, take heart: The Texans have never had to try to lose before, have they?