This should be Moats' job to lose from here on-forth

[Schaub2Andre4TD]

He has EARNED the starting RB job from what I've seen today. He finds the hole and hits it instantly. No dancing around, and no fumbling.

Steve Slaton has fumbled it way too much this season for last season's success to even matter. Kubiak has lost his trust in him and I completely understand. I would only use Slaton for screen passes as he's still effective there.

Moats should be #1 on the depth chart for running backs. This should be his job to lose for the rest of the season.

[SUPERTANK]

He has EARNED the starting RB job from what I've seen today. He finds the hole and hits it instantly. No dancing around, and no fumbling.

Steve Slaton has fumbled it way too much this season for last season's success to even matter. Kubiak has lost his trust in him and I completely understand. I would only use Slaton for screen passes as he's still effective there.

Moats should be #1 on the depth chart for running backs. This should be his job to lose for the rest of the season.

Well, its the days of a two back system; I would like to see both Moats and Slaton get carrys with Moats starting, he does have 5 more years of experience then slaton...

Slaton is not done yet; until he fumbles one more time :( I really like Slaton and and think he is talented but he does not look like the Slaton from last year for some reason:confused:

[texun]

The amount of playing time should be based on recent performance. Moats > Slaton.

[houstonsportsfan09]

You put your best foot(man) forward,especially when playing teams like the Colts. Increase the reps for Moats and give him more time. Not necessarily start but give him more play time.

[sec132]

Slaton isn't done, he's in a sophomore slump. Jesus christ, he'll come back strong. We've obviously found our power back in Moats, however. Which is good. Slaton will excel when we can develop a 2 running back system with Slaton to the outside and Moats up-and-around the middle.

Our running problems are nearing their end.

Slaton to left, Slaton to the right, Moats up the middle, FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT . I like it.

[Tobe]

i do agree Moats should see a lot more play time, but you also need to remember he did that against the worst run defense in the league. we shouldnt hype him up too high until he plays like that against a strong opposition.

Well, that's coming up as the Colts are ranked 9th in pass defense and 19th in run defense, so we are going to have to run the ball effectively to beat them.

[MachineToss]

Moats ran so hard today. It was very impressive. :D

Terrell Davis like kinda effort... hayday of the Donks...;):):D:

[Se7en]

Well, that's coming up as the Colts are ranked 9th in pass defense and 19th in run defense, so we are going to have to run the ball effectively to beat them.

Or we could just pass all over them since we lead the league in passing and it is what we do best against ANY team... just a thought.

If the run is there we should control the clock with it, but we have to gash them with the passes when we get the chance.

[Texan Naija]

You put your best foot(man) forward,especially when playing teams like the Colts. Increase the reps for Moats and give him more time. Not necessarily start but give him more play time.

My thoughts as well, Moats is great but I think paired off with Slaton, like he was in the Oakland game this season and the Chicago game last season will work for both players benefits. Yet, I also think Slaton is still one of our best offensive weapons.

[A-B]

My thoughts as well, Moats is great but I think paired off with Slaton, like he was in the Oakland game this season and the Chicago game last season will work for both players benefits. Yet, I also think Slaton is still one of our best offensive weapons.

Only thing with Slaton is we cant afford to "hope" he doesnt cough it up against the Colts. I think he dhould play but should be minimal and Moats should be rearded the start for how well he played today.

[Tobe]

Or we could just pass all over them since we lead the league in passing and it is what we do best against ANY team... just a thought.

If the run is there we should control the clock with it, but we have to gash them with the passes when we get the chance.

Yep, I agree. I think the Texans are in a perfect position to beat the Colts with the passing game setting up the running game or vice versa. The team is maturing nicely and I think the Colts are prime for the picking.

[naterchamp16]

I like the idea of Moats starting and steve coming in here and their. A split of about Moats 10-15 carries Slaton 5-10 and slaton in on screen plays and pass plays for pass protection purposes. Moats is simply finding the holes where steve has not, granite they were against the bills d but as said, play the hot hand into the next week and that is Moats.

[HuttoKarl]

Dan Neal (former Broncos O-Lineman) was on the radio this morning explaining that Moats hit the hole and went...something he hasn't seen Slaton do at all this season. In an offensive scheme that uses plug-n-play RB's, Moats should be a starter and Slaton should move to third-down and receiving back....then he qualified it with "Buffalo stinks against the run, so don't expect Moats to do that every week..."

If anything, he earned himself some more PT.

[TexHorns]

First off, during the first few games there was no holes really for slaton to hit and second, slaton has been real good picking up blitzes. I don't know how moats is in pass protction but hopefully the coaches know. I do think moats is for real bc he's been running this way since he first came here but so is slaton. I think they should def increase his carries but still start slaton. There was one thing I did notice; everytime moats got near a defender, two hands went around the ball even at full speed. Slaton on the other hand did keep the ball in his far hand but never wrapped it up. He needs to wrap up the ball for those last few yards.
IMHO
Signed,
Byrd

[twinsfan]

heh heh.. Slaton has looked slow this year, back to camp and pre-season... he looked like a little Ron Dayne. Every time Moats has played he has looked twice as fast, and has been more productive. The 15 pounds of bulk Slaton put on in the off season has slowed him down, and mentally he is not in the game. He doesn't run by instinct like last year, and doesn't have his little burst. He never was fast, quick and nifty runner, but never fast. He is what everyone else thought he would be, a third down back. Welcome to the NFL. On any other team he would have been ST player, third down back etc... but because we didn't have anyone he got a chance and over achieved. Now he is where he should be riding the pine. Moats deserves the start until he blows it. :D

[infantrycak]

He never was fast, quick and nifty runner, but never fast. He is what everyone else thought he would be, a third down back. Welcome to the NFL. On any other team he would have been ST player, third down back etc... but because we didn't have anyone he got a chance and over achieved. Now he is where he should be riding the pine. Moats deserves the start until he blows it. :D

He is fumbling. Let's not revise history and go into some alternate delusional universe and say he wasn't/isn't fast. That is just whack.

[TexansFan281]

heh heh.. Slaton has looked slow this year, back to camp and pre-season... he looked like a little Ron Dayne. Every time Moats has played he has looked twice as fast, and has been more productive. The 15 pounds of bulk Slaton put on in the off season has slowed him down, and mentally he is not in the game. He doesn't run by instinct like last year, and doesn't have his little burst. He never was fast, quick and nifty runner, but never fast. He is what everyone else thought he would be, a third down back. Welcome to the NFL. On any other team he would have been ST player, third down back etc... but because we didn't have anyone he got a chance and over achieved. Now he is where he should be riding the pine. Moats deserves the start until he blows it. :D

So Steve was never fast? Maybe you've missed a few games, but he's still looks like he has that break away type speed.

And as far as comparing Slaton to Ron Dayne...Do you need glasses?

[A-B]

It doesnt matter who is faster or bigger or whatever. What matters is both produce but one cant hold on to the ball. We dont need a player on the field being the other teams biggest offensive weapon. Moats stepped up and hit a homerun so he deserves a shot to start against the Colts. JMO.

[Texaholic]

Moats looked good for one game against a bad run defense, that doesnt make him the automatic number one back, it justs cracks the door open for him to step in if they decide to bench slaton for future bad ball carrying.

[ubecool454]

I think the Texans should use all three of their RBs and even the fullback. None of the guys we have are Adrian Peterson but... running back by committee I think will get the job done for us.

[A-B]

I get that the Bills run defense is so bad. Here's the thing with that though. If the running D is so bad why did slaton put it on the turf against them? Try to steal Moats' thunder all you want with how bad the d is but the fact is he holds on to the ball...period!

[Se7en]

It doesnt matter who is faster or bigger or whatever. What matters is both produce but one cant hold on to the ball. We dont need a player on the field being the other teams biggest offensive weapon. Moats stepped up and hit a homerun so he deserves a shot to start against the Colts. JMO.

Only one of them is producing as a RUNNING BACK though! Slaton is playing like a WR, not a RB and we need someone running the ball out of the back field to make our play action deadly!

Right now Moats is the only back showing that he might have the ability to continue running the ball for us. Perhaps this lights a fire under Slaton and he comes out ready to hit the whole to get yardage, rather than aiming to bust big plays and hesitating too long to hit the holes.

[B.Diddy]

All of yall have lost it Moats should definatly get more reps but the only back he should move ahead of is Chris Brown, Steve Slaton is our second best Offensive Weapon and we would be stupid to bench him because special things happen when the balls in his hands. Moats isn't a Probowl running Back he is a Journeyman but one good game aginst the worst run defense in the league and you guys are anointeing him the greatest of all times please take a cold shower and come back to reality Slaton gives us the best chance to win

[Se7en]

special things happen when the balls in his hands.

The problem is that sometimes those special things put points on the board for the other team. Slaton of last season was dominant, Slaton of this season has not made it back to his form that he was in last season.

[NJTexan]

I cannot believe we are having this discussion.

Slaton is slaton moats is camp fodder

[Se7en]

I cannot believe we are having this discussion.

Slaton is slaton moats is camp fodder

Moats has been a solid runner when given a chance since last season. Right now, there is no reason to take the ball away from Moats becaus ehe is the one keeping us in the games by getting yards and burning the clock with his runs.

Slaton can catch passes all he wants, but we need a back that can run the rock! Right now, Moats is doing it.

I would love to see Slaton get back to form soon, but until then Moats should not be pulled! Slaton has not earned play time this season at the RB position.

[ThaShark316]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S38Ai3EFDT8

[AngryNateFTW]

If your QB is throwing INT's do you keep him in? no.

I know Sean Hill wasn't throwing INT's against us but there was a reason he was replaced, he wasn't doing his job.


Slaton has fumbled too often and if this were JJ you guys would have made threads about releasing him and getting him out of Houston.

You haven't done that with Slaton because we've won the games he fumbles and because some people still have a mancrush on him from last year. He was a very impressive RB last year but this year he is having troubles running the ball.

Moats looked like a confident runner out there and he is definitely hitting the hole faster than Slaton has this year.

I would like Moats to start the game against the Colts and see how he does.

If by the 2nd half he is struggling then maybe you put Slaton in.

I think Slaton needs to learn from his mistakes and I think that Moats deserves the starting job.

Be honest, Who here predicted at the beginning of the season that our first time having a RB go over 100 yards this season would be Ryan Moats? I know I didn't.

And i'm not sure who said it, but I don't think Ryan Moats is a camp fodder.
He played with the Eagles then us.
Do you guys really expect him to get a decent chance over Brian Westbrook?

By the way, I'm not singling anyone out and everyone has a right to their opinion so let's try to stay away from personal attacks.

[SUPERTANK]

If your QB is throwing INT's do you keep him in? no.

I know Sean Hill wasn't throwing INT's against us but there was a reason he was replaced, he wasn't doing his job.


Slaton has fumbled too often and if this were JJ you guys would have made threads about releasing him and getting him out of Houston.

You haven't done that with Slaton because we've won the games he fumbles and because some people still have a mancrush on him from last year. He was a very impressive RB last year but this year he is having troubles running the ball.

Moats looked like a confident runner out there and he is definitely hitting the hole faster than Slaton has this year.

I would like Moats to start the game against the Colts and see how he does.

If by the 2nd half he is struggling then maybe you put Slaton in.

I think Slaton needs to learn from his mistakes and I think that Moats deserves the starting job.

Be honest, Who here predicted at the beginning of the season that our first time having a RB go over 100 yards this season would be Ryan Moats? I know I didn't.

And i'm not sure who said it, but I don't think Ryan Moats is a camp fodder.
He played with the Eagles then us.
Do you guys really expect him to get a decent chance over Brian Westbrook?

By the way, I'm not singling anyone out and everyone has a right to their opinion so let's try to stay away from personal attacks.

I really like Slaton as alot of people on this board, I wanna see the guy grow and get better and better. He had one hell of a season last year and we were all hoping it would carry over!

He is going to have some growing pains, look at jacoby jones; I thought he was a goner after a few horrible fumbles, just think if he would have lost that ball in the Titans game. All I am saying is the coaches see more of whats going on in practice and training camp then we do and there is a reason why Slaton is starting over Moats.

Even the comentators were wondering why Kubes would not put Slaton back in the game to get him a few Reps because of quote "his explosive talent" That would have been a insult to Moats given the game he was having!

I predict that Slaton will start this week against the colts and Moats will get more carries then Brown. BTW, Slaton is alot like Brian Westbrook which is another reason why he should start!

Just hang onto the rock Slaton and everything else will fall into place!

[Texan's Blue]

A friend of mine said he heard in pre-game talks that Slaton has been playing with a broken thumb? I haven't seen anything regarding this but if it's true perhaps that's the reason for the fumbles... but most definitely Moats was bursting to the line yesterday and powering his way through... that to me earns him the start against Indy maybe we can keep Manning off the field...

[Jwwillis1]

How many fumbles is enough? I'll bet you anything if those fumbles had cost us games and we were 3-5, a lot of you would be singing a diffrent tune. The Texans pay Kubiac to be proactive not make a change AFTER we lose games. Lets face it! If we lose to the Colts because of a Slayton fumble NOW, the same people wanting Slayton to start again, (before anyone at least STOPS Moats), will be calling for Kubiacs job for being so stupid for not seeing the signs and realizing our luck was soon to run out.

[gmoneytexans08]

Moats looked good for one game against a bad run defense, that doesnt make him the automatic number one back, it justs cracks the door open for him to step in if they decide to bench slaton for future bad ball carrying.

I think the ideal solution would be both backs. I remember Denver used to run it, and I do not know if they still do.

[Sprtsfanatic]

Ok, first of all Moats had a terrific game and has seemed to run harder and hit open holes faster than Slaton...so yes I believe he should start against the Colts, but also believe that slaton should come in and do what he does best and catch screens...I'd like to see both of them lined up in the backfield at the same time....the defense wouldnt be able to read run or pass and would hesitate to hit the LOS.

Secondly...correct me if Im wrong but the T.O. score came off of schaubs 2nd INT after throwing behind AJ and it deflecting to Byrd...I could have swore that the slaton fumble did not result in any points for them...again correct me if Im wrong...

[dbruder44]

Ok, first of all Moats had a terrific game and has seemed to run harder and hit open holes faster than Slaton...so yes I believe he should start against the Colts, but also believe that slaton should come in and do what he does best and catch screens...I'd like to see both of them lined up in the backfield at the same time....the defense wouldnt be able to read run or pass and would hesitate to hit the LOS.

Secondly...correct me if Im wrong but the T.O. score came off of schaubs 2nd INT after throwing behind AJ and it deflecting to Byrd...I could have swore that the slaton fumble did not result in any points for them...again correct me if Im wrong...


You are correct

[twinsfan]

Slaton ballooned up from 195 to 215, and as a 5' 9" smurf that's a big jump. Anyone who thinks he is as fast as Moats needs to see an eye doctor. Forget last year, focus on this year.... he IS slower, NOT hitting the holes, NOT holding on to the football. Like they said eariler if it were JJ dropping the ball you all would have cleaned out his locker already.

THIS IS A BUSINESS..... Steve isnt getting the job done, put him aside and see who can/will. Right now it's Moats, but I'd look at our PS guys in practice this week and see if anyone looks like the have some fire.

Slaton is still a fine receiver, but I wouldn't put him in a game, not for a while, he would have to go a week or two in practice without a fumble. And since he isn't playing he can run down to Jenny Craig or Quick Weight Loss Center and drop some weight.

Right now Slaton is not an asset, I want to see how many here will be backing him once he costs a game... like against Indy.

[da sheetz]

Give Moats the start! If we need Slaton he will be there. The fumbles are just too much and by committee we will get the job done.

[Se7en]

A friend of mine said he heard in pre-game talks that Slaton has been playing with a broken thumb? I haven't seen anything regarding this but if it's true perhaps that's the reason for the fumbles... but most definitely Moats was bursting to the line yesterday and powering his way through... that to me earns him the start against Indy maybe we can keep Manning off the field...

If his thumb were broken he would have something on to protect it from hits... or at least have it wrapped with tape.

Not to mention that if the coaches have been tossing Slaton out there knowing he has a broken thumb and cannot hold the ball... the fans would go nuts!

[dbruder44]

Slaton ballooned up from 195 to 215, and as a 5' 9" smurf that's a big jump. Anyone who thinks he is as fast as Moats needs to see an eye doctor. Forget last year, focus on this year.... he IS slower, NOT hitting the holes, NOT holding on to the football. Like they said eariler if it were JJ dropping the ball you all would have cleaned out his locker already.

THIS IS A BUSINESS..... Steve isnt getting the job done, put him aside and see who can/will. Right now it's Moats, but I'd look at our PS guys in practice this week and see if anyone looks like the have some fire.

Slaton is still a fine receiver, but I wouldn't put him in a game, not for a while, he would have to go a week or two in practice without a fumble. And since he isn't playing he can run down to Jenny Craig or Quick Weight Loss Center and drop some weight.

Right now Slaton is not an asset, I want to see how many here will be backing him once he costs a game... like against Indy.

Slaton played in the 203-208 range last year not 195 he had gone from 208 to like 220 before the season and said he was trying to get back down towrds 210.

[infantrycak]

Anyone who thinks he is as fast as Moats needs to see an eye doctor.

Do you mean small space speed as in quicker or straight line long distance speed as in faster? Moats is very quick but he is not as fast as Slaton.

[B.Diddy]

Do you mean small space speed as in quicker or straight line long distance speed as in faster? Moats is very quick but he is not as fast as Slaton.

Exactly what im saying, on a side note everyone on this Board wanted Jacoby Jones head on a platter last season yall even wanted scrub recievers in TC to take his place but a couple of good games and all is forgotton. I know everybody wants Kube's to make a knee jerk reaction but i believe he will make the right decision in the end ( which IMO will be to start slaton and increse Moats carries)

[protoTexans]

Exactly what im saying, on a side note everyone on this Board wanted Jacoby Jones head on a platter last season yall even wanted scrub recievers in TC to take his place but a couple of good games and all is forgotton. I know everybody wants Kube's to make a knee jerk reaction but i believe he will make the right decision in the end ( which IMO will be to start slaton and increse Moats carries)

I was not one that wanted JJs head, but I still find myself cringing everyti,e he is back there for a PR.... I just can't forget those fumbles... As for Kube making a kneejerk decision, I know they are planning something for a 2 or even 3 backfield scheme this week.... Hell even Slaton in the slot & even putting Vonte in motion.... I am not saying I do not want to see CB back there, but the speed we would have with SS in the slot & Moats in the BF running behind VL....