Before Everyone Immediately Dismisses Slaton

[Tobe]

and anoints Ryan Moats the next Ernie Davis, keep in mind that the Bills are the absolute worse team in defending the run - giving up over 170 yards per game. Ryan had a good game but Slaton still is the reason the Texans ever developed a running game. I am still behind him.

[Whiskeyrbl]

and anoints Ryan Moats the next Ernie Davis, keep in mind that the Bills are the absolute worse team in defending the run - giving up over 170 yards per game. Ryan had a good game but Slaton still is the reason the Texans ever developed a running game. I am still behind him.

Agreed but give Moats some touches atleast.

[msmith]

Agreed but give Moats some touches atleast.

...Lord have MERCY, please give him some "touches." This league is simply ALL about the turnover.

[Texaholic]

Slaton was benched today to send him a message, he will get another chance to play,but he is in danger of fumbling his way to the bench for good.

[Tobe]

I am hoping it is not an injury to his hand that we don't know about. At WVU, he had an issue with his left hand that required surgery, I believe. Can't recall if it was his thumb or wrist. Dang it.

[DILLIGAF]

Moats did not fumble...Slaton did AGAIN. Nuff said!

[houstonsportsfan09]

I have a couple of points to hit on:

1. No I'm not ready to give Moats the main load but yes, increase his carries. Why not?
2. Besides fumbling, Slaton doesn't seem to be finding the holes. Sure we can say this team or that team has the worst run defense, but what if the RB still isnt finding the hole and another RB is? Well then you can dismiss the notion that it is part O-line and lastly say that Slaton isnt reading and finding the holes and/or is dancing around too much in the backfield trying to find that hole.

[TexansFan281]

I have a couple of points to hit on:

1. No I'm not ready to give Moats the main load but yes, increase his carries. Why not?
2. Besides fumbling, Slaton doesn't seem to be finding the holes. Sure we can say this team or that team has the worst run defense, but what if the RB still isnt finding the hole and another RB is? Well then you can dismiss the notion that it is part O-line and lastly say that Slaton is reading and finding the holes and/or is dancing around too much in the backfield trying to find that hole.

I agree about Steve not finding the wholes. Moats, today, was behind the same O-line and was running determined. By far the most impressive rushing performance this year by the Texans. Moats= PLAYER OF THE GAME

[Tobe]

With way the OL has performed, there hasn't been a ton of space to run. Hey, a win is a win, and this stuff tends to work its way out.

[Tobe]

I agree about Steve not finding the wholes. Moats, today, was behind the same O-line and was running determined. By far the most impressive rushing performance this year by the Texans. Moats= PLAYER OF THE GAME

All I was saying that sure it was the same OL, but they were blocking the league's absolute worst run defense. Seriously, the Bills are last. They give up 172 yards per game; Ryan's performance actually helped their average improve. LOL.

[sportfan73]

Slaton will still be #1 on our depth-chart, just too much talent and Moats isn't as big of a big play weapon, still, Moats deserves ~10-15 carries a game, especially in the red zone

[Texan Naija]

I agree about Steve not finding the wholes. Moats, today, was behind the same O-line and was running determined. By far the most impressive rushing performance this year by the Texans. Moats= PLAYER OF THE GAME

Agreed, I have been clamoring for more Moats for a while, because half the time Chris Brown is in there we get no production beyond a yard and a half, save after the defense is tired and he finds holes near the end of games. But, I don't want Slaton to lose his starting spot, his speed is devastating when given space but he is very much a Ray Rice/Reggie Bush type of running back, which means he needs to have share the work load with someone else and the only guy I trust other then Slaton is Ryan Moats to do that.

[texansbry]

I like Slaton, but is it just me or did Moats seem to run with more speed and vision then Slaton has run with all year? I don't know if Slaton's head isn't right or if their is some other issue, but play the hot hand. I don't think the offense changes much with Moats or Slaton in the lineup.

[SUPERTANK]

Yeah, I agree that Moats should get more carry's; perhaps a even split between Slaton and Moats...

Slaton needs to hang on to the rock though to gain some confidence, I think Kubiak will start Moats next week due to his performance today and bring in Slaton for some carrys; but he is skating on thin ice now and pressure situations can make you or break you, lets hope Slaton does not crack!

He is explosive and can hit the big screens etc. Why did he add weight in the off season? seems to affected his overall performance including hanging on to the ball in a bad way!

Reminds me when kubiak had Carr wear a glove to hang on to the ball :) remember that?

[houstonsportsfan09]

Yeah, I agree that Moats should get more carry's; perhaps a even split between Slaton and Moats...

Slaton needs to hang on to the rock though to gain some confidence, I think Kubiak will start Moats next week due to his performance today and bring in Slaton for some carrys; but he is skating on thin ice now and pressure situations can make you or break you, lets hope Slaton does not crack!

He is explosive and can hit the big screens etc. Why did he add weight in the off season? seems to affected his overall performance including hanging on to the ball in a bad way!

Reminds me when kubiack had Carr wear a glove to hang on to the ball :) remember that?

They said way back at the beginning of the season that weight had taken that weight back off and he is back to where he is last year so I dont think that is the problem. He just isnt seeing the holes and for fumbling...I dont know. I didnt really follow him at WV but I heard he had these same problems so this shouldnt be new but rather instead we're "shocked" because he didnt do it last year.

[Tobe]

ST - I was thinking the same thing about the pressure on Steve and the fumbling. Now that he got yanked, he is no longer just looking over his shoulder, he's staring the adversity right in the face. Winners find a way and I am betting on Steve coming out of this thing but man, he has a heavy burden he needs to shake and fast. The NFL stands for Not For Long, if you can't get it done.

[sportfan73]

I like Slaton, but is it just me or did Moats seem to run with more speed and vision then Slaton has run with all year? I don't know if Slaton's head isn't right or if their is some other issue, but play the hot hand. I don't think the offense changes much with Moats or Slaton in the lineup.

every RB looks like this against the Bills, it's like any teams D vs. the Raiders.

[crunchyfrogs]

I've had my doubts about Slaton (as an up-the-middle runner) all year and expressed those views in a thread during the pre-season. I still have those doubts and now a new wrinkle (fumbling) has surfaced that gives us all pause for concern. I don't know how he'll handle the running problem, but I have a suggestion to help his fumblitis. Hit the weight room and build some arm and hand strength to prevent defenses from tearing the ball loose.

[houstonsportsfan09]

This is just my opinion but I have a hard time believing Slaton would of had the success Moats had.

[Se7en]

Since Moats has been here he has showed the exact same level of play as Slaton. He has proved over and over that he can get the job done, but Slaton's explosive plays gave him the leg up.

Slatons fumbles have now dropped him below Moats and you can check my post history about 1 year ago when I was singing Moat's praises for the runs he was giving us to spell Slaton. Moats has never been a fumble machine and I think Slaton has now felt the starting job slipping out of his fingers.

Yes, the Bills are horrible at stopping the run. Slaton SHOULD have held onto the ball early and HE would have been the one gutting their D to make a name for himself. Instead, Slaton fumbled yet again and now Moats is the hero of the day!

Props to you Moats on hitting the wholes hard and with force. You did not dance around the backfield or second guess your runs. Anyone that TIVOed the game, go check Slaton's first run of the day. He is not seeing the openings and not reading the D like he did lasts eason. He was open on the left side of the field and cut the run right into the middle of the field to get stuffed.

I hate seeing Slaton go through this, but he is not getting the job done and Moats has earned the start with Slaton spelling him next week.

[Se7en]

every RB looks like this against the Bills, it's like any teams D vs. the Raiders.

Except Slaton, he got stuffed early on the single run I think he had early today when he could have cut to a wide open field to the left!

[sportfan73]

Except Slaton, he got stuffed early on the single run I think he had early today when he could have cut to a wide open field to the left!

ya did find myself yelling at him about that one

[Se7en]

1300 yds as a rookie.

There is such a thing as a sophomore slump, ever heard of it?

So bench him for his Sophomore slump then. No reason to play soemoen if he is going to fumble away games.

I hate seeing Slaton go through this, but their is no praise you can give him if he fumbles every single game! Yes he is explosive and makes huge plays, that does not cancel out fumbles that could turn the tide of the game. Slaton could have fumbled on all the drives and cost us the entire game, no reason to wait and find out when moats got the job done.

This is similar to why VY is riding the pine. If Moats continues to get the job done and play his role, there is not reason to give Slaton the starting role back.

Like I have said, I hate seeing Slaton go through this, but Slaton needs to EARN his role as the starter and win it back from Slaton in my opinion.

[DILLIGAF]

I hate Slaton, I would hate any player that fumbles in every single game this season!

Slaton has fumbled his entier career, sorry, NOT a soph. slump.

[texansbry]

Slaton could only get 65 yards against Oakland. Is Oakland's rush defense that much better than Buffalo's?

[houstonsportsfan09]

Slaton, if he wasn't too busy fumbling, would have had similar success against their run defense.

It just isnt his fumbling. He isnt reading and hitting the holes. Se7en mentioned it in another thread. He is dancing in the backfield turning his runs into losses.

[CPTTexan]

Slaton, if he wasn't too busy fumbling, would have had similar success against their run defense.

We'll never know. Why's that? Slaton DID fumble. He's a very good RB but if he can't keep his hands on the ball and protect it, then he should be benched. I'm all for a Slaton - Moats combo with Chris Brown coming in to spell them occasionally.

[Se7en]

Slaton has fumbled his entier career, sorry, NOT a soph. slump.

No... be fair, Slaton has fumbled THIS season. Slaton only had 3 fumbles last season and earned every inch of recognition last season. HOWEVER, this season Slaton is missing the IT factor for a running back. He is catch the ball and making those plays, so we need to move him into the slot to play as a WR.

He is not playing as a RB this season! :(

[Se7en]

Slaton could only get 65 yards against Oakland. Is Oakland's rush defense that much better than Buffalo's?

Nope, he is missing something so far this season. This game churned things up a bit, next week if Moats does the same running against the Colts then it means SLATON is not hitting the holes.

[Jwwillis1]

I'd keep giving Moats the ball till someone stops him or he fumbles.

[speedball]

this was just punishment for slaton. he will still be the starter.

[texun]

It just isnt his fumbling. He isnt reading and hitting the holes. Se7en mentioned it in another thread. He is dancing in the backfield turning his runs into losses.

I have to agree that it isn't only the 7 fumbles SS has this season that is the problem, although that is more than enough to bench him. It seems as though he isn't seeing the hole like he did last year. Moats has played well everytime we call on him and he doesn't fumble. He deserves to start.

[Se7en]

I have to agree that it isn't only the 7 fumbles SS has this season that is the problem, although that is more than enough to bench him. It seems as though he isn't seeing the hole like he did last year. Moats has played well everytime we call on him and he doesn't fumble. He deserves to start.

HEAR HEAR! As Proto would say!

[texun]

I have a suggestion to help his fumblitis. Hit the weight room and build some arm and hand strength to prevent defenses from tearing the ball loose.

The most disturbing part of Slatons fumble today is that no Buffalo player ripped the ball out or punched it, he simply lost it trying to get more yards. I honestly can't see that Slaton offers anything over Moats.

[Tobe]

Slaton could only get 65 yards against Oakland. Is Oakland's rush defense that much better than Buffalo's?

Only slightly better but they have held some of the more elite backs to little production - LT, LJ but I think the Jets just put up over 250 on the ground against them. So yea, they stink.

[bigmck]

Yeah, I agree that Moats should get more carry's; perhaps a even split between Slaton and Moats...

Slaton needs to hang on to the rock though to gain some confidence, I think Kubiak will start Moats next week due to his performance today and bring in Slaton for some carrys;

I would like to see Moats start next week, but I don't think he will. GK is going to stick with Slaton I am afraid. Moats and Brown looked good today, but it might be just that we played against the Bills. I would like to see Moats start next week with Brown and Moats in the Red Zone.

[Tobe]

Moats has played well everytime we call on him and he doesn't fumble. He deserves to start.

Well, he only gave you 15 looks before the Bills so you should be a talent scout for the NFL. Prior to this game, against the worst defense in the NFL against the run, Moats had an eye popping 15 carries for a whopping 56 yards. Yea, he lit it up against a team that is giving up 172 yds per game. You should be disappointed that Moats improved the Bill's average. They may actually move out of the cellar and hand it over to the Raiders.:D

[msmith]

I'd keep giving Moats the ball till someone stops him or he fumbles.

...the answer.

[Jassack]

...the answer.

Amen. I don't see the reason not to. Slaton fumbles. Every game this season. If Moats does next game as good as he did this game then there's no reason to not have him start. And it seemed he was running full force through every hole he found. Good game for Moats. I just want to see what he can do against other teams.

[ByrdIsTheWord]

Moats will be a big time waiver wire pick up this week. He looked really good to IMO. I know our run D is really bad but I think he still ran very hard and showed a good quick burst. He should definitely be your teams back going forward. Slaton just way too many fumbles.

[Tobe]

Say what you want but the Texans will win more with Slaton on the field than on the bench. The fumbling is an issue but he is a threat to take it to the house by air or by land. Has his fumbling cost the Texans a game this year? I don't live in a neighboring state so I don't get to see all of the games.

[TexansFan281]

BTW, Brown just sucks. He's slow and lacks power.

[DexmanC]

Say what you want but the Texans will win more with Slaton on the field than on the bench. The fumbling is an issue but he is a threat to take it to the house by air or by land. Has his fumbling cost the Texans a game this year? I don't live in a neighboring state so I don't get to see all of the games.

Yes. The Jets game was effectively over when he fumbled the ball into
mid air on the ONE drive the Texans were threatening to score. He turned
the ball over LATE against the Bengals AND 49ers, but our defense bailed
us out both times. He fumbled TWICE against the Raiders, but Duane Brown
was there both times.

If he turns it over against Peyton, it WILL be 7 points.

[Texaholic]

Slaton will be playing next week i bet, but if he fumbles again he will be under the doghouse.

[Se7en]

Slaton will be playing next week i bet, but if he fumbles again he will be under the doghouse.

Moats should be starting with Slaton giving him rest. Once Slaton proves he is ready to be the Go-To guy again he will be re-elevated to the starting role.

We need to reward players for their play ON THE FIELD, not for what we hope they can do. Busing is no longer starting because Pollard is playing better. Bennett is no longer starting because our entire secondary proved they are better than him.

While Slaton is not the low many on the totum pole, he is clearly not playing at the level we need him at as a RB. He is currently playing like a 3rd down back that can catch passes and turn huge gains, not an every down back.

[Tobe]

Yes. The Jets game was effectively over when he fumbled the ball into
mid air on the ONE drive the Texans were threatening to score. He turned
the ball over LATE against the Bengals AND 49ers, but our defense bailed
us out both times. He fumbled TWICE against the Raiders, but Duane Brown
was there both times.

If he turns it over against Peyton, it WILL be 7 points.

Fumbles that are drive killers hurt the most. He will be motivated upon his return,

[Se7en]

Yes. The Jets game was effectively over when he fumbled the ball into
mid air on the ONE drive the Texans were threatening to score. He turned
the ball over LATE against the Bengals AND 49ers, but our defense bailed
us out both times. He fumbled TWICE against the Raiders, but Duane Brown
was there both times.

If he turns it over against Peyton, it WILL be 7 points.

Yup Yup... we do not need a "Slatoncopter" game when Sunday rolls around! :p

[jackfarnswurth]

It's interesting that Matt Forte and Steve Slaton both had great rookie years and both have struggled this year. Both have had greatly reduced yardage and have fumbling problems. Today Forte seems to have snapped out of it and hopefully Steve will as well, but the Texans would be crazy not to either start Moats or give him the majority of the carries next week. This game is too important to take chances.

[rittenhouserobz]

I thought Slaton was benched for fumbling the ball. My official stance is "ride whoever gets the job done the best". I don't care if its Slaton, Moats, or Johnson or any combination.

[MechDX]

You dont change anything. Just like the Rockets in 94 when Smith started at guard every game and Cassell came in later. Just utilize both of them and let Slaton keep starting so you dont mess with his mind and he loses all confidence.

[Reveal]

I just say we find a way to get the two of them more involved in the offense.

[Texan Naija]

Moats should be starting with Slaton giving him rest. Once Slaton proves he is ready to be the Go-To guy again he will be re-elevated to the starting role.

We need to reward players for their play ON THE FIELD, not for what we hope they can do. Busing is no longer starting because Pollard is playing better. Bennett is no longer starting because our entire secondary proved they are better than him.

While Slaton is not the low many on the totum pole, he is clearly not playing at the level we need him at as a RB. He is currently playing like a 3rd down back that can catch passes and turn huge gains, not an every down back.

Which is why he should share some carries but I think Slaton should still start. The fact is of our RBs, he is the smartest one on pass protection and the most reliable to catch out the backfield. As a rusher, he has been suspect this season but with the loss of Daniels, I don't think we can afford to have Slaton not start, if only to put a little more fear in opposing defenses or make them over confident and bite on Play action.

Hopefully, he will be able to over come this fumble issue soon, but as long as we are giving Moats more carries then Chris Brown while Slaton is off the field, I think we should be fine.

[Migs]

As much as I love Slaton, you absolutely have to be able to hold on to the football. I'll take a running back who gets a bit fewer yards per game if he can hold on to the football any day. Let him sit on the bench for a little while and learn how to run without turning the ball over. I'm not asking for perfection, but he has dropped the ball WAY too many times this season and it has cost us a lot.

[SUPERTANK]

I thought Slaton was benched for fumbling the ball. My official stance is "ride whoever gets the job done the best". I don't care if its Slaton, Moats, or Johnson or any combination.

^^^ I second this