Moats Starting Against Colts

[WMH]

IMO...this is probably a ho-hum scenario, as I fully expect (and hope) that we get Slaton in the mix in the passing game. If he can just hold on to the damn ball......

From PFT:
Ryan Moats to start for Texans
Posted by Michael David Smith on November 7, 2009 4:55 PM ET
The Houston Texans are making a change at running back.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports on Twitter that Texans coach Gary Kubiak told ESPN's Bob Holtzman today that Ryan Moats will start at running back Sunday against the Colts. Steve Slaton, who has started all eight games for the Texans this season, will share carries.

It will be the first start in a Texans uniform for Moats, who has played very well this season in a limited role, carrying 38 times for 182 yards and three touchdowns. Slaton has 110 carries for 342 yards and two touchdowns this season.

But more important than the rushing numbers, as Stephanie Stradley of FanHouse has pointed out, is that Kubiak wants two things of his runners: No negative yards and no fumbles. Slaton dances around behind the line of scrimmage too much, and he's fumbled seven times this season. Moats has more of a straight-ahead style, and he has yet to fumble.

Just how much Slaton will share carries is something we won't know until Sunday, but it's clear that Kubiak has made a change, and Moats is now the man for the Texans.

[WMH]

The chronic reporting on this as well:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/6709148.html

INDIANAPOLIS — Ryan Moats will replace Steve Slaton as the starting running back for the Texans Sunday when they play Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Coach Gary Kubiak said Friday he would make the decision Sunday, and he's moved Moats into the starting lineup for the first time.

The Texans are 5-3 and trying to win at Indianapolis for the first time in team history.

Moats came off the bench at Buffalo and carried 23 times for 126 yards and three touchdowns. The three rushing touchdowns set a team record.

Slaton has been benched because he's lost five fumbles in the first eight games. He's fumbled eight times overall.

Kubiak said Slaton and Chris Brown will play. More than likely, Slaton will play in passing situations, and Brown will play in short-yardage situations.

If the Colts shut down Moats, Slaton is more likely to get the ball in running situations.

[NBT]

Moats deserves the start based on his 126 yds against the Bill. Slaton needs to get his head on straight and quit already with the flying elbow. If he just keeps his elbow in against the body like he is supposed to he will be fine. He is going through a doubting period right now. Suck it up and get the job done Steve.

[HPF Bob]

Even if it is more of a cosmetic change, I like announcing it since it forces the Colts to think through their defensive schemes again. Slaton shouldn't be benched because he does add a big play element, particularly on 2nd and 3rd downs with 5 or more yards to go but we've struggled all year to run on first down and Moats looked decisive running the ball instead of tentative and he fought hard for yards after contact.

It's a long, long season for runnings backs in the NFL. They take quite a beating. So, even if all this does is keep Slaton fresh for deeper in the season, I like it.

[Fonz the Boss]

This is obviously the correct move. Slaton is not a 20 carries per game back. I was getting sick and tired of his shenanigans.