ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Starting running back Steve Slaton was sent to the bench after losing his fifth fumble of the season. But Ryan Moats took control, becoming the first player in franchise history to score three TDs in one game in a 31-10 Houston win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
“I wasn’t thinking about that,” Moats said, referring to setting personal and team records. “I was thinking about the time that I would get and try to do the best that I could.”
Thanks to Moats, a six-year career backup, the Texans (5-3) won their third straight, second in a row on the road, and are off to the best start in team history.
Moats finished with 126 yards rushing and another 25 yards receiving, and more important, went without a turnover in scoring touchdowns on three straight fourth-quarter possessions.
He got in the game after Slaton lost a fumble on the Texans’ third drive as part of a three-turnover first half.
“Through adversity, teams get stronger or they can go the other way,” Houston coach Gary Kubiak said. “This tells you about the character of the group.”
The Bills (3-5) had only 204 total yards and nine first downs, three in the second half.
