Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) passes under pressure from Buffalo Bills defensive back George Wilson (37) in the first quarter of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Nov.1, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

JOHN WAWROW, AP Sports Writer

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — If Texans running back Steve Slaton's latest turnover means he's fumbled away his starting job in Houston, Ryan Moats is certainly ready to step in.

In a game the Texans lost star tight end Owen Daniels to what's feared to be a severe knee injury, Slaton was sent to the bench after losing his fifth fumble of the season. But Moats took control, becoming the first player in franchise history to score three touchdowns in one game in a 31-10 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.