Schaub’s TD pass to Slaton gives Houston early lead over Titans

Texans take 7-0 lead over Titans

HOUSTON — Matt Schaub threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Steve Slaton to give the Houston Texans a 7-0 lead over the Tennessee Titans after one quarter in a key AFC South game Monday night.

The Texans (5-4) started their second series at the Tennessee 36 after a short punt by Brett Kern. On first down, Schaub found Andre Johnson across the middle for a 15-yard gain.

Slaton was back in the starting lineup after being replaced by Ryan Moats in Houston’s last game because of fumbling issues. Slaton gained two yards running into the pile.

After Slaton’s run, Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan and Texans receiver Kevin Walter got into a shoving match. No flags were thrown.

On third-and-goal from the Titans’ 3, Schaub underhanded a pass to Slaton, who bulled into the end zone with 6:36 left in the quarter.

The Titans (3-6), who’ve won three in a row, gained only 19 yards on their first two drives. They pinned the Texans deep in their own territory with a punt late in the quarter, but Schaub completed a 27-yard pass to Kevin Walter to give Houston room to maneuver.

Texans starting fullback Vonta Leach left with a bruised left knee with 3:37 left in the quarter. The team said his return was questionable.

The Texans needed a win to keep pace in the crowded field of contenders for the AFC wild-card berths. The game also marked the return of Houston native Vince Young. The Texas star led the Titans to an overtime victory at Reliant Stadium in 2006, his rookie season.

Young completed 3 of 6 passes for 22 yards in the quarter. Chris Johnson had six carries for 36 yards.