Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Behind rookie quarterback T.J. Yates and running back Arian Foster, and thanks to a staunch defensive effort, the Texans extended their franchise-best winning streak to six games with a 17-10 victory over the Falcons.

Yates, a fifth-round draft choice in April, made his first NFL start Sunday and completed 12-of-25 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown, while not throwing an interception.

He was starting in place of Matt Leinart, who had replaced injured regular starter Matt Schaub but suffered a season-ending collarbone injury last week at Jacksonville.

Yates replaced Leinart last week and led Houston to the victory, and did the same during his start Sunday. Foster carried the ball 31 times for 111 yards and a touchdown for Houston (9-3), which leads the AFC South.

The Texans defense stifled the Falcons' offense. Quarterback Matt Ryan completed only 20-of-45 passes for 267 yards and was intercepted twice, while throwing for one touchdown.

Michael Turner was limited to 44 yards rushing, as Atlanta (7-5) had a two- game win streak broken.

 

The Sports Network