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In this Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, photo, Denver Broncos linebacker Joe Mays, left, knocks Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub's helmet off on a hit during the third quarter of their NFL football game in Denver. Mays received a one-game suspension and a $ The Denver Post, Joe Amon) MANDATORY CREDIT; MAGS OUT; TV OUT, Associated Press
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Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) congratulates Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) after Johnson caught a pass for a touchdown in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Denver. Jack Dempsey, Associated Press
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Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) talks with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Denver. Houston won 31-25. Jack Dempsey, Associated Press
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Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak, left, talks with quarterback Matt Schaub (8) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Denver. David Zalubowski, Associated Press
By Associated Press

HOUSTON — Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub took one for the team in Denver, losing a piece of his left ear on a big hit by linebacker Joe Mays.

He also tied his career high with four touchdowns, outplaying Peyton Manning in a 31-25 Houston victory.

Schaub's coaches and teammates have said all along that he's tough. Now, Schaub has a defining moment to prove it, skipping only one snap after Mays knocked off his helmet and cut open his ear in the third quarter last Sunday.

The Texans are unbeaten in Schaub's last seven starts, dating to a 41-7 win at Tennessee last October. Houston (3-0) plays the Titans (1-2) on Sunday at Reliant Stadium.

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