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Week 2 matchup

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

Both Davis and Farrior can be described as blue-collar, lunch-pail players. They might not be the most recognizable or talented players on their teams, but they might be the most critical players to the performance of their teams in this game.

Against the Steelers' 3-4 front, Texans coordinator Chris Palmer will pound Davis between the tackles in an effort to control the clock, move the chains and set up play-action passes for David Carr. When the Texans run away from Farrior, he will be free to run to the ball while the Steelers' linemen engage blockers. When Houston runs at Farrior, it will try to control him with a guard. But Farrior is one of the best in the NFL at taking on blockers, reading gaps, getting off blocks and making tackles at the line.

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Behind the Texans' zone blocking scheme, Davis will try to get Farrior to commit to a gap, then use his cutback ability to run to an open hole. It will be important for Farrior to avoid overpursuing; a disciplined tackler, he isn't prone to do that.

If Houston can't establish the running game inside, look for Carr to try to use Davis as a receiver on the perimeter, where he can make plays in the open field. However, the Steelers' impressive pass-rush ability will severely limit Houston's effectiveness in that area.

With their strong three-man front and Farrior's ability to pursue and tackle, the Steelers will stuff the inside running game, forcing Davis outside, where Pittsburgh's outside linebackers will keep him contained. Advantage: Farrior.

More matchups: warroom.sportingnews.com.

Week 2 matchup

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

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