Linemen embrace hard-hat mindset
‘Lunch Pail Crew’ living up to name in defensive trenches
Blue-collar to the core, the quintessential “Lunch Pail Crew” fashion statement is a simple one.
It’s a white T-shirt emblazoned with likenesses of Texans defensive linemen D.J. Reader, Angelo Blackson, Brandon Dunn and Carlos Watkins. They consider injured defensive end J.J. Watt to be an associate because of his star status.
Being a part of the Lunch Pail Crew, or “LPC,” is about embracing the dirty work and relative obscurity that goes along with eating up blocks and food in their quest to build a sturdy wall in the middle of the Texans’ defense.
“I think they’re living up to their name,” defensive line coach Anthony Weaver said. “They come to work every day with that type of mentality. Just get your hard hat, get your lunch box and let’s do some work. That’s what they do, so I’m proud of them thus far.”
Big statistics and contracts are elusive pursuits, but the defensive
line has been doing its job without fanfare.
The Texans rank third in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 84.1 yards per game. They haven’t yielded a 100-yard rusher in 25 consecutive games, dating back to the first week of the 2018 season.
The defensive linemen are extremely close, clowning around with each other in the locker room with several running inside jokes.
They also break bread together every week, including some big D-line dinners at various restaurants. Eddie V’s is a popular choice for the big guys.
“It might be any kind of steakhouse, any place with good food,” Watkins said. “We go and eat and enjoy camaraderie and just hang out.”
Watt is welcome at any of these gatherings, especially if he’s picking up the check.
“I’ll pay for those guys’ lunch anytime they want,” Watt said. “Those guys are my brothers. I love them and they can have lunch on me anytime they want. I’ve seen their lunch bills and I’ve seen the cars that they arrive to lunch in, and I don’t know if you can call them the Lunch Pail Crew fully.”
During a 26-3 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday in London, the Texans bottled up running back Leonard Fournette to just 40 yards on 11 carries. They allowed a season-low for points.
And the Texans did so in their first game without Watt, who is out for the season with a torn pectoral and didn’t make the trip. Watt texted the defensive line words of encouragement and doubled down on that message on social media.
“I think they handled it well,” Weaver said. “You know, obviously you don’t replace a J.J. Watt, but we’re not getting any sympathy cards from anybody. It’s up to everybody to just do their job, be committed to the plan and I think they’ve done that. We’ll play good team defense. There’s no question about that.”
Reader, a nose tackle and defensive end, receives the most attention with Watt gone for the remainder of the season. In a contract year, Reader has thrived. At 6-3, 337 pounds, he has been a rock inside or outside, recording 2½ sacks, 27 tackles and 4½ tackles for loss.
“It’s truly a testament to his work ethic,” Weaver said. “He’s put the time in, whether that’s off the field, working on his body, eating right. Then on the field, you’ve seen the results. I’m so proud of D.J. and the progress he’s made throughout. He’s reaping the benefits of it now.”
The Texans also did a nice job of containing Jaguars rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew. Watkins recorded his second career sack, his first of the year and first since a year ago against the Jaguars.
“About time I got there,” Watkins said.
Some weeks, Watkins is active and some he isn’t. He’s grown accustomed to having to make the most of his opportunities.
“Carlos is a guy that’s been consistent,” Weaver said. “Every day, he comes in and works. He’s not always active on gameday. That can be frustrating. To persevere, that’s a testament to his mindset.”
Rookie defensive end Charles Omenihu has provided value and versatility with two sacks and forced fumbles.
“The thing about Charles is he certainly doesn’t lack confidence,” Weaver said. “We’re always trying to rein him in a little bit and get him to understand it’s a team game, a team concept. Work within the scheme and your plays will come. As he grows and matures as a player, he’ll only get better.”
The job only becomes tougher for the defensive line in the weeks to come.
The Texans’ next play against one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the NFL — Baltimore Ravens standout Lamar Jackson.
“Oh man, we’re going to have to get some Nos (nitrous oxide) buttons to try to catch Lamar Jackson,” Weaver said. “He looks like he’s playing at a different speed than everybody. It comes down to elite discipline.”
Handling a challenge like that comes back to an attitude of determination and shared responsibility.
“I feel like we just do our job,” Watkins said. “That’s kind of what a Lunch Pail guy is. That’s the mentality we’ve taken on. Just do your job and everything will take care of itself.”