The 1987 debut album of the rock band Guns N’Roses featured a song that would become an instant classic titled “Welcome To The Jungle.”
In the song’s second verse, lead singer Axl Rose has two lines that describe the Houston Texans’ interior defensive linemen’s mindset as they prepare to open their season against the Indianapolis Colts.
“Welcome to the jungle; we take it day by day.
If you want it, you’re going to bleed, but it’s the price you pay.”
Come Sunday at NRG Stadium, the Texans hope to make the Colts ante up by collecting a victory that alluded Houston last season as Indianapolis won both matchups.
“They dominated us at their place and at home,” said head coach Lovie Smith during his weekly press conference. “We do remember that, but talk can’t get it done.”
Talking is the last thing defensive linemen Maliek Collins, Roy Lopez, Kurt Hinish, and Michael Dwumfour want to do when they line up against one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
“They take pride in who they are,” said Texans DL Roy Lopez about the Colts. “This is one of those games where you just strap up, line up, and go to work.” #WeAreTexans #Sarge @TheTexansWire pic.twitter.com/rezHFVTpXe
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) September 8, 2022
“We always joke around and call it, ‘The Jungle,’” said rookie Kurt Hinish when asked about playing in the middle of the defensive line. “If you are going to be in the jungle you have to be a bad dude. You got to show up and bring it every snap.”
One player that always brings it is Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who led the NFL in rushing last season with 1,181 yards. Two hundred ninety-eight of those yards came in the two games against the Texans. Houston knows the importance of this game as it serves as not only the 2022 season opener but also their first divisional game.
“They take pride in who they are,” said Roy Lopez after practice on Wednesday. “This is one of those games where you just strap up, line up, and go to work.
