Texans' Tyrann Mathieu gives teammates defense-themed T-shirts

Houston Texans free safety Tyrann Mathieu talks to fans as he warms up before an NFL football game against Washington at FedEx Field on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Landover. Houston Texans free safety Tyrann Mathieu talks to fans as he warms up before an NFL football game against Washington at FedEx Field on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Landover. Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close Texans' Tyrann Mathieu gives teammates defense-themed T-shirts 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

The identity of the Texans is growing into a defensive-oriented, hard-hitting squad.

Texans veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu, an emotional team leader, handed out defense-themed T-shirts to his teammates Monday in the locker room.

The T-shirts say DWA, which stands for Defense With Attitude.

"We're just trying to have a little fun," Mathieu said. "We got some shirts made for the defense that says, 'Defense With Attitude'. I think it's important for us to just have the right kind of attitude, right mindset. Just trying to have some fun. It's a long season."

Down the stretch, the first-place Texans will need to continue to lean heavily on their defense as the offense continues to have issues in the red zone and in committing turnovers.

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"Just trying to take control, obviously, finishing the season strong," Mathieu said. "Doing our jobs each and every play, and then playing with attitude and great effort."