Captains’ Code: Breaking Down 2025 NFL Team DNA — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Edition #288
Everyone’s doing season previews — but we’re doing something different. The
Captains’ Code is all about what really makes or breaks an NFL team. It’s not just about rosters or vibes. It’s about the identity, the pressure points, the bold calls, and the one thing that could send everything crashing down… or finally take them over the top. No filler. Just straight-up football breakdowns that tell you what actually matters heading into 2025.
The X-Factor That Will Make or Break This Season
Offensive line health. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the best teams in football, but if the offensive line can’t stay healthy, that could derail everything. The Bucs have All-Pro Tristan Wirfs anchoring the line, and if he goes down, Tampa Bay’s offense will take a huge step back. Second-year center Graham Barton is also in a crucial developmental year. His health is just as important. Simply put: the Bucs can’t afford major injuries up front. Wirfs and Barton staying healthy is essential if this team wants to reach its ceiling.
Last Year’s Numbers:
In the 2024 NFL regular season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense was highly productive, ranking 4th in points scored per game with 29.5. They were strong in both passing and rushing, being the only team to rank in the top five in both categories: 3rd in passing yards per game (250.4) and 4th in rushing yards per game (149.2). Overall, the Buccaneers offense ranked 3rd in total yards per game with 399.6. Defensively, the Buccaneers allowed 22.6 points per game, ranking 16th. They allowed 341.8 total yards per game, ranking 18th. The defense registered 46 sacks and recorded 7 interceptions. Their turnover differential was -5, ranking them tied for 20th overall.
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
Two names stand out for Tampa Bay this season: Bucky Irving and Calijah Kancey. Irving is coming off a stellar rookie year where he looked like a future star. I expect him to hit the 1,000-yard mark again with at least 8 touchdowns, cementing himself as one of the league’s best young backs. On the defensive side, Kancey flashed big-time potential last season with 7.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He has the tools to become one of the NFL’s most disruptive young defensive linemen, making him the player to watch on defense.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
The biggest change came on the offensive staff. Former coordinator Liam Coen left for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tampa Bay promoted Josh Grizzard, previously their pass game coordinator. This is Grizzard’s chance to prove himself as one of the league’s rising offensive minds, and his ability to unlock the potential of the Bucs’ young talent will be key.
Beyond that, there were no earth-shaking coaching moves, but all eyes are on Grizzard’s offense.
The Bold Prediction
The Buccaneers will have four 1,000-yard players this season. Three wide receivers—Mike Evans, Chris Godwin (if healthy), and rookie standout Emeka Egbuka—plus running back Bucky Irving. With Baker Mayfield leading the way, these players could absolutely pull it off. Mayfield threw for 40 touchdowns and made sure to give Bucky rushing attempts. He could likely repeat that.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
Floor: 8–9
Ceiling: 13–4
In my full 2025 NFL preview, I projected Tampa Bay to win 12 games, giving them the NFC South crown for the fifth straight year.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Will production drop off for aging stars? Mike Evans (32) and Chris Godwin (29) have battled injuries the past few seasons, and the Bucs need both to stay productive for the offense to thrive. On defense, veteran linebacker Lavonte David is 35. He’s still effective. However, at his age, Tampa Bay can’t expect him to play at this level forever.
My Takeaway
Super Bowl ready team, can they compete?
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