Captains’ Code: Breaking Down 2025 NFL Team DNA — Indianapolis Colts
Edition #274
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.
UPDATES RICHARDSON HAS DISLOCATED HIS PINKY FINGER AND IS DAY-TO-DAY. HE PLANS TO PRACTICE.
The X-Factor That Will Make or Break This Season
You may think this is a very easy answer, but if Anthony Richardson fails this year, then the Colts are back to where they were a couple of years ago, with no quarterback. The Colts don’t want that. They don’t want to admit that. But they know that’s coming soon. The Colts announced on Thursday, July 31st, that they were going to stick with Anthony Richardson all the way.
If Anthony Richardson isn’t able to lead the Colts to the playoffs, or if his body isn’t able to handle the wear and tear of the NFL season, then the Colts’ season is doomed.
I wrote an article with a Sporting News writer a while back about Chris Ballard, Anthony Richardson, and so much more. Go check it out if you haven’t read it yet!
Last Year’s Numbers:
In the 2024 NFL regular season, the Indianapolis Colts’ offense ranked 19th in points scored per game. They were 25th in passing yards per game, averaging 197.7, and 29th in rushing yards per game with 94.6. Overall, the Colts’ offense ranked low in total offense, averaging 319.7 yards per game. Defensively, Indianapolis allowed 25.1 points per game, ranking them 24th. They allowed 243.65 opponent passing yards per game and 131.82 rushing yards per game. Their defense recorded 32 sacks and 16 interceptions. The Colts had a turnover ratio of -4. The Colts' defense struggled last season, allowing the ninth-most rushing yards and being one of the worst tackling teams.
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
In the divisional round last year, the offense struggled, and that’s never a good sign. That’s why I think that Jayden Higgins is going to be huge for the Texans if he can perform well. Stroud needs someone other than Collins to help him on the pass-catching side of things. He was drafted in the second round, but was actually the top pick for the Texans this year, so they expect him to do well already.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
The Indianapolis Colts made several key defensive coaching changes for the 2025 season, hiring Lou Anarumo as defensive coordinator to replace Gus Bradley. James Bettcher returns as linebackers coach, while Jerome Henderson takes over as defensive backs coach, and Chris Hewitt joins as pass game coordinator/secondary coach. Offensive Coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, Special Teams Coordinator Brian Mason, and Head Coach Shane Steichen all remain in place.
The Bold Prediction
Ever since Shane Steichen and Anthony Richardson's era began in Indianapolis, I’ve always had a lot of confidence in this team. I still have confidence in AR to turn this around, but definitely not as much as I had in the prior seasons.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
7 wins and 10 losses is my prediction for Indianapolis this season.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Is Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones Going to be the Starter?
My Takeaway
This whole thing is going to rely on the quarterback sitation this year.