WELCOME TO THE NFC. ONLY 17 DAYS UNTIL THE NFL REGULAR SEASON BEGINS!
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
The Eagles' defense was elite last year, but can they maintain that edge amid turnover in the secondary? Cornerbacks like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean were game-changers in ’24, and the pressure is on them—together with new additions like Adoree’ Jackson—to prove this unit isn’t slipping. If that back half holds strong, the rest of the team can keep humming.
Last Year’s Numbers:
In the 2024 NFL regular season, the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense was a top unit in the league. They ranked 7th in points scored per game with 27.2, 2nd in rushing yards per game with 179.3, and 8th in total yards per game with 367.2. However, their passing offense ranked lower, placing 29th with 187.9 passing yards per game. Defensively, the Eagles were dominant, ranking 2nd in opponent points per game by allowing just 17.8, 1st in total yards allowed per game with 278.35, 1st in passing yards allowed per game with 174.18, and 10th in rushing yards allowed per game with 104.18. The defense registered 41 sacks (13th in the league) and recorded 13 interceptions (12th in the league). Their turnover differential was +11, ranking them 2nd overall.
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
Mitchell emerged as a lockdown corner in his rookie season—earning All-Rookie honors and nearly Defensive Rookie of the Year—while anchoring the Super Bowl-winning secondary. The same goes for Cooper DeJean. The Eagles are counting on him to take an even bigger leap in 2025, solidifying their defense as the NFL’s best.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2025 season with several key coaching changes under Head Coach Nick Sirianni as they look to defend their Super Bowl LIX title. Kevin Patullo was promoted to Offensive Coordinator, replacing Kellen Moore, who left to become the Saints’ head coach. The Eagles also added Parks Frazier as Pass Game Coordinator, Scot Loeffler as Quarterbacks Coach, and Greg Austin as Assistant Offensive Line Coach in his second stint with the team. On defense, Vic Fangio returns after leading the league’s top-ranked unit in total defense and second in points allowed, while Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay remains in place after signing an extension.
The Bold Prediction
The Eagles lose Jalen Hurts to injury early in the season, and Tanner McKee leads this team into the playoffs. Saquon won’t be affected by the Madden Curse.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
12–5.
This team is built to repeat. With core pieces locked in, plus evolving depth and a roster stacked on both sides, Philly should be a heavy favorite in the NFC.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Can they replace productive veterans without missing a beat on defense?
My Takeaway
The Eagles feel more like a dynasty than a one-and-done Super Bowl winner. So long as their defensive backbone stays healthy and the offense finds another reliable skill piece, Philly is poised to dominate again. Oh, and hopefully, there will be no Madden curse for Saquon.
Awaiting Captain’s Code: Saints Edition, though I know it’ll be depressing. Great series though!
Great take. I appreciate you not using ESPN’s talking points about Hurts and Barkley. They aren’t the entire team. I’d rather not see McKee lead them to the playoffs, though.