Captains’ Code: Breaking Down 2025 NFL Team DNA — Jacksonville Jaguars

Edition #274

Aug 12, 2025

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

One huge thing that’s going to determine how far the Jaguars go is the pass rush. In 2024, Jacksonville’s defense was picked apart through the air, allowing nearly 271 passing yards per game, and a big reason for that was the lack of consistent pressure. Yes, they totaled 40 sacks, but most came in bunches, not in key moments. With a new defensive staff and better talent, the Jaguars need this unit to take a real step forward if they want to compete in the AFC.

Last Year’s Numbers:

The Jaguars’ offense ranked 26th in points scored per game. They were 24th in passing yards per game (204.5) and 26th in rushing yards per game (101.7). Overall, they finished 25th in total offense.
Defensively, they allowed 435 points — one of the worst marks in the league — and gave up 270.88 passing yards per game. They totaled 40 sacks and 16 interceptions. Their turnover differential was -15, ranking 29th.

Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards

Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., and Trevor Lawrence.
Hunter is the kind of player we almost never see in the NFL, a true two-way weapon. He’ll bring immediate juice to the Jaguars’ secondary, which badly needs it, and should also play a meaningful role on offense alongside fellow rookie Brian Thomas Jr. That duo gives Trevor Lawrence two explosive options on the outside, and the team is clearly betting on Year 5 being the year for Lawrence to take off.

Coaching: What’s Different This Year?

A lot. The Jaguars hit reset this offseason, hiring Liam Coen as Head Coach. He brought in Grant Udinski as Offensive Coordinator and Anthony Campanile as Defensive Coordinator. Shane Waldron joins as Passing Game Coordinator, Shaun Sarrett is the new Offensive Line Coach, and Chad Morton takes over the running backs. On defense, Matt Edwards (DL), Tem Lukabu (LBs), and Anthony Perkins (secondary) round out a completely revamped staff. Heath Farwell stays on as Special Teams Coordinator.

The Bold Prediction

Travis Hunter wins Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year. That’s the kind of season I think he’s going to have.

The Realistic Win Total & Why

11-6.
This team added a ton of talent and coaching structure, and they’re still in a relatively soft division. If Lawrence plays like the guy the Jaguars paid for, this team is going to win games, and maybe even one in January. Surprise pick, eh?

The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025

Can Jacksonville’s defense actually stop anybody?

My Takeaway

This team is going to be very good this season, especially with the addition of Travis Hunter. And if Trevor Lawrence can just play his game, and the defense can do it’s part, the Jaguars can really be a threat.