Captains’ Code: Breaking Down 2025 NFL Team DNA — New York Jets
Edition #261
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 thing is, Justin Fields is good when he has good protection from the offensive line. If Armand Membou can improve from his rookie season, where he ranked 43rd out of 66 tackles in pass block win rate (88%), then the offense can definitely be more efficient. If not, Fields is probably going to be sacked way more often than 3 times a game.
Last Year’s Numbers:
In the 2024 NFL regular season, the New York Jets offense ranked low in most categories, finishing 24th in points scored per game (19.9) and 24th in total yards per game (310.3). They were particularly weak in rushing, ranking 31st in rushing yards per game (91.8), while having a middle-of-the-pack passing attack, ranking 16th in passing yards per game (218.5). Defensively, the Jets were a strong unit, ranking 3rd in total yards allowed per game (313.7). They were especially effective against the pass, ranking 4th in passing yards allowed per game (192.65), though their run defense was less impressive, ranking 17th in rushing yards allowed per game (121.12). The Jets' defense registered 42 sacks (12th in the league) and recorded 7 interceptions (tied for 26th). Their turnover ratio for the season was -2.
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
Mason Taylor, Justin Fields, and Brandon Stephens are going to be the guys to watch this year. This tight end room for the Jets absolutely sucks, and Mason Taylor, who was the second-round draft pick for this New York Jets team, is going to be the starter for the Jets this season. Can he be a factor for the passing game? Justin Fields is going to be crucial for this team this season if they dream of winning 6 games, which is my prediction for this team. Finally, Stephens is slotting in at CB2, with Sauce Gardner coming in at CB1. Teams are obviously going to attack Stephens. If he can perform, then all is well.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
The New York Jets made several coaching changes after the 2024 season, hiring Aaron Glenn as head coach to replace Robert Saleh. Tanner Engstrand was brought in as offensive coordinator, while Steve Wilks took over as defensive coordinator. Chris Banjo replaced Brant Boyer as special teams coordinator. The team also added Scott Turner as senior assistant/pass game coordinator, Steve Heiden as offensive line coach, Charles London as quarterbacks coach, and Eric Washington as defensive line coach.
The Bold Prediction
This Jets team can be really good in 2026, but right now, they aren’t going to be a competitive team.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
6-11. This team will be able to run the ball. Justin Fields is a threat with his legs, and then you have Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis. What Fields can do as a passer is the question, which I don’t think he’s going to manage well. The wide receiver room just sucks.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Can the Jets’ Passing Game Be Good Enough?
My Takeaway
The Jets are another team that I don’t have any hope for this season. This team needs too much. Take this as a gap year, though, because if they can make a couple of changes after this season, then they can definitely achieve something in the 2026 season.