Captains’ Code: Breaking Down 2025 NFL Team DNA — Detroit Lions
Edition #284
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
Jared Goff as the distributor, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown as the electric skill weapons, Aidan Hutchinson as the pass-rushing force, and Dan Campbell as the hearty captain of the ship. We always hear stuff like that. Everything starts in the trenches, though, and Graham Glasgow, back for his second stint in Detroit, will be tasked with filling the shoes of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, who retired before the age of 30 this offseason.
Last Year’s Numbers:
In the 2024 NFL regular season, the Detroit Lions offense was a high-powered unit, ranking 1st in the league in points scored (33.2 per game). They ranked 2nd in passing yards per game (263.2) and 6th in rushing yards per game (146.4). Overall, the Lions offense ranked 2nd in total yards per game (409.5). Defensively, Detroit ranked 7th in opponent points allowed per game (20.1) and 20th in total yards allowed per game. They were excellent against the run, ranking 5th in opponent rushing yards allowed per game, but struggled against the pass, ranking 30th in opponent passing yards allowed per game. The Lions’ defense recorded 37 sacks and tied for 5th in the league with 16 interceptions. Their turnover differential was +9 (t-7th overall).
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
Aidan Hutchinson. Year 3 started with a bang: 7.5 sacks in five games before a season-ending leg injury derailed what looked like a Defensive Player of the Year campaign. Now fully cleared, Hutchinson insists he’s “back to being myself again.” If he returns to that early form, he can completely make games.
Terrion Arnold. The 24th pick in the 2024 Draft had a rookie year of highs and lows. His nine pass breakups ranked third among rookies, but his seven DPI penalties tied for the most by any player. Now wearing No. 6 to honor late teammate Khyree Jackson, Arnold has set his sights on becoming the league’s best cornerback.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
The Lions went through a significant staff shake-up after losing both coordinators, Ben Johnson (OC) and Aaron Glenn (DC), to head coaching jobs. To steady the ship, the team promoted John Morton (formerly senior offensive assistant) to offensive coordinator and Kelvin Sheppard (linebackers coach) to defensive coordinator. Scottie Montgomery shifts to coach wide receivers, while Kacy Rodgers joins as run game/defensive line coach.
The Bold Prediction
The Lions once again fight their way to the NFC Championship Game.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
12-5.
Detroit is still loaded with talent, but losing both coordinators leaves an inevitable adjustment period. They’ll win plenty of games, but a few miscues could cost them the top seeding.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Can a new-look offensive line still dominate?
My Takeaway
This is still a really good Lions team with a deep core and stars. Dan Campbell has a proven knack for hiring strong assistants and keeping the offensive line among the league’s best. Both of those strengths are going to be tested this season, which is why my confidence in them is just a little lower than last year.
Good breakdown, I feel like they are going to take a step back because of the coordinators leaving, but still the best team in the North. The 2023 team (losing the NFCCG to SF) was their shot, I just don’t see them getting back to that point with this group.