Captains’ Code: Breaking Down 2025 NFL Team DNA — Baltimore Ravens
Edition #271
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
When Ronnie Stanley is healthy, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are really hard to beat. As long as this guy is healthy, the Ravens have a very good chance of winning a lot of games and being the top seed this season.
Last Year’s Numbers:
In the 2024 NFL regular season, the Baltimore Ravens offense was one of the league's best, ranking 3rd in points scored per game with 30.5. They were particularly dominant in the running game, ranking 1st overall in rushing yards per game with 187.6. The passing attack was also effective, ranking 7th in passing yards per game with 237.4. Overall, the Ravens offense ranked high in total yards per game with 424.9. On the defensive side, the Ravens were a formidable unit, ranking 8th in opponent points per game, allowing 21.2, and 8th in opponent yards per game. They were especially strong against the run, ranking 1st in opponent rushing yards per game, allowing only 80.9, but struggled more against the pass, ranking 27th in opponent passing yards per game, giving up 238.3. The Ravens defense recorded 54 sacks (2nd in the league) and intercepted 12 passes. Their turnover ratio for the season was +0.2.
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
Jaire Alexander and Tyler Loop/John Hoyland.
Look. During Alexander’s last 2 healthy seasons, he’s made the Pro Bowl and put up awesome stat lines, but the problem is, he can’t really stay healthy. He’s missed a total of 34 games in the last 4 years. That's 34/68 regular-season games. If he can find a way to stay healthy? Ohhhhhh boyy.
Then we have Loop and Hoyland, the 2 kickers. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you should know by now that Justin Tucker was cut from the team during an NFL investigation for sexual misconduct. This guy was one of the best kickers of all time, if not the best. Loop and Hoyland don’t have huge expectations, but someone’s going to need to fill that hole.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
The Baltimore Ravens made a series of assistant coaching changes ahead of the 2025 season, while retaining head coach John Harbaugh and extending offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Running backs coach Willie Taggart was promoted to assistant head coach. The team also hired Donald D'Alesio as defensive backs coach, Matt Pees as assistant linebackers coach, Anthony Levine Sr. as assistant special teams coach, Kevin Hartman as assistant strength and conditioning coach, and Tyler Santucci as inside linebackers coach. Former NFL head coach Chuck Pagano joined as senior defensive assistant/secondary coach.
The Bold Prediction
The Ravens are a very strong team, but I still believe they will lose to the Chiefs and the Lions, and split the regular-season series against the Steelers and the Bengals. Honestly, though, I think the Ravens will prove me wrong.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
13-4. Lamar Jackson is absolutely in his prime. Derrick Henry somehow continues to get even better as he gets older. They revamped the secondary as well. They should be winning 13 games this season.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Now that the Ravens have revamped the secondary, can they win in the playoffs?
My Takeaway
I am very hopeful for this Ravens team. If they can’t get to the Super Bowl or win it this season, it’s going to be a huge disappointment. Doesn’t matter what way you think about it. This team has what it takes to get there.