Captains’ Code: Breaking Down 2025 NFL Team DNA — New Orleans Saints
Edition #289
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
CB Alontae Taylor. The most impactful Saint might not be on offense at all. Taylor thrived in the slot before injuries forced him outside last year, where he still found ways to shine—recording three sacks early in the season, the most among all defensive backs at that point. Now under Brandon Staley’s 3-4 scheme, Taylor has a chance to push into true top-10 CB territory. The system thrives on pressure from unexpected places, from safeties to linebackers, and Taylor could be its ultimate weapon.
Last Year’s Numbers:
In the 2024 NFL regular season, the New Orleans Saints offense ranked in the bottom half of the league in terms of points scored and total yards. They scored 19.9 points per game (24th overall), and gained 320.1 total yards per game. Their passing offense ranked 23rd in yards per game with 205.2, while their rushing offense was slightly better, ranking 14th in yards per game with 114.9. The offense also struggled on third down conversions, ranking 28th overall. Defensively, the Saints allowed 238.5 passing yards per game, but allowed 398 total points, ranking 24th in opponent points allowed. They had a turnover differential of -2.
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
DE Cameron Jordan. A franchise icon with 121.5 career sacks, Jordan reworked his deal into an incentive-heavy contract after posting just six sacks combined across the last two seasons. He was openly frustrated about his snap counts in 2024, but at 36 years old with a new scheme and coaching staff, his future role is murky. Whether Jordan is used as a disruptive force or phased down will say everything about where this team is headed.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
The New Orleans Saints' major coaching change for the 2025 season is the hiring of Kellen Moore as Head Coach, replacing Dennis Allen who was fired in November 2024. In addition to Moore, the team added several new coordinators and assistants, including Doug Nussmeier as Offensive Coordinator, Brandon Staley as Defensive Coordinator, and Joel Thomas as Associate Head Coach/Running Backs Coach.
The Bold Prediction
Kellen Moore doesn’t even finish the season—he gets fired in Year 1.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
2–15. This roster is thin, the QB situation is a revolving door, and the only wins come in the handful of games Alvin Kamara is healthy. Otherwise, it’s a free fall.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Who is actually the quarterback of this team? And does it even matter?
My Takeaway
The Saints aren’t sneaky, they’re not plucky, and they’re not dangerous. They’re the worst team in football heading into 2025—and in a bad NFC South, that’s saying something.