Captains’ Code: Breaking Down 2025 NFL Team DNA — Pittsburgh Steelers
Edition #272
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
Aaron Rodgers is 41 years old. He’s not going to be his vintage self, and he’s definitely not going to be singlehandedly taking any team to the Super Bowl. If the Steelers are going to want to have any success this season, then he’s going to have to do his part, but if he’s going to want to do anything this season, then his offensive line has to do their part. Last year, Aaron Rodgers beat out Tom Brady to become the most sacked QB ever, and if the Steelers want any success this year, they need to make sure that record doesn’t increase by too much.
Last Year’s Numbers:
In the 2024 NFL regular season, the Pittsburgh Steelers offense ranked 16th in points scored with 22.4 per game. They were 27th in passing yards per game with 192.0, 11th in rushing yards per game with 127.4, and 23rd in total yards per game with 326.7. Defensively, the Steelers allowed 20.4 points per game, ranking 8th in the league, and were 12th in total yards allowed per game. They were particularly strong against the run, allowing 89.2 rushing yards per game (1st overall). The Steelers defense recorded 40 sacks (tied for 16th) and had 6 interceptions. Their turnover differential was +16, ranking them 2nd in the league. It's worth noting their turnover differential was significantly aided by their ability to force fumbles, particularly from T.J. Watt.
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith.
The case with Ramsey is very interesting. The Steelers traded Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Dolphins to acquire Jalen Ramsey, even though their cornerback room is pretty much set already with veteran corners like Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. We all know what kind of player Ramsey is. Will he play cornerback for the Steelers? Or will he play safety? Only time will tell.
On the other hand, we have another former Dolphins player, Jonnu Smith. He’s familiar with the Arthur Smith system, and we know what kind of production he can put up. He’s going to be an awesome weapon for Rodgers. The Steelers’ tight end room is kind of stacked, though, so it will definitely be interesting to see what type of production he puts up.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a few coaching changes for the 2025 season. Scott McCurley replaced Aaron Curry as inside linebackers coach, and Gerald Alexander returned to the team as secondary coach, taking over from Grady Brown. The Steelers also added Luke Smith as a quality control coach.
The Bold Prediction
With grandpa (sorry) Aaron Rodgers leading this team, I don’t think the Steelers are going to go very far this season, but I do believe that the Steelers will be competing to make the playoffs. Mike Tomlin’s consecutive winning season streak will also continue.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
9 wins and 8 losses is my prediction for Pittsburgh this season.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
How do the weapons align with Aaron Rodgers?
My Takeaway
The Steelers have a team that’s capable of making the playoffs, but if they want any success, then everyone on the team’s going to need to do their part.