Captains’ Code: Breaking Down 2025 NFL Team DNA — Houston Texans
Edition #273
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
C.J. Stroud was the second-most sacked QB in the league last season, and with Laremy Tunsil leaving the Texans for the Commanders in the offseason, the Texans went ahead and signed Cam Robinson in free agency. Houston definitely expects more than what they saw from the team last year, and the best way to rebound from that if if Robinson does his job right.
Last Year’s Numbers:
In the 2024 NFL regular season, the Houston Texans’ offense ranked 19th in points scored per game with 21.9. They were 21st in passing yards per game, averaging 207.4, and 15th in rushing yards per game with 112.3. Overall, the Texans ranked 22nd in total offense, averaging 319.7 yards per game. Defensively, Houston was ranked 14th in opponent points per game, allowing 21.9, and 5th in opponent yards per game, allowing 315.0. They were strong against the pass, ranking 6th in opponent passing yards allowed per game with 201.0, and 24th against the run, allowing 114.0 rushing yards per game. The Texans' defense recorded 49 sacks and 19 interceptions. Their turnover differential was +9, ranking them tied for 7th overall in the league.
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
In the divisional round last year, the offense struggled, and that’s never a good sign. That’s why I think that Jayden Higgins is going to be huge for the Texans if he can perform well. Stroud needs someone other than Collins to help him on the pass-catching side of things. He was drafted in the second round, but was actually the top pick for the Texans this year, so they expect him to do well already.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
The Houston Texans made several coaching changes for the 2025 season, headlined by Nick Caley replacing Bobby Slowik as offensive coordinator. Caley was previously the Rams’ tight ends coach. Other changes include Frank Okam taking over as assistant defensive line coach, Jerry Schuplinski joining as senior offensive assistant/pass game specialist, and Cole Popovich being promoted to offensive line coach and run game coordinator. Ben McDaniels added offensive passing game coordinator duties to his role as wide receivers coach, and Ben Bolling was promoted to assistant linebackers coach.
The Bold Prediction
The Texans are a good team, but I don’t believe in this offensive line. They lost too many key players at the position, and I just don’t know if this offensive line is capable enough to stop the defense from getting to CJ Stroud. In fact, I believe that Stroud will be the most sacked quarterback this year.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
8 wins and 9 losses is my prediction for Houston this season.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Can the Offensive Line Come Together?
My Takeaway
The Texans are a great team, but the one core part that’s going to determine their whole fate is their offensive line. CJ Stroud was the 2nd most-sacked QB last year, and their attempted to fix at that issue wasn’t that good.