Captains’ Code: Breaking Down 2025 NFL Team DNA — Tennessee Titans
Edition #275
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
Let’s not overthink it: everything hinges on Cam Ward. After last year’s disaster at quarterback, Tennessee is praying that Ward can provide a spark. He’s got the arm talent, no doubt. And with veteran Tyler Lockett joining the receiving corps, there’s at least a chance Ward can make something out of a less-than-ideal situation. It won’t be easy, but if he clicks early, it could speed up the rebuild.
Last Year’s Numbers:
The Titans offense ranked 27th in points per game with 18.3, 26th in passing yards per game (195.1), and tied for 19th in rushing yards per game (109.1). They averaged just 304.2 total yards per game.
Defensively, the team was 30th in points allowed per game (27.1), but somehow 3rd in total yards allowed per game (311.2). They were excellent against the pass (1st in passing yards allowed — 189.18 per game) but struggled against the run (26th). The defense recorded 32 sacks and 11 interceptions. Turnover differential: dead last at -17, thanks to 34 giveaways and only 18 takeaways.
Key Player(s) to Watch: The Heroes and the Wild Cards
Cam Ward, Dan Moore Jr., and Jeffery Simmons.
Ward brings a rocket arm to an offense that needs juice, and the bar couldn’t be lower after the Levis experiment. If he clicks with Lockett and settles in quickly, it’ll at least make this team more competitive. Moore is the cornerstone of the new-look offensive line; shifting JC Latham to right tackle could stabilize two spots at once if Moore holds his own on the blind side. Simmons, meanwhile, showed up lighter and quicker this offseason and really wants and needs to get back to his early career form.
Coaching: What’s Different This Year?
The Titans kept both coordinators, Nick Holz (offense) and Dennard Wilson (defense), but everything else went kaboom. John Fassel comes in as the new Special Teams Coordinator, and Mike McCoy joins as a Senior Offensive Assistant. On defense, Tony Oden was hired as Defensive Pass Game Coordinator and CB coach. Other moves include Luke Stocker (Tight Ends Coach), Dylan Autenrieth (Defensive Assistant), and a promotion for Scott Cohen to Director of Football Strategy.
The Bold Prediction
The Titans finish bottom five in scoring offense for the second straight year, and Ward is bottom 5 in turnovers.
The Realistic Win Total & Why
4-13.
There’s just not enough talent on either side of the ball. Ward might show flashes, but this roster has too many holes, and the defense can’t bail them out like it used to.
The Biggest Question Mark Heading Into 2025
Will the wide receiver room beat their expectations?
My Takeaway
Ward has potential, and the Titans are finally trying to build around him the right way. But even with the changes, this team still looks like one of the league’s worst, and it might be another long year in Nashville.