3 stats in which Cleveland Browns may regress in 2021

2. Interceptions thrown

Among quarterbacks with at least 326 attempts (29 players), only seven threw fewer interceptions than Mayfield’s eight, and only three of those seven threw the ball more than No. 6 did. Over Mayfield’s final 10 games of the regular season (316 attempts), he threw 16 touchdowns to just two picks.

At one point, he went 187 straight attempts without a turnover. This was a complete 180-degree turn from his 2019 season, when his 22 picks trailed only Jameis Winston’s 30.

Is the Mayfield we saw after Week 7 the true Mayfield? It’s unrealistic to expect him to keep up that level of play, which was rivaled by only Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady. It would be great if Mayfield were to remain in the same tier as those future first-ballot Hall of Famers, but chances are Mayfield will be a 13-16-interception guy most seasons, especially if his attempts go up, as they should.

As long as he continues to be aggressive and attempt throws that few others can make, the team can live with the turnovers. Mayfield has one of the best arms in the league, and is insanely accurate on his hot streaks, like the longest one of his career in 2020. It’s unlikely that’s his average level going forward, but if it is, the rest of the league is in serious trouble.