Cleveland Browns: 5 Bold predictions for Week 3 vs. Washington
By Samuel Teets
4. Mayfield throws zero interceptions
After posting six zero-interception games as a rookie, Mayfield only had three clean sheets in 2019. He’s yet to have a mistake-free game this season, which could be his ultimate undoing in the long run. Since the start of last year, Mayfield’s ball security ranks among the worst in the NFL. He threw 21 interceptions last season, which marked a significant increase from his rookie mark of 14.
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Mayfield’s last clean sheet came in Week 11 last season. Since then, he’s struggled to perform at a high level despite playing in one of the league’s most talented offenses. Mayfield’s turnovers carried over to this year as the former No. 1 overall pick threw one in each of the season’s opening weeks. However, the Washington secondary he faces on Sunday is average at best.
Week 3 is the perfect opportunity for Mayfield and new head coach Kevin Stefanski to build confidence in themselves.
3. Mayfield takes five sacks
While Sunday presents a significant opportunity for Cleveland’s defensive line, it works both ways. Washington’s defensive front is perhaps the most talented in the NFL, even if it isn’t the most dominant. When Matthew Ioannidis and Ryan Kerrigan are coming off the bench as rotational pass rushers, you’ve got a loaded depth chart.
Besides Kerrigan, Washington’s defensive line features several first-round selections. Jonathan Allen went 17th overall in 2017. Da’Ron Payne was the 13th overall pick in 2018. Montez Sweat (26th overall in 2019) and Chase Young (second overall this year) completed the extensive rebuild.
Even though the Browns addressed their offensive line this offseason, there’s no way they keep Mayfield from taking a beating on Sunday. Washington’s defense already has 11 sacks this season, which leads the league. All of the team’s dominant pass rushers have sacks and quarterback hits. The most Cleveland can hope for is that Mayfield doesn’t fumble or make a bad throw under pressure.