*Where Have The Interceptions Gone?

[Modern_Duke]

Have you looked at the passing stats this season? As of writing, no quarterback has thrown more than 10 interceptions (4 did last season). Only 6 defensive players have 3 or more interceptions (18 did last season!). Has there really been a big dropoff in interceptions? Let's look at the last 10 seasons:





Yes. From Season 12 to Season 20, the average INT % (interceptions / pass attempts) was 2.41%. In Season 21, the rate is over 35% below the average, at 1.55%.

So what has lead to this? My initial thought was that it has to be the rule change banning safeties from playing at linebacker. However, if you take a look at those 6 players with 3 or more interceptions, 4 of them are safeties. Meaning its not like safeties have completely stopped getting interceptions. If anything cornerbacks have regressed. In fact, expanding it to look at the 14 players with 2 or more interceptions, only 6 of them are CBs.

So what the hell has happened? Why are all CBs now playing like they are Louisiana Purchase (only 6 INT in nearly 4 seasons. Haha not that I care lol...)? How have QBs suddenly transformed from playing like Joe Flacco (2.38% career interception rate) to playing like Patrick Mahomes (1.64% career interception rate)?

I don't know, were you expecting me to have the answer?

[RotticusScott]

QB's too many teeps

[Opera_Phantom]

Hold my beer

[HalfEatenOnionBagel]

I have never been more disappointed

[speculadora]

I actually am going to try to look at this during the off-season but I'm not sure how to go about it without adjusting archetypes which is probably a multiple off-season project unfortunately.

[scorycory]

17 passes defended good for fifth in the league. No interceptions to show for it. Just CB things