Buccaneers Reveal Starting Quarterback For Preseason Game Against Steelers

The Buccaneers have their starting quarterback for the first preseason game of the season.

The Buccaneers wrapped up their 12th day of training camp here in Tampa Bay after a hot and humid physical practice. It has been a sweaty last two weeks out at One Buc but finally, the guys will get their chance to face a different uniform on Friday night when the Pittsburgh Steelers come into town for their first preseason game.

The biggest question mark going into the 2023 season has been who will be the Buccaneers' starting quarterback and there are certainly still question marks even halfway through camp. No quarterback has taken a significant lead from one another and it seems as if we'll get more of an answer during the preseason games from Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask.

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After finishing Wednesday's practice, Todd Bowles confirmed to the media that Mayfield would be taking first-team reps to begin the game on Friday.

Todd Bowles confirms to the media that #Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield will start on Friday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. @JCAllenNFL had the scoop first earlier in the week. #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/b4OyLWWjLZ

— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) August 9, 2023

Mayfield and Trask have both been splitting first-team reps on offense changing every other day. Both quarterbacks have had flashes here and there but lately, interceptions have been a concern. Mayfield has shown his leadership across the team and can tell he is already gelling with his new teammates while Trask has also taken a step in leadership by being more hands-on with his playmakers and offensive linemen, something we didn't usually see from the third-year quarterback.

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Bowles and staff will take a close look at how well their quarterbacks can make drives down the field against the Steelers but more importantly, how well they take care of the ball. That has been something of major focus for this coaching staff, most certainly after five (!) interceptions were thrown between both Mayfield and Trask on Tuesday.

A total of five (!) interceptions thrown today by Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask.

Mayfield: 2
Trask: 3

Not the prettiest day in the quarterback room. #GoBucs

— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) August 8, 2023

Mayfield has found more success taking shots downfield but has struggled giving the ball away whereas Trask has been more consistent in taking shorter throws and not giving the ball away as much. Friday night will be telling how well these quarterbacks have gotten down Dave Canales' offense and if they can find efficiency with their drives and reach the endzone.

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