‘Nothing Has Been Said’ About Buccaneers Week 1 Starting Quarterback
In recent weeks quarterback Kyle Trask made more of a competition out of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ position battle than many expected him to.
After Baker Mayfield got the start for the Buccaneers in their Week 1 preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers and turned in 63 yards passing and a touchdown pass some were left wondering if the battle had been won already.
“I didn’t even know that I was starting this game until a couple of days ago,” Mayfield said when asked if he’d been told he’s the starter for Week 1. “Nothing has been said about that.”
READ MORE: Who Won QB Battle in Preseason Week 1?
Going back to before training camp offensive coordinator Dave Canales said the competition would go down to the wire and a decision wouldn’t be made - or announced at least - until the end of the preseason.
Still, coach Todd Bowles saw some good things out of Mayfield in his first live action with the Bucs.
“He was composed, he did a good job running the offense,” Bowles said of Mayfield. “He made the plays he was supposed to make, [and] we’re satisfied.”
READ MORE: Baker Mayfield Talks About Being Tom Brady's Successor
On the other side of the quarterback competition is Kyle Trask in his third year since being drafted out of Florida.
While Trask had more passing yards (99) than Mayfield despite completing two fewer throws his completion percentage was lower and he threw one interception with no touchdowns leading to a dismal 53.8 quarterback rating.
“I know he threw the pick,” Bowles said of Trask’s performance. “But I know he made some good throws as well. It’s just commanding the offense. [I] just have to watch the tape and make our decisions.”
According to what’s being said publicly a Week 1 regular decision hasn’t been made.
And if the competition is going to continue for Tampa Bay’s quarterbacks then we’d expect Trask to get the start next week against the New York Jets.
Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82
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