One Buccaneers' Quarterback Shining Early in Training Camp

If taking care of the football is as important as the Buccaneers' coaches claim, then it's obvious that Kyle Trask's training camp performances are pushing Baker Mayfield.

Collin Haalboom | Aug 2, 2023

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ever since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield earlier this offseason, most opinions have continued to support the belief that he has the upper hand on Tampa Bay's starting quarterback job.

The Buccaneers though, have remained steadfast in their proclamation that it is in fact an open competition between Mayfield and the third year signal caller out of the University of Florida, Kyle Trask.

Mayfield has more experience, there's no doubt. But Trask was a hand picked by the Buccaneers in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft because of a genuine belief in his talent.

After the first couple days of training camp, Mayfield's confidence and command seemed to steal most of the headlines. But over the past two practices, it's hard to deny the fact that Trask has outplayed Baker.

As new OC, Dave Canales has stated publicly, the quarterback who is able to limit turnovers will likely be the one to win the job. And if these past two practices are any indication of what's to come, then maybe Kyle Trask has a legitimate shot at the job after all.

We've tweeted about them individually, but after five Bucs practices, Baker Mayfield has thrown four interceptions (two today, one deflected) and Kyle Trask has only one. Turnovers were arguably the biggest concern about Mayfield going into the competition.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 31, 2023

On Monday, Trask was especially effective. Not only did he take care of the football, but he commanded some impressive drives, displaying accuracy, poise, and the ability to use his legs to pick up yardage when needed.

His head coach, Todd Bowles, took notice.

“He’s worked hard over the summer, he’s worked on his mechanics. Obviously, he shortened up his step, and he understands he’s not trying to make the big play, he’s trying to make the right play. He understands the game and he’s been more decisive with his decision-making and I think that’s a credit to him working on his mechanics over the summer.”

Bowles also commented specifically about Trask's athleticism.

“He’s not Randall Cunningham, but he can get outside the pocket some. I don’t expect him to run down the field like Lamar Jackson, but he can use his legs when he needs to use them to get out of trouble.”

If Trask continues to play smart football, and Baker Mayfield is unable to limit his turnovers, a scenario where Kyle Trask is named the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could absolutely present itself.

That said, there's a lot more football to be played before this decision will be made.

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Published Aug 2, 2023

COLLIN HAALBOOM

Prior to joining BucsGameday and Sports Illustrated, Collin's written content was provided through Bucs Banter, and NFL Draft Lounge. He is also the creator and host of the Bucs Banter Podcast. He is a graduate of the Communication Studies program at McMaster University, where he was also a varsity basketball player, and later an advanced scout. He lives with his wife and two children in Hamilton, ON. You can follow Collin on YouTube and Twitter.