Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Quarterback Competition: Baker Mayfield to Start Preseason Opener Against Pittsburgh Steelers
TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ highly anticipated quarterback competition is set to kick off on Friday night as Baker Mayfield gets the start in the team’s preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coach Todd Bowles announced the decision on Wednesday, revealing that Kyle Trask will start in preseason Week 2 against the New York Jets.
Bowles has maintained an open competition throughout training camp and has yet to declare a starter. The plan is to give both Mayfield and Trask equal reps and evaluate their performances before making a final decision.
When asked about the reasoning behind starting Mayfield first, Bowles simply stated that they wanted to switch the quarterbacks out and give them each a chance to showcase their skills.
Mayfield, the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has been the favorite to win the starting job since the beginning of training camp. He led the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff victory in 26 years in 2020 and has shown great potential throughout his career.
However, Trask, the Bucs’ second-round draft pick in 2021, has been making significant strides since the team’s mandatory minicamp in June. He has impressed coaches with his improved pocket presence, understanding of the offensive system, and ability to take care of the football.
One area where Trask might have an edge over Mayfield is his familiarity with Bowles’ defense. Despite limited reps behind Tom Brady and Blaine Gabbert, Trask has had exposure to Bowles’ system over the past two years. The upcoming preseason games and joint practices against the Jets will serve as a crucial test for both quarterbacks.
During training camp, Trask has thrown just four interceptions, three of which came on Tuesday. In contrast, Mayfield has thrown nine interceptions, highlighting the coaching staff’s emphasis on reducing turnovers. Wednesday’s practice was a turnover-free day for both quarterbacks, with Trask connecting on back-to-back touchdowns to tight end Cade Otton and Mayfield finding wide receiver Mike Evans and tight end Dominique Dafney for touchdowns at the goal line.
Both quarterbacks have struggled with consistency on deep throws, with third-stringer John Wolford arguably being the most consistent in that aspect. Wolford showcased his skills with a dazzling 80-plus yard touchdown pass to Kade Warner during Wednesday’s practice.
When evaluating the quarterbacks’ performances, Bowles emphasized that multiple factors would be considered, including their performance in practices, classroom knowledge, accuracy, decision-making, and leadership qualities. The coaching staff is looking for a well-rounded quarterback who can make the right plays and minimize turnovers.
As the preseason progresses, all eyes will be on Mayfield and Trask as they compete for the starting job. The Buccaneers have a talented roster and are looking to defend their Super Bowl title, making the quarterback position crucial for their success.
The Buccaneers’ next preseason game against the Steelers will provide valuable insight into how Mayfield handles the pressure and leads the offense. Meanwhile, Trask will have an opportunity to showcase his growth and prove that he is ready to take on the starting role.
Ultimately, Bowles and the coaching staff will carefully evaluate each quarterback’s performance before making a final decision. The competition between Mayfield and Trask is heating up, and Buccaneers fans eagerly await the announcement of their starting quarterback for the upcoming season.