The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced that Baker Mayfield will start in their preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday night. This decision was made by coach Todd Bowles, who also revealed that Kyle Trask will start the following week against the New York Jets. The Buccaneers have yet to determine their Week 1 starter against the Minnesota Vikings on September 10.
Mayfield, the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma, joined the Buccaneers this offseason after stints with the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams. He spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns. Mayfield brings a wealth of experience to the team, with 69 starts, 1,386 pass completions, 102 touchdowns, and 64 interceptions under his belt. He has a 31-38 record as a starting quarterback.
On the other hand, Trask was drafted by the Buccaneers as a second-round pick in 2021 out of Florida. He appeared in only one game last season, completing 3 out of 9 passes for 23 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. While Trask is still relatively inexperienced, he has shown promise during training camp and has pleased coaches with his ability to protect the football.
The Buccaneers are in search of a new starting quarterback after the retirement of future Hall of Famer Tom Brady in February. Brady spent his final three seasons with the Buccaneers, leading the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2020. The team is looking for someone to fill his shoes and lead them to continued success.
In choosing Mayfield as the starter for the first preseason game, coach Bowles is giving the more experienced option the first opportunity to prove himself. Many around the league view Mayfield as the favorite to win the starting job due to his experience and command of the offense. However, Trask has been given equal opportunities during training camp and has impressed coaches with his performance.
Mayfield’s offseason with the Buccaneers has been crucial for his preparation. Unlike previous years, he has had a full offseason with the team, without any COVID-19 restrictions or injury recovery. He has had the chance to fully immerse himself in the Buccaneers’ playbook and build chemistry with his teammates. Additionally, Mayfield’s five-game stint with the Rams at the end of the 2022 season has given him a head start in understanding the offensive system, as the Rams run a similar offense to the Buccaneers.
The preseason games will play a significant role in determining the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback for Week 1. Mayfield’s experience and Trask’s potential will be evaluated based on their performances in these games. The coaching staff will closely monitor their decision-making, accuracy, and ability to lead the team.
As the Buccaneers continue their search for a new starting quarterback, all eyes will be on Mayfield and Trask during the preseason. The competition between these two quarterbacks will be intense, and their performances will ultimately determine who gets the nod as the Week 1 starter against the Vikings. Buccaneers fans eagerly await the outcome of this quarterback battle and hope that their new signal-caller can lead them to success in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, Baker Mayfield will start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This decision gives Mayfield, the more experienced option, the first opportunity to prove himself as the team’s new starting quarterback. However, Kyle Trask, the young and promising quarterback, will also have a chance to showcase his skills in the following week. The Buccaneers are in search of a new leader after Tom Brady’s retirement and are looking for someone who can fill his shoes and guide them to victory. The preseason games will be crucial in determining who will earn the starting job for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. Buccaneers fans eagerly await the outcome of this quarterback competition and hope for a successful season ahead.