Quarterbacks prefer touchdowns over turnovers every time. Interceptions are preferable than incompletions.
Now that we’ve established that, we can properly assess the competition between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask before of Friday’s preseason opening against the Steelers at Raymond James Stadium.
Mayfield will start the game, with Trask taking over as quarterback for the second exhibition game against the Jets on Aug. 19.
The games are an important component of the assessment process, but they are not the only grades considered to decide who will lead the Bucs into the regular season.
“It’s another piece,” offensive coordinator Dave Canales said Thursday after speaking with former Bucs defensive back and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, as well as play-by-play announcer Chris Myers, who will call the Bucs’ preseason games for WFLA-TV Ch. 8.
“Certainly counts more. Turn on the lights. There were people present. Different defences are coming at you quicker. I’m interested in seeing how all three players (including John Wolford) react to good and bad plays. I’m curious to observe how they react in between drives, and how we can concentrate. That is really important to me.”
The media has been keeping track of practise interceptions throughout training camp. The Buccaneers retain it as well. Mayfield has nine interceptions; Trask has five, including three on Tuesday.
Trask has done a better job of protecting the ball in practise than anybody else. As a result, it looks he has at least equaled the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner.
“I take them very seriously,” stated Canales. “Because, in my opinion, and especially here with Coach (Todd) Bowles and the way we’re going to play defence, taking care of the ball is the key to our success this year.”
Canales was unhappy with four of the interceptions thrown on Tuesday. However, he believes it is important to consider where they originated from.
“(One) is a two-point play, and they cover it so well that you’re scrambling around looking for it, and the guy picks it off,” he said. “Alternatively, it’s fourth-and-8 from the 8.” We’ve practised that exercise a few times this camp, and those interceptions do happen. But I believe some of the others who are, perhaps, in the field or late in the middle? Inexcusable, and they are the ones we must eliminate.”
Canales expressed excitement yet apprehension about being the main play-caller in a game for the first time since he began his coaching career as the JV coach at Carson High School against Venice in 2004.
“We got smoked 35-14, and it was the greatest day of my life,” he says. “I enjoyed every second of it.” … I had a lot more football to learn at that time, but that’s sort of how the enthusiasm is for this.”
You might argue that the Buccaneers have the most unresolved quarterback issue in the NFL. Since July 2022, Mayfield has been with four different teams. Trask has played nine NFL regular-season snaps.
While Mayfield has pedigree and performance — he’s thrown for over 16,000 yards and 100 touchdowns – Trask getting the job may be more beneficial to the Bucs. He’ll be under their authority for the next two seasons. Mayfield agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal in the hopes of finding a more permanent home.
The Buccaneers used a second-round choice in the 2021 draught on the former Florida Gators standout, and he spent two seasons in a room with Brady. The apprenticeship was beneficial.
“I think what’s most impressed me about Kyle is how steady and deliberate he’s been,” Canales said. “He demonstrates that he is studying finishing plays.” ‘Hey, you didn’t want this on this?’ ‘Yes.’ So that’s what I’m learning about him. I’ve been extremely impressed by it, as well as his ability to just take what’s there and do it again. He’s shown a talent for overcoming ennui.
“I inherited that from Tom’s two years of experience, which I learned by watching him do it.” So that’s been very fun, and I think the system really suits Kyle because he’s got such a huge arm, and there have been some thrilling down-the-field passes that have occurred throughout camp that have been really encouraging.”
Canales appreciates Trask’s movement as well.
It was in the top five speeds on a scramble exercise one day, so he can run well. Then there’s his ability to just hurry up and get the ball out. He’s been fantastic.”
Mayfield is correct in pointing out that interceptions may be overstated in practise. However, he has lead the NFL in sacks with 64 since 2018.
“We have our two-minute situational stuff and our third-down period,” Mayfield said last week. “That’s when you really want to take care of the ball — when you want to treat it more like a game.” Third-down situations should always conclude with the ball in your own hands. Obviously, you want to convert, but a punt is preferable than (the opponent) gaining possession with a short field.
“So, treating it that way, but then on certain looks, one-on-one balls, 50-50 balls, trying out different guys and seeing how they react to contested catches and stuff like that.” There is some give and take, but it’s time to handle situational football like a genuine game.”
Trask says that the manner he’s run the Bucs’ new offence in camp has surpassed his expectations.
“I’ve almost surprised myself with how well I’ve taken what I worked on in the offseason,” he remarked earlier this week. “I think coming back to this camp has helped me a lot.” That will be my exclusive concentration. If I ever go out of sync, I simply go back to what I was doing before, since it was working for me.”
Bryce Young, the Panthers’ first-round selection in 2023, has already been anointed the team’s Week 1 starter. C.J. Stroud, the Texans’ second-round selection, will start the first preseason game. The Colts’ first preseason snap will be taken by Anthony Richardson (No. 4).
The Buccaneers may have the only genuine quarterback battle. Who would have predicted that a few months ago?
“The last few places Baker’s been haven’t worked out too well,” Canales added. “Kyle hasn’t played in over two years. But we have to believe in ourselves and our coaches to develop these players.”
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