Lavonte David Sounds Like He Expects Baker Mayfield To Win The Starting Job
March 24th, 2023
“Kyle, you need to start a group chat.”
About seven weeks ago, iconic Bucs linebacker Lavonte David said he would advise Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht to roll with quarterback Kyle Trask.
David seemed to be singing a different tune today.
David was a guest on The Rich Eisen Show and was given an opportunity to talk about the burgeoning Bucs quarterback competition. Host Rich Eisen referenced Trask and Mayfield and the golden opportunity to win the starting job, but David didn’t mention Trask.
“Baker is, you know, obviously talented. He had his moments where the talent showed. And I feel like what direction we’re going and what we’re trying to build on, I think the locker room will get him comfortable and he won’t have to put a lot of things his shoulders,” David said. “You know, there won’t be a lot of pressure on him. It’s a team game, so all we’ll be expecting him to do is to just come in and do his job and let everything else take care of itself.”
David is correct. Mayfield certainly won’t have to be a one-man band to succeed in Tampa. The Bucs do have a lot of talent, even if some have defecation issues and can’t stomach that concept.
But Mayfield will shoulder a ton of pressure; Bucs fans are not in a patient frame of mind and Mayfield is trying to save his career.
Speaking of fans, David spoke directly to them and said they should expect “an exciting year.”
He also said the Bills made a late run at him in free agency but “I was already locked into Tampa.”
March 24th, 2023 at 6:15 pm
May the best man win ! I hope that there is robust competition and the ability so close that half of the fans think that someone else should be the starter. I certainly isn’t going to be just Trask and Mr 4 teams
March 24th, 2023 at 6:27 pm
Sounds like Lavonte thought Brady had too much on his shoulders last year, and he would be correct. Expecting a 45 year old QB to carry a team was always a losing proposition. Canales always talks about a “QB friendly system.” He also brought up how the QB shouldn’t have to be put into situation where the QB is expected to be a hero.
Lavonte is an ultimate company man. His comments about Trask was him just going with the company line. Seems like the team have already Baker the starter. I’m not a Trask fan, and I hate Trask fan boys, but it sure seems like he’s not getting a fair shake. He was a high draft pick. He should definitely be in a real competition.
March 24th, 2023 at 6:31 pm
LVD has only watched Trask every day for two years. No way he could give Trask a fair assessment. Only real football people know that Trask should start, based on a three year old highlight reel against bartenders and waitresses.
Where is the fairness?!
March 24th, 2023 at 6:38 pm
Trask couldn’t even beat out Blaine Gabbert for the No.2 spot. Baker will be the starter.
March 24th, 2023 at 6:44 pm
Careful, there 941, the Traskbois will howl about the Conspiracy to prevent Trask from getting a fair shot. Because it’s always better for the team to treat someone unfairly in front of everybody.
March 24th, 2023 at 6:49 pm
Who didn’t. Trask is competing between third string and practice squad and we don’t even have a #2 QB yet. That’s how bad he obviously is.
March 24th, 2023 at 6:53 pm
The bois with “Trask” in their handle are sobbing next to their Trask posters, predicting 3 wins with Baker but 40 TDs for Trask!
Hard to make this stuff up, but it’s all there for your reading displeasure.
We might only win 3 but that’s due to the clown show currently residing in the head coach’s office. Trask might actually go negative with this coich.
March 24th, 2023 at 6:54 pm
LVD is spot on here, all the pressure is on Trask to prove he is better than a guy that has won games in this league – albeit inconsistently
March 24th, 2023 at 6:55 pm
I still cannot understand the mayfield love, I’m a Bucs fan so I hope I’m wrong but I’m not hopeful! He flamed out 4th team in a year but he going to turn it around here ok! Prove me wrong!
March 24th, 2023 at 6:58 pm
Baker is the starter unless he completely face-plants. Trask will have to undeniably destroy him in pre-season to earn the gig. It’s best. Go with Bake early, and if he falters, let Trask do his thing. He’s used to that. Starting with Trask would put a microscope on him, and the pressure to play Baker would mushroom quickly.
March 24th, 2023 at 7:02 pm
I have decided to give Baker a chance… It is what it is…
At least he is NOT Jameis Winston, Mike Glennon OR Josh Freeman (THANK GOD!) SO it could be worse…
Hopefully the Bucs will at least be competitive and fun to watch meaning Canales develops quickly into being a quick study and gifted OC!
March 24th, 2023 at 7:02 pm
Trask should be made the official starter NOW before camp starts.
Obviously Trask has a Brady-like skill set.
I’d even say he reads defenses BETTER than Brady based on his
epic college highlights.
GATERZ!!
March 24th, 2023 at 7:02 pm
Trask should be made the official starter NOW before camp starts.
Obviously Trask has a Brady-like skill set.
I’d even say he reads defenses BETTER than Brady based on his
epic college highlights.
GATERZ!!
March 24th, 2023 at 7:05 pm
Goatfarmer how do you feel about Trask and the coach? OnE more time please, I don’t think you have explained you feelings on either of these people….. we are really dying to know what you think AGAIN.
March 24th, 2023 at 7:07 pm
We are not even to the Draft and your act is already tired.
March 24th, 2023 at 7:18 pm
Baker Mayfield is a proven scrub with 3 different teams and some of yall are excited to see what he’s going to do lol 🤣🤣🤣. But you hate on a guy who you don’t know if he’s good or bad what smart fan base lol 😅😅!!
March 24th, 2023 at 7:21 pm
What a smart fan base lol 🤣🤣🤣 who suppose to know so much about football lol 🤣🤣!!
March 24th, 2023 at 7:34 pm
Osqueel the guy who can count:
Who is y’all?
Who were the 9 wins the defense registered against considering the Bucs won 8 games?
Ever seen a photo of Brian Flores?
You hated Brady and now you hate Mayfield. But you want Trask. The fans don’t decide this, Simple Jack. Coaches and management do. You should apply at OBP, Jason Licht can use your counting and human relations skills.
PS – to Vlad the Impaler, LOL, it’s the Trask Suppression Conspiracy behind all of it.
March 24th, 2023 at 7:37 pm
Oneilbuc these guys would mess up a nocturnal emission.
FSU grads though. Best known for producing politicians, ambulance chasers and a healthy number of felons.
March 24th, 2023 at 7:39 pm
Goat that haterade is bitter man. I guess its an acquired taste.
Baker Mayfield leading this team… 3 to 6 wins. That’s the range.
March 24th, 2023 at 7:46 pm
None of the players have been raving about Trask….he’s been there two yrs, no opinions voiced. At best you hear he’s a hard worker from Bowles
March 24th, 2023 at 7:47 pm
I am a Gator, Mike S, making me uniquely qualified to know Gator QBs and their performance in the NFL. I was there for the Doug Dickey / Charlie Pell years. I don’t hate Trask at all, I’m merely objective about him. I watched every start with the Gators, and am now forced to exaggerate negative based on your fan clubs’ irrationality about him. You hate Mayfield just because he competes against your boi. Whatever you think Baker will do, better subtract 4 at least from your Boi’s total.
March 24th, 2023 at 7:55 pm
Sure, we’ll go with Mayfield, but everyone on the team- including Trask- knows there isn’t a chance he finishes the year for one reason or another. Trask will do what he does, come in after all options are exhausted and show us the coaches were fools all along.
March 24th, 2023 at 8:13 pm
I would start Trask but I cheer for anyone who suits up, even Brady who I loathe, so baker wont be an issue for me. I’m a Bucs fan FIRST AND LAST!
March 24th, 2023 at 8:22 pm
Hey Baker ,when You continue your epic nationwide tour of NFL teams and move on to your fifth club in two and a half years ,would you mind taking the anybody but Trask fan club with you , it will be for the best really , they will be miserable here with Kyle Trask starting and excelling , and all the moaning and groaning will become even more insufferable!
March 24th, 2023 at 8:24 pm
How long till we get a poser… I mean poster with a Baker username?
When you think about it, IT DOSENT MATTER who the QB is. Even with a TB who had some of his best seasons in TAMPA BAY!!!!
The Game is RIGGED 100%
I just want to be entertained, I guess having another #1 overall pick at QB in a single decade is entertaining.
What I want to see is Mike Evans continue his 1000 yard seasons
A running game that is better than last year
A defense that turns the ball over every game on average
MOSTLY, I want to see a coach that speaks proper English that understands how to say something that kinda makes sense.
As far as QB goes, I could care less if he has anything to say. Just do your freaking job and fade out of the spotlight. NO ONE CARES ABOUT YOUR RICH ASk opinions on things other than the game.
Prediction, BUCs win the Superbowl with a QB that no one knows, in the very near future because TAMPA is a premier market and needs corporate support to move the Rays to YBOR
March 24th, 2023 at 8:50 pm
This is like Deja Vu when Gruden thought he got a steal in Chris Simms in the third round with the last pick. I’m glad this GM realized you don’t fill a QB room with worse QBs to make the job easy for the guy drafted.
March 24th, 2023 at 9:10 pm
Where is the Cup of Joe? Been busy today, didn’t even get to read it, and can’t find it. Did someone start a feud this morning and torch the entire thing?
March 24th, 2023 at 9:27 pm
I’m still hope Levi falls in the draft. He reminds me of Justin Herbert. It would be exciting to have a young talent that may be here for 10-15 years.
March 24th, 2023 at 9:28 pm
Can’t we all just get along?
March 24th, 2023 at 9:34 pm
Goatfarmer,
LOL you’re no Gator. If you were you’d know Trask didn’t break records against “bartenders and waitresses” he played against many top SEC Defenses, many players of which now play in the NFL.
Mayfield sucks, plain & simple. He has one of the lowest QB ratings of active NFL QBs. Rooting against Trask is DUMB considering he hasn’t even been given a chance to play with the starters yet.
As for David, he DID say positive things about Trask before the Mayfield signing. It’s just “optics” and how NFL players spin things on a positive way for whoever the latest player is. It doesn’t mean he thinks Mayfield is Berger than Trask, Mayfield was just a big name the team signed so he’s staying politically correct as a member of the team.
March 24th, 2023 at 9:48 pm
I think at this point Joe has posted more articles about Baker then they did in 2020 when we signed Brady.
March 24th, 2023 at 9:52 pm
Idiot I mean Trashkan to Nowhere,
I was at Florida Field in 1976 watching Jimmy Fisher QB the team. There was a guy named Chris Collinsworth on the roster who still holds the school record for a 99 yard TD pass. Yes he was a QB before they switched him to WR. A guy named Wes Chandler made lots of plays. I can name you book chapter and verse of the bars, restaurants, and social atmosphere of being in Gainesville then. I celebrated Wuerrfel, Chris Leak, and Tebows performances in their careers and am grateful to them for the NCAA championships. But I knew that none of them were NFL material.
So pretend I don’t know what I’m talking about because it will make your nighttime routine with your Trask photo go more smoothly.
But it’s ok, you probably went to Alachua County CC.
March 24th, 2023 at 10:01 pm
Mayfield has obviously disappointed as the overall number one pick in 2018, Maybe he can resurrect his career. I’m all for giving Trask a legitimate shot at winning the starting job, he sure impressed as a collegiate.
March 24th, 2023 at 10:06 pm
The Larry Ochab movement. He almost upset FSU during their 0-10-1 debacle of 1980, Pell’s first year. The refs robbed the Gators of a recovered onside kick or Florida would probably have won. You can pound your own Gator ignorance up your Traskhole.
March 24th, 2023 at 10:17 pm
So OhKneel, LVD and Devin White walk into a grammar seminar…….
March 24th, 2023 at 10:25 pm
…..they sit next to a duck. The bartender says…..
March 24th, 2023 at 10:58 pm
Brady wanted Gabbert to be his number 2. That is the only reason that Trask was stuck behind him
March 24th, 2023 at 11:07 pm
All this fancy conjecture about Brady conspiring to keep Trask away from him because of (name the reasons) –
You fanbois miss the facts. Trask was slow in High School, slow in college, you really think that the NFL which is an order of magnitude faster than college, would somehow go faster for your boi? Especially now with a new offense.
Think Mike Glennon. Be happy for him if he does that.
March 24th, 2023 at 11:21 pm
I have no problem if Baker wins a fair competition. I just do not think it will be one.
No conspiracy, just the reality of the situation.
So, tell me, Goatfarmer…do you honestly believe this ‘competition’ is real?
March 24th, 2023 at 11:24 pm
Bonz, I believe these guys play to win. All snark aside, they will observe the players, the teams, mix em up and see who gives them the best chance to win. If it’s not that it’s a conspiracy. So, take your pick.
March 24th, 2023 at 11:30 pm
One things for sure – the Bucs preseason games will have a spike in viewership, and if Trask doesn’t see the field until the 4th quarter again, it’s all because the Bucs are treating him so unfairly – rather than what he did on the practice field earned him that spot….perhaps.
Or it’s a dark conspiracy against Trask and his whole family! And all former Gator quarterbacks!!!
March 24th, 2023 at 11:30 pm
I personally believe Bowles is taking a big gamble on a veteran because of experience. He know’s he has one year to prove he should remain head coach.
Can’t really blame him.
And I am certain that Bowles told Jason Licht that if he only has a year, then he wants to pick his own QB.
And, Jason Licht probably told the Glazers that he will get the cap under control within a year, so it is worth giving Bowles enough rope.
If he fails miserably we get a top pick next year, a good cap situation, and he’s find a good coach again.
March 24th, 2023 at 11:32 pm
And truth – if Bloweszo has already gifted anyone a starting job after last season without fair and open competition, there’s one more in a series of too many reasons why the resident head clownch needs to be fired.
March 24th, 2023 at 11:34 pm
Goatfarmer, btw, I want to acknowledge that you have started talking about a larger variety of topics. It hasn’t gone unnoticed. Thanks!
March 24th, 2023 at 11:34 pm
If Bloweszo is really gifting starting jobs to anyone, in any position, after last season – without a true and fair open competition – it’s one more on the list of dozens of reasons why he needs to be fired.
March 24th, 2023 at 11:36 pm
Easy Bonz, I’m easily triggered by irrational blind love and faith in any college player. Remember that dude who was betting his first born grandkid that Darden was the best athlete on the team? This Trask to the Sewer stuff has got to stop.
March 25th, 2023 at 5:14 am
Baker knows this is his last chance. He’s still got that fiery, winning spirit of a champion, and he’s unquestionably got a lot of talent (27 TDs to set a rookie record!). He did well with the Rams on short notice, and the Bucs got him at a bargain price. It’s almost certain he’ll be the Bucs starting QB come September, so I want to think positive and give him a chance. Maybe say a prayer or two on his behalf. I hope he does well. At least he won’t be bringing an Antonio Brown in tow. Go Bucs!
March 25th, 2023 at 5:52 am
Jose, you may want to reread LVDs comments. That was not exactly a ringing endorsement of Mayfield.
March 25th, 2023 at 7:24 am
Sounds more like you can insert either QBs name into Davids’ comment and it’ll make some sort of sense. It sounds like what Canales has been saying about his QB being a facilitator or point guard. We don’t need you to put on a cape and be D.Rose or Allen Iverson, you can be a Jason Williams or Jason Kidd and be just as successful feeding the talent around you.
March 25th, 2023 at 7:59 am
Baker Mayfield had a lot of talent in Cleveland, hell one can argue way more talent than what he has here and still managed to get all of his receivers decapitated everytime he had a chance and alienate the RBs as well. So the notion that Mayfield will do/could do better here because of the talent on the team is a complete lie and that’s why the Bucs and Joe keep posting BS about the guy in hopes people start believing the lie.
March 25th, 2023 at 8:25 am
There is no QB competition.Our head coach knows he has to win and Baker has won before.
March 25th, 2023 at 9:01 am
We should have had a different OC this past season who ran a QB friendly system… what a concept. Instead of force feeding Lefty’s playbook.
Although it’s funny, if the seasons were reversed with the 3 years with Brady and we started sub.500 and one and done, then NFC Championshion loss, culminating in a SB victory in year 3 it may have felt more satisfying instead of taking steps back.
Oh well… onward and upward! Looking forward to the new look Bucs!
March 25th, 2023 at 2:15 pm
Goatf_ck’r
Eat _ _ _ _
March 25th, 2023 at 3:07 pm
Baker Mayfield had a total QBR of 25 last season thats the 5th worst since 2006!!! Come on people. I dont understand why the media is so hot for him, hes a JOKE. Hes a tiny little QB that anyone with alittle football knowlege knew would be a bust coming out–years ago. I honestly just cant wrap my head around it. Even if you look at bakers best year in the nfl it doesnt equal a starting NFL QB! Hes not even a Backup look what he did in LA –he won ONE GAME!!!!
TRASK ON THE OTHER HAND IS A PURE WINNER!!! HE HAS NFL SIZE!!! I GURENTEE TRASK WILL BEAT BAKER EVEN IF THEY WANT BAKER TO WIN AT THE END OF THE DAY!
March 25th, 2023 at 6:07 pm
I am a believer in Trask. I think he will get it and have a nice long run as Bucs QB.
I also think Mayfield will be the opening starter.
The reason is how weak the O-line will be at the beginning of the season. The Bowles cleaner will feel that a run around QB has a better chance to survive, but Mayfield is pretty fragile and won’t last long.
Mayfield will be benched when his interceptions overcome his touchdowns. That always happens when he is running around.
The wins this season will come with Trask under center.
March 25th, 2023 at 10:15 pm
Mayfield won the Heisman. Trask was a finalist. But Trask probably had better numbers in his Heisman season. Trask has NFL size and has toiled on the practice field absorbing whatever he could from the GOAT! I think it will be a very competitive battle for the top spot. I don’t see either one of them having an advantage at this point. This will be decided on the field
March 25th, 2023 at 11:58 pm
Everyone knows college numbers define NFL QB success.
Look at Brady!
Look at Ryan Leaf!
Trask Suppression Conspiracy is on full throttle. So unfair.
March 26th, 2023 at 10:29 am
I think everyone at One Bucs Place anticipates Baker being QB1 in 2023.
Which says quite a bit more about the way Traskcan is view inside the facility after 2yrs, than anything to do with Baker’s game.