“He’s Just Not An Ideal Fit”

August 22nd, 2023

Competing Kyle Trask is no longer competing, but don’t call him a loser.

That’s the word this afternoon from a former NFL GM who has spent time watching all of Trask’s preseason snaps.

Joe’s referring to former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman speaking on SiriusXM NFL Radio today. He made two trips to Tampa (spring and summer) to study the Bucs and weighed in on the official Baker Mayfield victory in the starting quarterback battle.

For Spielman, Trask lost more because he’s the wrong quarterback, not because of his performance.

“He’s just not an ideal fit with this offense,” Spielman explained.

Todd Bowles handpicked Dave Canales to be his playcaller and Canales came with a specific style and scheme. Yes, coaches must adapt to players, but Mayfield is a very different quarterback than Trask, per Spielman. And he’s a better fit.

“Mayfield’s athleticism probably won out,” Spielman said.

Also, the suggestion from Spielman is that the Bucs’ offensive line will have its share of trouble and a sack-avoiding quarterback like Mayfield is probably necessary early in the season.

Don’t blame Trask, Spielman added, because he’s looking like a rapidly improving pocket passer that could fit well in a different scheme.

125 Responses to ““He’s Just Not An Ideal Fit””

  1. Onetrickpony Says:

    And he got all that from a couple of visits?

  2. Bee Says:

    Bakers athleticism? Lol….ok, what has Baker done that was athletic this off-season? Serious question.

  3. JD Still Says:

    No one is blaming Trask , he did all that should have been necessary, but it does sound like cya excuses are already being offered for why he wasn’t selected.

  4. AlabamaBucsFan Says:

    I would not call Mayfield athletic by any means. He has proven to be sack prone and can’t handle a snap without a fumble in practice.

  5. Jack Burton Mercer Says:

    This is the status quo for now. Given our offensive line’s overall youth and inexperience, I expect a lot of hits to the quarterback no matter who is back there. I understand Mayfield had a shoulder injury a while back. Rotator cuff? Labrum? Which shoulder was it? I expect Trask to play at least a little bit because I expect Mayfield will be injured at least a little bit.

  6. BigPoppaBuc Says:

    Maybe they try and deal him … Maybe that’s the reasoning behind the “competition”. So Trask would get showcased a little bit, get some stuff on film and maybe a team like the Rams takes a stab at him.

  7. Marine Buc Says:

    Kyle Trask stats this preseason:

    26 of 38 (68.4%) – 317 yds. – 1TD/1INT – 91.7 QB rating.

    Also consider there were 6 dropped passes.

    I like the progress Trask has made. I agree that Baker Mayfield better fits this offense and his athletic ability won him the job.

    I still believe we will see Trask as the starter at some point this season.

  8. Baker Costanza Says:

    So he basically just said he’ll join the long line of Buc QBs to have success… elsewhere. If Trask started that meaningless game last year, maybe the front office finds an O-coordinator that fits him, not one that will use a rental QB in hopes he surpasses his career stat lines and earns a cap busting contract.

  9. Bucsfan13 Says:

    Mayfield isn’t that much athletic. Why are we treating him like he’s Lamar Jackson. He has functional mobility.

  10. Eckwood Says:

    Well, it’s not gonna get the play that it deserves because he’s Kyle slow moving Trask but the move he put on that defender last weekend was as good a move as you will see throughout the whole preseason from anybody. He did more than break that guy‘s ankles, he stole his Jock ,broke his ankles and sprained both knees. The last Buc I’ve seen shake somebody down like that was probably Gary Anderson . And I’m sure that will be the best move Trask ever put on anybody for the rest of his career, but he absolutely shook that guy empty.His cleats are still there !!!

  11. SlyPirate Says:

    Bad take.
    Baker isn’t more athletic than Trask (at least not enough).

    Reasons Baker got the start …
    1. Marketability
    Baker has been in more commercials than any QB the last 5 years.
    2. Promises.
    Baker was promised him the #1 when he signed. Baker came to Tampa because Evans and Godwin are every QBs dream.
    3. Experience.
    Baker has played in games. Trask hasn’t.

  12. Bucsfan13 Says:

    Mayfield isn’t a sack avoiding QB!! It’s like the complete opposite. He holds the ball too long and has awful pocket presence. He takes many unnecessary sacks trying to make a play. Look up the numbers and the film doesn’t lie. Mobile QBs are automatically sack avoiders. The OL wants to know where the QB is around the pocket

  13. Craig Says:

    It is not up to the QB to fit the team; it is up to a good coach to mold the team to the strengths of the QB.

    The Colts named Richardson to be their QB not because he is ready for it, but to make the team ready for him.

    That is basic football. Trask was picked during the “No Risk It, No Biscuit” era, and they changed the era while ignoring one would could be the future of the team. That is just plain stoopid.

  14. Richard Dickson Says:

    “Kyle Trask stats this preseason:

    26 of 38 (68.4%) – 317 yds. – 1TD/1INT – 91.7 QB rating.”

    And guided us to all of 13 points.

  15. Ordinary fan Says:

    Trash is better suited to throwing rocks @ the the trailer trash meth occupants to discourage drug use than an NFL grideon.

  16. Zoocomics Says:

    Just wanted to throw in this comment after listening to the last podcast… thank you Steve Isbitts, you were 100% correct regarding Trasks performance. Not sure if it’s due to entertainment purposes to have such varying opinions on the show, but Ira pointing to the score as some sort of gauge that Trask played poorly is disappointing…

    Contextually, Trask played extremely well with zero running game, and guys not named Godwin or Evans. I actually like what I’ve see in Trask, I personally would like to see what the kid does with a full starting lineup.

  17. Bucsfan13 Says:

    Ira wrote a great column about Baker taking more sacks in order to take more shots downfield. This is Winston part 2. Cam Jordan explained that Brady was the master at setting protection and the line. He had a fast relief and like Manning and Rodgers he could read the defense pre snap and post snap and know where to throw the ball. Those guy proceeds info at an elite level.

  18. Bucsfan13 Says:

    Baker sells tickets. He’s popular outside of Tampa. Just checked Instagram and he has 500,000 likes on the post announcing that he’s the starter. That’s insane engagement.

  19. Smoothbayrider Says:

    Do you guys think Winston was an athletic QB ? Because Mayfield is every bit as athletic as Jameis was.

  20. The Dave Says:

    Baker’s been the starter from the moment he signed. I agree with Joe’s take – HC Bowles is not going to hitch his star/job/career to a QB with no experience. They went out and got someone who has at least been a winner, and who has a chip on his shoulder and looks like he knows this is his last chance. HC and QB are in the same boat, with the same goals. Only time will tell if it’s the right call. Trask obviously has some talent, and might end up somewhere that likes a statue-type QB. Those places are getting more rare in today’s NFL.

  21. Smoothbayrider Says:

    @Bucsdan13 You couldn’t be more wrong about Athletic QBs being sack avoiders. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure that Deshaun Watson leads the league in sacks since he was drafted.

  22. Smoothbayrider Says:

    Well, maybe Sacks per game. He sat out a season and a half for taping masseuses.

  23. IrishTony Says:

    Trask was BA’s guy and fit his scheme. Not sure why they even kept him with Bowles taking over, firing Leftwich, etc. I knew he wasn’t the right fit for this Canales’ offense.

  24. Bucsfan13 Says:

    @smoothrider. Agreed! I meant they’re generally don’t avoid sacks. The magician Kyler Murray led the lead in the sacks last year. He will make some amazing plays, but he will also have some unnecessary negative plays.

  25. Mike S Says:

    Please stop insulting our intelligence with this nonsense.

    This team’s personnel is built on the intermediate passing game – and Trask is a better fit there.

    All there is to do now is sit back and watch this situation implode.

  26. LOL Says:

    Trask looks like Glennon at his best.

    LOL

  27. Reality_Check Says:

    The incapable Kyle Trask is just garbage. All he did was dink and dunk the entire game vs the Jets. His 2 passes down field were awful throws that the receivers bailed him out on. Only reason any of you like him is because you’re Gator homers

  28. Infomeplease Says:

    We have a starters! Time to shore up the bench!

  29. Mike S Says:

    Let me spell it out for everyone how terrible this decision is.

    Stats on Mayfield:

    Throws a pick every 27 pass attempts (that’s bad)
    Throws for 6.5 yds/attempt (also bad)
    225 YPG career average trending downwards. (mediocre at best)
    61.5% career comp% (mediocre)

    That’s a good fit? Tell me with a straight face that’s a good fit.

    You have to limit this guy’s attempts or else he’s going to give the ball away.

    “Hurr what about Peyton Manning?”

    Peyton Manning was an explosive passer who could get away with picks. Mayfield is a checkdown guy who gets a lot of balls batted.

    So you better be running 35+ times a game effectively and you better have a top 10 defense.

    If not then you’re picking top 5 in the draft and that’s why Mayfield is on his 4th team.

  30. Drew Says:

    Baker won the job period again! The guy continues to win head to head competitions going back to his college days! Almost every time the guy is bigger strong faster than him, has to be something to that!! Lastly so everyone’s aware Rick was the GM for the Vikings who drafted really well over his long tenure there! I’m sure his opinion is more than just two practices!

  31. Lynchmob47 Says:

    Well, let’s see how much they’re telling the truth is. Baker is truly their guy. We should see him on the Billboard outside the stadium tomorrow morning. If we don’t see him on the Billboard outside the stadium. And we know they don’t really believe in him. I have been a fan since 78. And I can tell you every quarterback. Who has been mistreated in Tampa who went on to win super bowls for other teams as soon as they left. Oh, if Baker is their guy, I hope they stick with him. The entire yeand not change their mind halfway through. And then turn to Kyle who you say it’s not their ideal quarterback. I hope Kyle gets traded to another team and succeeds. Like all the other quarterbacks who obviously were good. But it didn’t work out in Tampa for them.

  32. Mike S Says:

    Craig you can’t explain that to these people.

    You can’t say – “Play to the strengths of your best players”

    That’s not what they do in Tampa. They shove square pegs in round holes – and then act like they’re the smart ones. Its insufferable.

  33. Statistically Insignificant Reader Says:

    FOOLS GOLD believing Baker or Trask is going to lead the Bucs to the Promise land. You are really excited over either one of them? REALLY? Neither have a future in TampaBay with Todd Bowles

  34. Pewter Power Says:

    Complaining about how bad baker is versus a guy who ride the bench since he was drafted still is confusing, can’t beat out baker or Blaine Gabbert. This must be the Mike Glennon mob reincarnated

    And hey you should be embarrassed for actually posting a quarterback’s preseason stats against backups. What’s Trask regular season stats?

  35. Mike S Says:

    Drew – we’re going to run this guy out of town after he dumps the bed. He won’t be able to get a dinner reservation.

  36. Mike S Says:

    Pewter Power you are the new Glennon Gang

  37. #99 the big fella Says:

    Mayfield will be on a very short leash with this fan base. I would not want to be in his shoes especially after the first interception.. hopefully he proves everyone wrong!

  38. mike Guddy Says:

    mayfield certainly more mobile than brady and this is canales 1st year as oc with bucs he needs a qb that he thinks fits his game planning

  39. Mike Says:

    No one is blaming Trask. He did a lot in a short amount of time to change minds in the building. Good on him.

  40. Bscrored Says:

    Baker is the better choice. Maybe trade Trask for a 3rd or 4th round pick and try to get a good one next year.

  41. Mike S Says:

    Bucsfan13 LOL in Tampa they start the guy with the best instagram influencer.

    MAKE IT STOP

  42. Oxycondomns Says:

    Trask is a poor mans trent dilfer

  43. Bucky Rogers Says:

    Bucs were hoping Kyle had a bad preseason so they would say “we gave him the opportunity”, but on the contrary he played better every day he was in. I could care less who the qb1 is, the truth is Bowles thinks Baker is gonna save his career, but the reality is Baker will end two careers at the same time.

  44. Tony Says:

    Sounds like the tank year has begun. Trask can run 19mph to Baker’s 16.5mph. Maybe Baker makes up on faster throws. Trask can see over the line, Baker has proven he can’t with most batted balls and Int’s in the league the last 5 years. If this was the case, why not just keep Jamis Winston he could get it over the line more than Baker. Kyle was the first at practice and the last to leave the last 2 years while studding under the goat. Why bring in a different system when you have someone that studied under a guy that has 7 rings and looks and plays alot like him? I guess stupid is as stupid does.

  45. Tony Says:

    Trask needs to ask his agent to get him out of there now before they kill his career.

  46. BucsFan2520 Says:

    Gator fans upset. Get over it and root for Baker. 2020 is long gone – lose the entitlement

  47. Rod Munch Says:

    When the team is 2-6, I wonder if people will still be talking about the scheme?

    Also, none of my anti-Baker comments means that I have faith in Trask – I just don’t know the outcome with Trask, with Baker, we do already know the outcome.

    I hope I’m wrong, but this coaching staff, with Todd Bowles leading it along with his 11th pick at OC, well, they have to prove it to me, they get no benefit of the doubt.

  48. Rod Munch Says:

    Oxycondomns Says:
    August 22nd, 2023 at 5:26 pm
    Trask is a poor mans trent dilfer

    ———-

    Dilfer won a Super Bowl.

  49. Since76 Says:

    I thought Mayfield should of had to put play trask due to his atrocious turnover ratio. Trask outplayed Mayfield. If Mayfield bombs, then the coaching staff whiffed on the most important position on the field. That’s all I have to say about that.

  50. Bucsfan13 Says:

    Reporter: Hey, Tom what’s your thoughts on the Bucs QB situation?

    Tom: Well, Kyle is a hard worker. Baker has done some good things in the league. They’re both good QBs. There’s a lot of strong leaders in the locker room. I can’t wait to watch the team.

    Tom wants no part of having an opinion on the decision. He’s been super careful on which pics he likes on IG.

  51. Beej Says:

    “Smoothbayrider Says:
    August 22nd, 2023 at 4:44 pm
    @Bucsdan13 You couldn’t be more wrong about Athletic QBs being sack avoiders. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure that Deshaun Watson leads the league in sacks since he was drafted.”

    I’ve always thought it that they run around because they’re slow to read the progressions

  52. Rosadog Says:

    Trask didn’t do enough. Period. As someone who was hoping he would outshine Baker…he didn’t. The coaches got it right.

    Trask needs more time. He could be a legit QB1 next year with more snaps under his belt. He looks good, but needs more experience. Don’t get twisted. He hasn’t played all but a handful of snaps in meaningful football. His growth for this short amount of time has been noticeable. Has he reached his ceiling? What would make anyone believe that? This is a prove it league. You prove your value on gameday.

    Hell, picking QB’s is a crap shoot. How many guaranteed, can’t miss prospects have tanked? How many under the radar guys have thrived? More misses then hits. For Trask, not enough data to make a sound decision. Period. Good thing time is on his side.

    All you FANatics are ready to throw the baby out with the bath water.
    Sit back and relax. Enjoy the show.

  53. Kevin J. Strickroth Says:

    BUCFAN13:

    Mayfield has 500,000 IG & Tik-Tok followers because he’s been with 7 teams in 3 seasons.

  54. Jack Burton Mercer Says:

    Funny, but it appears that Spielman is not an ideal fit as the Vikings GM either.

  55. Greg Says:

    One of the things I find most entertaining about football in this area is the stupidity between Gator fans and Seminole fans. I have friends that are so hard core about it and it’s usually people that don’t know jack diddly about football. One of my best friends went to FSU and every year I wear blue and orange for the end of the season. lol, he gets so pissed. He never played football a day in his life but he’s such a homer about it. Listening to the Trask hate…. I remember listening to the fans bitching about Brad Johnson back in the day. Pretty funny all the way around. (I went to USF before football was there so I couldn’t care less)

  56. m milligan Says:

    Mike S, your rhetoric is complete BS. Stat’s and analysis as well. Mayfield played very well first 3 yrs with Brown’s. Let’s see, set nfl rookie TD passing record. Took browns to almost championship game in KC loss. You throw in the year he played injured trying to compete and then sht show last year shows nothing. It appears that’s about all you know of him.
    Yes doubters, Baker can scramble, if he stretches play out to long he might lose 10 yds. Watched him entire TT and OU careers as well as every year. I’m sure the record setting seasons at OU were all just those dink and dunk one looks to Cee Dee Lamb, Mark Andrew’s, Dee Dee Westbrook were all those 6.5 yarders. WTF
    Guys can play and I’m pretty sure whole team behind him. I’m hoping they can move the ball with an innovative scheme that may cover for any OL shortcomings.
    Regardless, I look for them to win the division. I’m hoping for 2-0 going into Mon nite vs eagles and then gunning the eagles down in a stunner.
    GO BUCS quit sniveling and go get some therapy

  57. TB2023 Says:

    Dilfer didn’t win a Super Bowl. Dilfer did not lose it. The Ravens cut him the following training camp.

  58. Tom Fox Says:

    5-15 in Mayfield last 20 starts.

    I my opinion its somewhat political. Start the veteran after some loses put next man up. Bucs will score more under Trask. But if our line is as bad as last year with no running game it will not matter anyway.
    Life long Bucs fan. Trask is better.

  59. Voice of Truth Says:

    Kyle was drafted for a different offense. Too bad BA couldn’t be here to see it through but we knew what we were getting into by doing the seniors tour to grab a trophy

    It is what it is, praying for success- expecting mediocrity

  60. Esteban85 Says:

    Trask will undoubtedly get his chance. Behind this mangled patched up neophyte offensive line (no offense to Wirfs or Fieler) Baker will inevitably get injured for at least a game or two. Trask looked good and looks ready. I’m proud of the kid for being a class act and improving.

  61. MelvinJunior Says:

    That’s right, “M. Milligan.” It’s gonna be “Champa Bayker” all day AGAIN, baby… Whewwwww!!!! And, I’d give about 99% of the credit for that Ravens Super Bowl run on THAT Defense, Rod Munch… NOT Dufer, or Dilfer.

  62. HC Grover Says:

    Frankly I don’t give a damn now. let the season start and see what happens.

  63. HC Grover Says:

    Trask is safe from the Bowles Curse. Still gets paid and can relax and watch the upcoming carnage from the sideline. Not a bad deal.

  64. Salary Cap Hell Says:

    This thread is very entertaining…. This is what salary cap Hell looks like.

  65. tucker Says:

    I just want the bucs to win glad baker won hope bucs prove the doubters wrong even some of you “bucs fans” go bucs.

  66. Brandon Says:

    I wanted the best man to win the job. I’m fine with their decision. You Trask lovers need to give it a rest. Sour grapes galore. I’m happy your precious UF QB looked good enough in practices and games that if he’s needed as a backup, he MIGHT be okay. But the more you open your mouth about this, the dumber you look. Seriously, STFU or go follow a team with more Gators on it.

  67. Buddha Says:

    For whom was he studying the Bucs? Sounds like illegal scouting to me.

  68. Rick VG Says:

    Chances are he will see playing time this year. Maybe significant PT. They’re going with the veteran especially with Jensen out. In a perfect world Trask comes in and plays well and we get value out of the 2nd round pick. Otherwise it’s start over next year.

  69. Nybuccguy Says:

    Great, we will win just enough games to miss out on the premium QBs in the draft

  70. Clay Says:

    This was an interesting about face from Bowles&Company. Clearly there were internal pressures coming from Evans and Godwin. Feel it in my bones.

  71. Cmon man Says:

    The conspiracy theorist crap is everywhere and it gas worn out it’s welcome.
    Baker won the job.

    I know this hurts the anti Baker crowd, and some of the local Gators fans, and I can understand the Gators fans rooting for their guy locally, but the idea that Bowles, Arians, and Canales were ALL in on a grand conspiracy to keep Trask from having a fair chance is NONSENSE.

    People need to stop with the thinking that EVERYTHING is a conspiracy anyway. Most of the time it just is what it is on the surface and that’s all.

  72. Recheck proud Says:

    Hey Trash , the trailer park community supports you !!!!! My cousin( 12) can’t wait to marry you !!!! You represent all the good ole’ boys in the Confederacy so keep ya head up & remember to BRUSH YOUR TOOTH. !!!

  73. Defense Rules Says:

    Mike S … ‘This team’s personnel is built on the intermediate passing game – and Trask is a better fit there.’

    I happen to agree with you on both statements, but I think all we can do at this point is let it play out & hope for the best. Canales, being a 1st-time OC, probably wants to show that HIS SYSTEM (learned in Seattle obviously) can fit here. Based on what I’ve seen of Seattle’s results over the past few years, I’m not very sure that it’ll maximize the talents of several of our key contributors (like Evans & Godwin?). And we seem to be missing a key ingredient that made the Seahawks’ system work: a relatively mobile, high completion QB (Wilson previously & Smith last year). I keep having this feeling that that’s why ME13 hasn’t signed on for a new contract (he probably came to the same conclusion, and now wants to see how this year plays out). i hope I’m wrong though.

  74. Nope Says:

    Good, so it’s finally over. Now trade him. I’d love to see him end up with the Saints, it’d be a lot of fun watching him drop dimes on Tampa gay twice a year. This entire situation was handled like there are no adults in the building.

  75. Baker bustemup Says:

    what makes u people say supreme QB next year these coming QB haven’t even started the season & they r the coming supreme plz in bakers draft class they had like 5 supreme QB s that year they haven’t had that any good prospects since that I can remember.so don’t count u r chickens.know it from the south.most of u so called bucs fans are transplants from somewhere else that’s why u spew such stupid stuff.its BAKERS turn not Winston or trask.get over it

  76. Since76 Says:

    I would like to trade Trask also. If we can get a second round pick that would be great. He showed enough this preseason to start. Everything he did was with 2nd to 5th string. This organization can’t develop QBs. He would be a great trade for an offensive lineman. We aren’t going to use him so trade him.

  77. Defense Rules Says:

    BTW, when I went back & looked at Todd Bowles’ years in New York (2015-2018), his offense did reasonably well (10-6) that 1st year with Fitz at the controls (24.2 PPG & 5.5 YPP), but gradually disintegrated after that with other QBs:

    o 2016 (5-11): 17.2 PPG & 5.3 YPP.
    o 2017 (5-11): 18.6 PPG & 5.0 YPP.
    o 2018 (4-12): 20.8 PPG & 4.8 YPP.

    And of course here in 2022 (8-9), the offense imploded last year with The GOAT at the controls: 18.4 PPG & 5.1 YPP.

    As an aside, the Jets rushed the most times in their best year (2015): 448 rushes. After that it decreased: 2016 – 418 rushes; 2017 – 427 rushes; 2018 – 410 rushes. (And of course last year the Bucs only ran it 386 times). Turns out that 2015 was also the year that the Jets had their best defense under HC Bowles … ranked #9 (only allowing 19.6 PPG & generating 30 takeaways). After that the defense really went downhill (ranked #28, #22 & #29). Takeaways went way downhill too. Got a suspicion that 1st successful year (2015) drives Todd Bowles beliefs about what it takes to have a winning team.

  78. Kelly C. Bowman, Sr. Says:

    Mayfield gets the call because of his athleticism? Trask showed that he’s big and athletic enough to shake and break tackles and get positive yardage when he has to tuck and run. And his arm is an absolute finely precisioned cannon. He was threading the needle on long passes where Mayfield throws interceptions. And to the one that said he was the creator of “all of 13 points” – that beats Mayfield too.

  79. DBS Says:

    That’s real inteligent. How many quarters has Trask played and how many has Baker played? That is right up there with Bowles bragging about our mix with scrubs keeping the Jets out of the End Zone. Guess other than one time the Jets defense was just as fantastic.

  80. Mike C Says:

    QBs get hurt…… not the worst thing to have a solid backup

  81. Cover deuce Says:

    Lol this guy is such a bozo. Real coaches play to the strengths of their guys. He’s the QB bc Bowles said so and that’s really all there is to it

  82. DBS Says:

    My feeling is I see Mayfield on a short leash. Joe has said it over and over. Bowles needs wins. If he he doesn’t take care of the ball,put points on the board and starts losing games that are his fault? He is gone and Trask is in. I just don’t think they will let it get to far out of control.

  83. steele Says:

    In what way has Mayfield proven to be superior “athletically” while in a Bucs uniform? In what ways has Mayfield dominated Trask?

    Neither guy has been impressive. Trask at least showed improvement over his previous outings. And has possibly overall outpassed Mayfield in preseason, which is not saying very much.

    As for “fit”, what is that? A conceptual hope? Neither has really stepped up to the point that a clear “winner” can be declared, based on performance so far.

    Where is the great Rah Rah Canales the QB whisperer? Do you see either of them being shaped into a great QB? What exactly is the great new offense?
    All we’ve gotten in preseason is messy, mediocre football, not too different from last season.

    I see the though balloons out there. “THIS is the weekend you’ll see it!” Okay.

  84. Oneilbuc Says:

    DBS . That’s a bunch of bull coming from Ira Kaufman podcast. Todd Bowles contract is a fully guaranteed contract and he’s 60+ years old. You think he actually cares if he gets fired? And according to the dolphins and Browns owners they actually pay coaches extra to tank so Bowles ain’t losing nothing. Don’t buy in to what they say about Bowles fighting for his job. Remember he’s a super bowl champion as a player and DC he ain’t tripping. Baker Mayfield is only here to sale tickets that’s it . I hope he plays well but we all know what Baker is. Even the media is saying the same thing about Baker Mayfield and they think we’re tanking with Baker Mayfield at quarterback.

  85. David Says:

    Baker Mayfield won Tampa Bay’s starting quarterback job without even taking a snap in the Buccaneers’ 13-6 preseason victory over the New York Jets on Saturday night.

    That is what I called a rigged competition.

  86. Bucsfan13 Says:

    @Steele. Well said! Baker has functional mobility. He’s in no way superior athletically. Let’s not turn this guy into Lamar Jackson. Baker can do bootlegs and waggles, and run for first down occasionally.

  87. David Says:

    By the way Trask TD to Palmer made number one on NFL top five.
    Could Baker do that ????

    Sham on Bucs and Todd Toilet Bowl. Entire NFL gave up on Baker except the toilet bowl.

    Draft a qb to learn from Tom B. and hire an OC with totally different system.
    Good luck Mike E. and Chris G. Can midget Baker even see you in pass plays ?

  88. Buc4evr Says:

    Baker or a Trask, let’s see how it shakes out. If Baker can’t get it done then Trask gets a chance. I don’t expect much from either QB with the horrid O line and no running game. Win or lose, Should be an interesting season.

  89. D Cone Says:

    Like a scheme with more than 1 Mississippi 2 Mississippi to throw. I agree. Sitting this year might add 6 years to Trask’s career.
    Baker gets sacked plenty.

    They say it’s easier to move from Baker to Trask and maybe that’s the plan. Even money says he will start 1-4 again based on recent history. Works out to a free year to get Trask’s feet wet with some game experience.

    Anyway watching Week 1 from 2013. Bucs vs Jets. Getting ready for what is to come.

    Gino Smith’s 1 st NFL start. First Pick to Lavonte David. 1st TD just before Half.
    Bucs Defense stripped Smith at Jets 5 and Bucs scored on the next play.
    After Lavonte’s pick of Smith and Bucs Freeman gave it back 2 plays later.
    Bucs QB overthrew receiver by 8 yards on that pick.

    Bucs QB is Josh Freeman and 1st round pick.
    That pick came to Tampa from Jets via Cleveland. That Cleveland jinx carries over to whoever possesses it.

    As far as Freeman goes. He was a 1st round pick, had a 10-6 season early in his career, didn’t do squat after that, and it took too many years to get flushed.
    Team continuing to look back at that good year, convincing themselves he is the man, resigning him, and getting the same crappy results.

    Looks like case a case of history repeating.

    Freeman looks like a 6’6 Baker. Freeman sucked.

    Game results. Defense spots Buc Offense 7 and Bucs lose 18-17 to a rookie on his 1st start. How does Idea of going with experience in Game 1 go again?

  90. BFFL Says:

    Defense will stop the run with 7 contain baker and force him to throw. Baker can probably run in circles a little longer but ultimately we’ll need a pocket passer

  91. StormyInFl Says:

    “Baker Costanza Says:
    August 22nd, 2023 at 4:26 pm
    So he basically just said he’ll join the long line of Buc QBs to have success… elsewhere”

    Really? Who?

    Williams? Journeyman who had one magical season.
    Testaverde? Journeyman.

    Dilfer? Journeyman who was carried to a superbowl by a historic defense. They couldn’t replace him fast enough.

    Freeman? Washout
    Winston? Backup.

    Erickson? Glennon? Simms? Gradkowski? Josh Johnson? Who?

    There is one, and only one. The only highly drafted QB who left Tampa and actually killed it was HOf Steve Young. Is there some other uber successful QB i’m missing here? This narrative about the Bucs not developing a QB is false. The problem is they select crappy QBs and do much better building a team and bringing a guy in (Brad Johnson/ Brady) to finish the job.

    Is there some other hall of famer this organization failed to develop that went on to succeed elsewhere? I cannot think of one. Am I missing some members of this parade of QBs that went on to succeed elsewhere?

  92. Slacker Says:

    I don’t think there was ever really a competition once Mayfield was brought in. He was there guy the whole time. They’ve washed their hands of Trask before even giving him a chance. Which goes back to the million dollar question of wasting a higher pick on him when the team was in win now mode and very easily had other holes to fill

  93. WyomingJoe Says:

    Baker is just BETTER than Trask. He’s a better athlete and a better public speaker. Kids love Baker better, and so do all dogs. Baker dresses better and drives a better car. And even if Baker wasn’t driving he’d be a better passenger. Being Baker is just better.

  94. Jared Says:

    There is one reason Mayfield is starting over Trask. The Glazers want their money’s worth on that $4MM guaranteed money.

  95. StormyInFl Says:

    Jared Says:
    August 22nd, 2023 at 10:32 pm
    There is one reason Mayfield is starting over Trask. The Glazers want their money’s worth on that $4MM guaranteed money.

    No- the one reason is that Baker is better than Trask. 3 quarters of good football against the Jets practice squad playing vanilla defense doesn’t make him the no brainer starter.

  96. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    I am a Trask guy, but I have absolutely no problem with this.

    Baker Mayfield will be scrambling for his life with that offensive line, and they will take 6-8 games to gel.

    When Baker has to run for his life, he gets nervous and makes a LOT of mistakes.

    I’d say, around game 6 or so…Trask will get his shot. Which will time things right with the OL.

    Sooner if Mayfield is injured.

  97. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    StormyInFl Says
    “No- the one reason is that Baker is better than Trask. 3 quarters of good football against the Jets practice squad playing vanilla defense doesn’t make him the no brainer starter.”

    You can keep saying that all you like. Time will decide if you are right.

    And…just a minor thing…but all Trask hopefuls are not Gator fans…or even college fans.

  98. lambchop Says:

    It’s like saying the 49ers should have benched Joe Montana the minute Steve Young came to town. What a lame excuse. A mobile QB is cover up for a defective product. I would believe someone more if the Bucs or the pundits said Baker would implode if he wasn’t on the bench, the Bucs have a piss poor running game, or the OL is still trying to work things out.

    Baker is no Vick and Trask is mobile enough. The myth of a mobile QB is just that. Jamiss was mobile, he was mobile enough to throw picks. Russell Wilson was mobile with the Hawks and played well, but in Denver he wasn’t mobile in a span of 1 year? No, Denver had a porous OL and the wrong offense for Russell.

    I don’t care who they chose, but don’t use such a lame excuse, especially when Trask played pretty damn well. If you’re going to waste his career, trade him and let the kid win a Super Bowl like other QBs the Bucs never developed.

  99. lambchop Says:

    * was on the bench

  100. Nicholas Carlson Says:

    I’m happy to get excited about Baker, but “sack-avoiding” he is not…

  101. Curtis Raines Says:

    First of all, why would Tampa draft a QB that is a pocket passer. Every other team n da NFL is going after a Dual type QB. Hiwy DUMB on TAMPA part for such ⛏️. There were a lot of dual types n da draft.
    Dumb, dumb, dumb

  102. Ryan Says:

    I respectfully disagree and believe he can be a good QB for the bucs after this preseason performance. He’s shown great growth.

  103. Ryan M Says:

    I respectfully disagree and believe he can be a good QB for the bucs after this preseason performance. He’s shown great growth.

  104. Gus Says:

    If Mini Mayfield is better for this “mobile” system, why was his Q-B-R rating – invented by ESPN to boost the ratings of minority runaround quarterbacks – last season a lousy 24.5?

  105. Gus Says:

    Bowles and the Bucs are liars. They promised Mini Mayfield the starting job to induce him to sign. That’s why he did nothing during the off season except eat hot dogs and drink beers at Rays games. He knew the job was his. I don’t do business with liars. Not going to a single game.

  106. Gus Says:

    Funny that. All year Joe has been saying Bowles can’t turn the team over to a guy who threw only 9 passes last season. But, turning the team over to a guy who threw only 9 passes in one preseason game is a good idea. You can’t make this stuff up. LOL.

  107. John Dixon Says:

    “Bee Says:
    August 22nd, 2023 at 4:15 pm
    Bakers athleticism? Lol….ok, what has Baker done that was athletic this off-season? Serious question.”

    ____________________________________________________

    More than sit on a couch and talk trash about someone who at least is athletic enough to be an NFL QB.

  108. Jim guy tucker Says:

    I think people are forgetting about the child molestation charges swept away his senior year that would put him behind bars . Are we to ignore this cover-up comply because he is able to toss a pigskin ???? I have seen the University police report of that night before it ” disappeared ” .

  109. Jeff’s grandpa Says:

    It’ll be ok gaytor bois trask will see the field this year

  110. Billy Rae Says:

    The Trask cult followers keep say to TRADE TRASK if they won’t play him.so my question is : who is asking for his servicesv??? A 3rd year bench warmer QB with 9 total plays in the NFL & you think he has trade value ???? Remember playing pre-season football against 2nd & 3rd stringers is not REAL COMPETITION !!!!

  111. BucaneroJim Says:

    Interesting take on Trask today by Mike Bianchi – Orlando Sentinel.

  112. Got the Moxie Says:

    Baker just has the Moxie that Trask doesn’t have and will never get. A true fan would get behind the decision instead of trashing Baker and the coaches.

  113. Ethan Says:

    How about y’all get tf boss, bakers back give him support and support your team and if you can’t do that, then you’re a bandwagon Pos

  114. Ethan Says:

    I meant to say off bakers back

  115. Timothyvelasquez Says:

    So tired of the fair weather fans . Go root for someone stop post your garbage

  116. Ron Says:

    Both Bowles and Mayfield will be looking for new jobs by the end of the season.

  117. Mike S Says:

    Sorry Tim we’re not going to accept Baker Mayfield. Still trying to wrap my head around him being gifted this job after the horrific year he had last season. He didn’t actually win it in a competition – it would be different if he actually had won it.

    We’re going to be vocal about it until the guy gets handed a clipboard – because him being the starter is an embarrassment for this franchise.

  118. Oneilbuc Says:

    Mike S. You ain’t lieing bro I feel the same way if Baker Mayfield would have out played Trask then I would be ok with him being the starter. But he didn’t earn it and Trask really won that so call competition. I think they’re plan back fired on them. They had already gave Baker Mayfield the starting job when they signed him. But the needed to sale Baker Mayfield to the fan base so that’s why they told us it was a quarterback competition because they know the fans have seen Baker Mayfield play . But they thought because of Baker Mayfield experience he would easily look like the better quarterback between him and Trask. But Kyle Trask out played Baker Mayfield in Training camp and preseason. That’s why they didn’t let play in no preseason games. And the one he played in he only threw 9 passes lol 🤣🤣. That’s why he play in week 2 because Kyle Trask played good in that game and they were scared to throw Baker Mayfield out there because he they know he might start throwing picks and then the world would seen that Kyle Trask should be the starter week 1.

  119. Oneilbuc Says:

    He didn’t play in the second preseason game.

  120. Chidi Ahanotu Says:

    Reality is Trask will probably be called upon at some point this season. If the O Line is soft, and the candlestick maker is running for his life, prolly gonna take some bumps and bruises. Afterwards the #2 is going to be fed to the wolves. I hope this isn’t so, but this feels like a familiar course. Pray for smooth seas.

  121. Debbie Says:

    We are still preseason. Baker needs to play at least one quarter with our first string. Stop complaining and hope the OL gels quickly. Not worried about our WRs. A good defense wins Superbowls. Do we have pass rushers capable of holding the offense to zero touchdowns again? Is JPP willing to train/coach his old position? Last I looked JTS needs remedial education.

  122. Debbie Says:

    I miss seeing the defense at the end zone, paddling on out there. When they have fun, it makes for a great game.

  123. John Edwards Says:

    With this offensive line it doesn’t really matter which one you pick

  124. RGA Says:

    WyomingJoe please stop with the Mayfield Jock sniffing. He’s a retread, the Bucs brass hope they can find the potential that he was drafted for. He’s failed miserably so far in his career, perhaps a Geno Smith, Rich Gannon type resurrection is possible. as a Bucs fan first and foremost, I hope Mayfield can resurrect his career, he of course came into the league with the highest credentials. Five years in and his results are not legendary.

  125. Mike Says:

    Who cares ?
    Whats important is
    “Do you know what a Semenhole is ” ?
    Theres a lot of them down there in north Florida .