With starting quarterback Baker Mayfield sitting out the first preseason game, Kyle Trask got his first chance to operate Liam Cohen’s new offense for the Buccaneers. While a typical preseason offense is mediocre and gives us only a glimpse into what it will look like in the regular season, it was still good to see Trask get a chance to show some progress in a new system as he tries to establish himself as a backup quarterback.
Kyle Trask is the foundation of the Buccaneers’ offense
There were good and bad moments for Kyle Trask in the Buccaneers’ win over the Cincinnati Bengals. 17-14 on the road. He orchestrated an eight-play, 77-yard touchdown drive on the team’s second possession, including passes of 24, 21 and 19 yards. Trask also threw two turnover-worthy passes, including an interception early in the second quarter, but was fortunate that the Buccaneers defense was able to force the Bengals to punt.
After the game, Trask reflected on how it feels to be playing for the start of the 2024 season.
“It was good to get out there and get some practice and get into a good rhythm,” Trask said. “There’s definitely learnings to be made, like always, especially the first game, things don’t always go well, but we had some great learning moments and we’re going to take that and build on that going forward. But overall it felt really good.”
Trask only played in the first half and finished the game completing 12 of 20 passes for 144 yards, one interception and one sack. His quarterback rating was 61.2.
The Buccaneers scored or were in scoring position on two of their five attempts, including a missed 51-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin. Tampa Bay also got just past midfield when Trask got an interception that might have led to another scoring opportunity.
The benefits of working with Liam Cohen
Kyle Trask’s touchdown drive was, of course, the highlight of the night, and it was made possible by a spectacular passing play. Running back Bucky Irving He eventually scored the Buccaneers’ opening touchdown with a five-yard rush. Trask made the right reads and got the passes through to his receivers, which allowed the Buccaneers to move the passing chains on a scoring drive. Quick, rhythmic passing is the cornerstone of Liam Cohen’s offense.
“You call for plays against certain coverages and you’re happy when you get the coverage you want and you’re happy when you execute it. That’s kind of the whole philosophy of this offense, executing the right plays against the right defense, getting multiple plays in the pocket and getting to the free throw line. I’m really proud of the way the guys executed and communicated all night,” Trask said.
As for working with Cohen specifically, Trask praised him for how helpful he was that night.
“Liam is great when he puts the headset on,” Trask said, “communicating very clearly, getting us in and out of the huddle, giving us little tips along the way. I thought he was awesome. I thought he was fantastic.”
The backup QB race isn’t over yet.
Head coach Todd Bowles always says that everyone is competing for a position: Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Tristan Wirfs, Lavonte David; Anotine Winfield Jr. You don’t have to worry about job security.
But Bowles is honest about players who will play backups and other roles.
Kyle Trask is in the final year of his rookie contract after being drafted by the Buccaneers in 2021. He had a legitimate chance to win the starting spot last year but lost out to Mayfield. With Mayfield now the starter going forward, Tampa Bay could potentially release Trask after this season if the team feels it can strengthen its backup QB position.
What makes things interesting this season for the backup quarterback who has yet to lock down the spot is that John Wolford is back for his second year with Tampa Bay and knows the offense better than perhaps anyone given his time with the Rams. Wolford had a solid game in Cincinnati, completing 12 of 18 for 131 yards and getting sacked twice to help lead the Buccaneers’ two scoring drives.
So is this a true competition for the rights to back up Baker Mayfield? Bowles speaks as if it is, but he also notes there’s still a long way to go before a winner is determined.
“It’s only one game left,” Bowles said. “Two more to go, we’ll see what happens. Both guys played well and, obviously, both guys will want to make plays. Kyle threw some sweet passes but we’ll just have to leave it there. John threw some good passes underneath when he was under pressure, but it’s still a competition. There’s still two games left. It’s still close.”