Baker Mayfield's preseason debut may sway QB battle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Baker Mayfield's preseason debut may sway No. 1 QB battle in Tampa

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/11/23

Baker Mayfield made his Tampa Bay Buccaneers debut on Friday in the team's preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his performance might sway the quarterback battle with challenger Kyle Trask.

Mayfield was extremely sharp in his first outing as a Buc, finishing 8-of-9 for 63 yards and a touchdown. Early in the second quarter, Mayfield threw a dime over great coverage, hooking up with receiver Trey Palmer in the back of the endzone for an 8-yard touchdown.

Feelin dangerous

: Stream #PITvsTB on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/5sEFrWIwKV
— NFL (@NFL) August 11, 2023

The Buccaneers couldn't have hoped for more from Mayfield on Friday. However, his competition for the No. 1 spot, Trask, didn't fare as well.

While Mayfield shined throughout his run, Trask goofed immediately upon entering the game. Mayfield's stiffest competitor made a poor impression early, throwing a pick during his first drive.

Kyle Trask takes over for Baker Mayfield and throws an INT on his first drive....pic.twitter.com/Lg9cgz2qcE https://t.co/DuIJWYXp1R
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 12, 2023

The rest of Trask's night wasn't terrible, but it wasn't spectacular either, finishing 6-of-10 for 99 yards and an interception.

Mayfield, the former No. 1 overall pick, has the edge over Trask by default for the Bucs' starting quarterback job. A six-year veteran, Mayfield has been through quite a bit during an NFL career fit with ups and downs. Meanwhile, after backing up Tom Brady for a season, Trask entered camp with some believing he could potentially beat Mayfield out. Still, he's already behind the eight-ball after Friday.

While there are still a few more weeks of the preseason before the Buccaneers must make up their minds, the race for No. 1 is reportedly over. Earlier this week, a report emerged that Tampa Bay had made its decision. According to insider Ira Kaufman, the Bucs have tabbed Mayfield to start Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings in four weeks.

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