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Bucs' INT drama could foreshadow gloomy future

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) and quarterback Kyle Trask (2). Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers' interception drama could foreshadow gloomy future

By Max Steele | Last updated 8/8/23

Tom Brady threw nine interceptions during his final season in Tampa Bay. His replacements combined for five in training camp Tuesday morning.

Baker Mayfield, who signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Bucs this offseason, missed the mark for two of them. The first was a deflection caught by linebacker Devin White, and the second an under-thrown ball to Mike Evans snagged by cornerback Zyon McCollum, according to PewterReport.

The former Heisman winner now totals nine INTs throughout camp.

#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield forces, a pass across the middle to WR Rakim Jarrett and it’s tipped by S Ryan, Neal and intercepted by LB Devin White. Not a great read by Mayfield.
— PewterReport ‍☠️ (@PewterReport) August 8, 2023

Baker throws a ball in the corner of the end zone looking for Mike Evans buy Zyon McCollum makes the interception. #GoBucs
— PewterReport ‍☠️ (@PewterReport) August 8, 2023

Kyle Trask, a 2021 second-round pick yet to make his regular-season debut, coughed up three more. Rookie cornerback Keenan Isaac stole the first on a red-zone pass to Chris Godwin, and Jamel Dean returned the second for pick-six.

Trask now has five INTs this camp.

Keenan Isaac with a pick during red zone on a throw from Trask. He was throwing in the corner of the left end zone intending for Chris Godwin, but Isaac had good coverage and stepped up in front of it. #GoBucs
— PewterReport ‍☠️ (@PewterReport) August 8, 2023

Pick-6! Don’t make a scene! Jamel Dean takes it to the house on a throw to the left side by Kyle Trask.

Seemed like there was some type of miscommunication or busted play as there was no receiver around.

Either a WR ran the wrong route or Trask just read it wrong. #GoBucs
— PewterReport ‍☠️ (@PewterReport) August 8, 2023

Mayfield and Trask completed touchdowns on other drives, but it was ultimately a discouraging day of camp — well, except for the defense.

Limiting turnovers will be crucial for Tampa Bay's success this season, yet neither QB has proved to be very safe with the ball. Mayfield has given up 64 INTs and 15 fumbles in six seasons. Trask handed out four INTs and six fumbles in six preseason appearances.

The team will fail if the struggles continue. A surplus of turnovers will not only destroy offensive production, but also confidence and morale.

New offensive coordinator Dave Canales and QB coach Thaddeus Lewis have only a few weeks to sort out this massive problem. Don't be surprised if it carries over into the regular season.

The Bucs haven't decide who will start this season, and they made a rare decision to decline a starter for the opening preseason game on Friday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Never seen “Or” on a depth chart…. https://t.co/8baT8eYQSD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 8, 2023

Head coach Todd Bowles said the QBs will alternate starts in the first two preseason games and get equal amount of reps.

Coach Todd Bowles confirms to me that one QB (Baker/Trask) will start the first preseason game & the other will start the second preseason game, but they’ve yet to make a decision on who starts Friday #GoBucs @953WDAE @JayAndZWDAE pic.twitter.com/1R5pbkbY6Y
— Jay Recher (@jayRecher) August 8, 2023

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