Cam Brate Already Seeing A Difference In Kyle Trask
May 18th, 2022
Bucs backup QB Kyle Trask.
Yesterday probably felt like the best of times for Bucs backup quarterback Kyle Trask. And yeah, Joe understands that’s not saying much.
But there isn’t anything to say about Trask’s days as a Bucs quarterback. He was drafted in 2021, and that’s it. He’s been packed in the closet with mothballs since.
(Joe laughs when folks call Joe a “Kyle Trask hater.” How can Joe hate Trask? He hasn’t worn a uniform in a regular-season game. There’s nothing to hate — or love.)
Joe gets it. Trask won’t get snaps when Tom Brady is your quarterback. And former Bucs Super Bowl-winning coach Bucco Bruce Arians wanted Blaine Gabbert to get snaps in the Bucs’ blowouts, just in case. Joe gets it.
So last week when Gabbert’s No. 2 gig was declared secure by Bucs quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen, it seemed like Trask was going to get his second straight redshirt season. Then Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Trask would get a chance to compete for the No. 2 job.
Trask got props yesterday from tight end Cam Brate, who added he can certainly see an improvement.
“I thought Kyle did a great job,” Brate said after underwear football practice. “Obviously, it’s tough – he’s working with a whole new group of receivers [and] different groups of offensive linemen, so getting all of those guys on the same page is huge for the quarterback.
“I thought Kyle did an awesome job with that [Tuesday], and he made a couple of great throws. You can kind of tell he feels a lot more comfortable this year compared to where he was last year, with a full year of learning the offense.
“I think the future is really bright for Kyle. I think he has got a really good mindset and demeanor about him to play the quarterback position in the NFL, and obviously the arm talent is there, as well. He’s just got to keep improving and keep stacking these good practices.”
It seems Brate feels the biggest thing Trask needs is snaps in practice, something Christensen strangely said has been an issue previously.
Christensen said the Bucs “must” get Trask more snaps in OTA underwear football practices and he kept his word yesterday. All three backup quarterbacks attended (Ryan Griffin, Gabbert and Trask), but once position drills ended, seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills began and it was all Trask and Gabbert. Joe can’t recall seeing Griffin throw a pass.
So yeah, the past few days have probably been the highlight of Trask’s NFL career since his 55 preseason passes.
Enjoy today’s Ira Kaufman Podcast! The Sage of Tampa Bay sports has plenty to say after the Bucs’ first OTA practice of the year.
May 18th, 2022 at 8:34 am
Good to hear Brate’s positive comments on Trask…….He didn’t have to expand on the positives for Trask but he did……
Maybe, just maybe we have a future QB here. (Brate has credibility with me)
May 18th, 2022 at 8:35 am
Let’s just say that Lt. Dan is in the minority. I like Trask. He played well in the SEC and won games. He was drafted into the perfect situation. He is able to learn from the best that ever laced up cleats.
In the infamous words of Terrell Owens – “He’s my quarterback man!” Cue the tears streaming down my face.
May 18th, 2022 at 8:36 am
Christensen, Arians and Gabbert are drinking buddies thats why Trask is not getting enough reps hopefully Bowles will change that.
May 18th, 2022 at 8:40 am
It is good to hear Brate give Trask some support. From what I have read, it seems the knock on Trask is his ball velocity. You can get by in College w/o a whole lot of ball velocity, but not in the NFL. Hopefully he is throwing harder now, if the ball velocity criticism was true.
May 18th, 2022 at 8:45 am
I just love Brate. And don’t forget who caught the Lombardi trophy in the boat parade? And I remember him saying afterwards “big time players make big time plays in big time moments” or something like that. What a beast. Hope he can show some more of 2016-2017 Brate again.
May 18th, 2022 at 8:47 am
Trask is a proven teammate. He never started in high school, and he had a chance to transfer to another high school, but stayed out of loyalty. It’s hard to fathom in this portal transfer era.
He patiently did his part at UF until an opportunity to start came along. Then he delivered. The moment he was gone, the Mullen experiment fizzled.
He will do the same here. The way they are preparing him is exactly what he needs.
May 18th, 2022 at 8:53 am
Trask likely has the best QB teacher possible in the GOAT. His chance will come.
May 18th, 2022 at 8:55 am
@ Chris Tucker. I have read the same things about Trask and ball velocity but….”and obviously the arm talent is there, as well” says Brate. And since he catches passes for a living – this is very encouraging.
May 18th, 2022 at 9:04 am
How can Joe hate Trask? He’s hasn’t worn a uniform in a regular-season game. There’s nothing to hate — or love.)
There’s more to development than regular season games and you know it. There is a lot of work put in before game 1. Stop acting like off-season doesn’t matter. I wouldn’t call you a hater but can’t have it both ways, you actually counted the number of snaps Brady could get before his very first game meaning you know freakin well it matters
May 18th, 2022 at 9:23 am
So odd to be reading about Clyde Christensen again. For me he’ll always be the OC who couldn’t turn things around for Dungy.
May 18th, 2022 at 9:29 am
Thought the same thing too. Then you look what he had to work with and you start to sympathize. The guy was in a no-win situation. The guy who hired him didn’t believe in the forward pass and the quarterback couldn’t throw the ball and the receivers struggled to catch the ball.
May 18th, 2022 at 9:30 am
Griffin has had the best gig in the NFL for years.
May 18th, 2022 at 9:34 am
If Brady goes down our season is kaput plain and simple. Brady is most likely gone after this year, so why not get Trask as many reps as possible? Nothing personal against Gabbert, but he’s utter rubbish as a football player and deserves zero snaps. Our team is making some mind numbing decisions this year that I just can’t wrap my head around. Maybe I’m just dumb or naive, but I’d be doing everything in my power to get Trask ready to compete next year. Is he really so bad that he’s not worth spending the time on?
May 18th, 2022 at 9:38 am
Clyde is really useless to be honest, get him out the way now … So glad for Bowles !
GoBucs!
May 18th, 2022 at 9:40 am
Lets not forget they said Brady lacked arm strength too. I take Trask’s arm strength rating Like i do any “opinion”. I bet Brady looks at his review every morning in the bathroom mirror for motivation, lol.
–Poor build
–Skinny
–Lacks great physical stature and strength
–Lacks mobility and ability to avoid the rush
–Lacks a really strong arm
–Can’t drive the ball downfield
–Does not throw a really tight spiral
–System-type player who can get exposed if forced to ad lib
–Gets knocked down easily
May 18th, 2022 at 10:11 am
I absolutely hated the Trask pick, not because I hated Trask as a prospect, but rather it was a strategic blunder. When you have a team poised for a Super Bowl run (which only lasts 2 or 3 years), you don’t blow a second-rounder on finding your next QB of the Future. It was stupid.
But I see both sides on Trask the player. First off, the NFL as a whole ruins too many young QBs. Coaches feel impelled to win now as they could lose their jobs. They throw in rookie QBs who don’t understand the sophistication and speed of NFL defenses, lack knowledge and practice time of their own receivers, and have only a cursory knowledge of the playbooks and options. Oh, and process all of that in real-time as some 250 lb LB or 300 lb DE/DT is about to beat the hell out of you.
It takes time. But what I don’t like is when Trask is dismissed as a non-entity when competing for the #2 spot. Maybe he isn’t ready, but that’s not something you say, not unless Trask really is totally lost. The Bowles correction seems to be PR, I cannot believe Christiansen and Bowles haven’t discussed Trask’s status before Christiansen made his initial comments about Trask not being a viable #2 QB option this season.
May 18th, 2022 at 10:17 am
The thing I noticed, from the reports, is that most of the Bucs starting defensive backfield was on the field.
That is the main thing Trask needs. He needs to have the game slow down for him, be psychologically settled, make the game be muscle memory.
He apparently can throw a pretty ball, and it looks like he has stopped that bunny hop.
I would love to see him get some garbage time this season; his upside is miles above that of Gabbert.
May 18th, 2022 at 10:30 am
Trask is just going to be another lifetime backup QB who is going to make millions
performing as the scout QB for some team. Just play the game trask. Keep your mouth closed and your hands open. Not bad work if you can get it.
May 18th, 2022 at 10:33 am
People who bash Clyde should take it easy, per Joes’ observations. And anyway, he’s the QB coach – the same role he had in Indy. Worked with a couple of QBs who were slightly better than Burger King.
May 18th, 2022 at 10:33 am
Sounds good Mr Brate. We don’t believe you. The day Trask is the starting QB for the Bucs is the day I cross over from alcohol poisoning from drinking to many big storms!!!
May 18th, 2022 at 10:39 am
Unfortunately, I think the Bucs made a major mistake in drafting Trask, even if he ends up being an NFL starter. The Bucs have been “all in” the last three years so you don’t make a luxury pick at QB in the second round to be a developmental guy.
IF at the end of round 2 last year the Bucs would have selected a backup OT, WR or corner that may have been the difference the Bucs needed to overcome injuries and win against the Rams in the playoffs.
May 18th, 2022 at 11:14 am
I love that review of Brady. Trask was drafted much higher than the GOAT or any other QB who came out this year. He should have beaten Alabama and won their division of the SEC. Granted he had some serious weapons at Florida but someone had to get them the ball and he did so at a remarkable pace. He had accuracy and touch and with better mechanics and diet he will be able to get lots of mustard on it when called upon. Cam Brate seems to agree with me that it was a great draft pick!
May 18th, 2022 at 11:29 am
Tyler Huntley, Taylor Heinicke, Gardner Minshew just to make a few, Heinicke was going to quit the nfl before getting his chance. None first rounders nobody expected to do anything. They aren’t world beaters but at least showed they can play decent football. Don’t be an armchair couch saying you know what trask will be because no one can say that based on what you saw in college
May 18th, 2022 at 11:31 am
As a Gator fan and Bucs fan, I sure hope the Trask lovers are right. Personally, I saw him stare down his receivers all the time. In the Georgia game, one of his “signature wins” – he hit three different Georgia defenders right in the chest with awful passes that should have been housed if the Georgia defenders had any ball skills at all.
Good luck Kyle but the writing is very much on the wall.
May 18th, 2022 at 11:35 am
The Clyde Christensen bashing is hillarious to me. Ppl are mad at him just because he didn’t fawn over Kyle Trask as a “great high school teammate” or that he “almost beat Alabama”.
Only Clyde and the Bucs coaching staff know how Trask has preformed in practice the last year and my guess is that if they thought he was ready then he’d be the backup over Blaine Gabbert
None of what Trask did in college matters. College stats dont translate to the NFL.
May 18th, 2022 at 11:40 am
Trask is young and gets to watch Brady every day. He can’t help but get better, we have to wait and see. Gabbert was at one time good enough that the 49ers replaced a super bowl QB, Kapernick, with a young Gabbert. Might be something there. Griffin is just there to take over Clyde’s job when he retires. All that being said, let’s all pray that Brady doesn’t get hurt.
May 18th, 2022 at 12:07 pm
@Evolving. Could we all please agree not too compare any QB to Brady. He’s in a class of his own like Woods, Jordan, Gretzky, and Lebron. There is no “next Tom Brady”. Burrow is not and Trask certainly is not. Don’t put that pressure on that kid. Trask is Trask. He’ll carve his own identity, hopefully. Also, the biggest myth in sports is that Brady lacked arm strength. Please watch his college tape and early NE career. We have too many homers when it comes to objective analysis of Trask. You have the Florida fans who look at Trask through rose colored glasses, and on the opposite end of the spectrum, you have FSU fans who are determined to hate everything about Trask. I’m a lifelong Bucs fan and Michigan alum, so I can have some objectively. If Trask actually manages to see the field, he’ll be in a better situation than most young QBs. He’ll have a great offensive line and skill players. I think he’ll be serviceable. Sometimes people get caught up in physical traits and forget about the great intangibles that great QBs have and also the cerebral nature of the position. Is Trask a film junkie? What’s his football IQ?
May 18th, 2022 at 12:08 pm
“I thought Kyle did an AWESOME JOB, and he made a couple of GREAT THROWS. I think the FUTURE IS REALLY BRIGHT for Kyle. OBVIOUSLY THE ARM TALENT IS THERE, as well.” – Cam Brate
That can’t be. Rod Munch has assured us repeatedly on this site that he has personally seen videos of Trask on YouTube and Trask can’t throw! Joe, can you put Cam Brate in touch with Rod Munch so Rod can set him straight? Thanks.
May 18th, 2022 at 12:14 pm
Tbbuc. Clyde Christensen is a trash coach that always either got fired or demoted. He never developed a quarterback in his whole career but everybody keep giving BA and Clyde Christensen credit for developing quarterbacks with no proof of doing it . Payton Manning threw a 100 interceptions in his first 5 years with BA and Clyde Christensen. Payton Manning became a hall of famer once they left . Big Ben was already developed when BA got their. They have done nothing so I can care less about what he says. If the bucs don’t develop Trask then it will be official that Tampa bay buccaneers is where young quarterbacks careers come and die . No more excuses for this franchise !!!
May 18th, 2022 at 12:16 pm
Trask is being suppressed because he’s not the “look” the NFL and ESPN want. Just like the NFL and ESPN contantly hype black coaches whether they’re ready or not, the NFL and ESPN constantly hype “athletic”, “dual threat” quarterbacks as a way get more blacks behind center, despite the fact that no QB has won a Super Bowl with his legs. Look at the 2021 recruiting class. Several “athletic”, “dual threat” quarterbacks were hyped ad nauseam and selected in the first round, and they all suck. But they got the look!
May 18th, 2022 at 12:22 pm
It’s crazy the negativity shown regarding Trask. What are the Bucs supposed to do??!! Keep kicking the can down the road and hope that some miracle happens and another generational talent falls to them?! That’s no plan!
We saw what happens when a team is desperate (ahem, Jameis!). And don’t we want to win?! And in winning, won’t we continue to be at the bottom of the draft order?
It’s a best case scenario in that he has no pressure on him to be a starter right away. He can observe and emulate one of the best to ever play the position and hone his skills. If, just if, he isn’t “the guy”, at least we didn’t throw away a 1st round pick on him. He can still be valuable as a back-up, if that’s’ the case.
May 18th, 2022 at 1:11 pm
I can’t see them having Trask behind Griffin again.
May 18th, 2022 at 1:50 pm
I hope he beats out Gabbert for the #2 QB. He’s a 2nd round pick on a super bowl contending team. If he doesn’t the pick becomes a a bust.
May 18th, 2022 at 1:52 pm
Excited to see the kid play this preseason
May 18th, 2022 at 1:58 pm
Don’t pump up Trask too much folks. He could unseat the greatest backup in the history of football in Blane Gabbert, please
May 18th, 2022 at 2:14 pm
The irony of Brady going down and Trask caring us to a SB appearance…..then taking over as Brady did when Bledsoe was in NE.
May 18th, 2022 at 7:53 pm
IMO drafting Trask last year and allowing him two years to develop was a sensational move by Jason Licht. Trask will be much more ready than any rookie that will be available at the end of the first round next year. All the people who criticized the pick will be eating their words.
May 18th, 2022 at 8:23 pm
If BucBoy and Oneilbuc got together and had a baby, it would talk like Elmer Fudd and look like the elephant man.
May 18th, 2022 at 9:28 pm
There is always the possibility that Trask being #3 was one of the conditions for Brady to come back.
He knows how he got his chance.
May 18th, 2022 at 9:35 pm
Yeah Gotfarmer I know the truth hurt but you can’t keep blaming the quarterback. And yes Clyde Christensen suck so you go ahead and keep living in fantasy world 🌎 !! But this franchise has never develop a quarterback so I’m done blaming the quarterback for this franchise. Name one quarterback this team develop lol 😆 😂 I’ll wait lol 😆 😂 !!
May 18th, 2022 at 10:23 pm
Why spend a 2nd round pick on QB of the future then bury him behind the unproductive Blaine Gabbert for several years and don’t put him on the active roster for a single game during the entire regular season. How is this a great development strategy for a young QB of the future I will never understand.
May 19th, 2022 at 12:31 am
Gabbert needs to be the QB3.
May 19th, 2022 at 5:42 am
Joe don’t stroke that keyboard or ego too much but your bashed Trask at every turn you possibly turn could have and only been lately where fans and our new coach is pushing for Trask to seek the #2 spot is when you decided to lighten up because of the intel you’re now hearing. I’ll stop bashing joe about his columns when he brings his out down out of his darkness.
May 19th, 2022 at 6:52 am
Bucsfan13, Trask is not Brady and i agree there is only one Brady just like Jordan and Gretsky. I was making the comparison about arm strength and not all assessments are accurate, Never said he was the next Brady. Trask has enough arm for the NFL from what i have seen IMO. Just like Brady in his day, Trask and any non starting QB needs to make the most of the opportunity when it arrives and if it arrives , watch, learn, be prepared but out of any team to learn from i think he’s in the best position in the NFL right now to do that to help his future chances, if he see’s the field, similar to what you said in your post.