The New Kyle Trask And Being “Dialed In”
August 1st, 2023
Bucs OC Dave Canales on Kyle Trask’s rebirth.
Very interesting intel from Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales about quarterback Kyle Trask and perhaps his mental focus of previous seasons.
Or lack thereof.
Joe understands very, very, very few people reading this site have seen Kyle Trask practice as much as Joe has since he was drafted in 2021. Joe’s not saying that as a brag because outside of some OTAs, the three annual minicamp practices and training camps, only Bucs employees have seen Trask practice.
What Trask did show in these practices wasn’t much. Maybe less than that.
Until last week.
It’s as if an imposter is wearing Trask’s practice uniform and the Bucs have the real Trask locked in a dungeon.
This is a different quarterback and, as a result, there is a real competition at quarterback.
Suddenly, Trask has shown some decent mobility. He’s nimble. Good footwork. A rifle for an arm firing ropes to receivers. So yesterday after practice, Joe had a direct question for Canales, to whom Joe gives most of the credit for working with Trask.
What did he do with Trask between the end of minicamp in early June and the start of training camp in late July?
Canales gave all the credit to Trask.
“He’s dialed in,” Canales said. “He’s working hard.”
But really, something radically changed with Trask while most players were on vacation. Canales told Joe that everything started to click for Trask when he came to work out at One Buc Palace this summer.
“It was the accumulation of the spring and him taking it into the summer and really working on it,” Canales said. “Investing his time. He was in here doing stuff.
“He really just worked his ass off. He worked hard. He came back serious and studied it.”
This raises some intriguing questions.
Canales said Trask is “dialed in” and that he is “serious.” Hhhmmm?
Could Trask have been so frustrated in his first two seasons that he was sort of mentally checked out? Joe did notice a couple of times last year in training camp Trask’s body language showed him to be visibly frustrated.
Joe noticed once last summer in training camp Trask and playcaller SpongeBob Leftwich got into a bit of a heated back-and-forth, at least per both’s body language, after a bad throw during position drills.
Despite being drafted in 2021 in the second round, Trask was perpetually on the inactive list until the eighth game of his second season when he finally wore a Bucs uniform for a regular season or playoff game. And that was only because of an NFL roster rule technicality. The Bucs had so many guys dinged up, they either had to put a player on injured reserve possibly ending his season, or activate Trask for the Baltimore game.
The first game Trask played in was the regular season finale last year at Atlanta — after 35 Bucs games (including playoffs).
Knowing that he was never going to overtake Tom Brady and that Blaine Gabbert was easily the No. 2 quarterback (yes, if you watched more than two Bucs practices, this uncomfortable fact was glaringly clear), did Trask get so frustrated that he mentally checked out? And did it take Canales and his perpetual upbeat mentality to snap Trask out of it?
If that’s the case, Joe can’t really blame the guy. Aside from having virtually no shot to get on the field, he was working for an incompetent offensive coordinator. The same guy who helped develop Josh Rosen.
It appears Canales has given Trask a new football life.
How confident is Canales that Trask can be effective? Well, Canales summed it up to Joe with this comment.
“When I start the call, he finishes it,” Canales said of Trask. “He’s dialed in with it. So I am excited where he is heading.”
It seems a second-round draft pick has been rescued from the ghosts of failed Bucs quarterbacks past.
August 1st, 2023 at 11:42 am
Baker is a backup. Might as well see how Trask does.
August 1st, 2023 at 11:45 am
I love Canales! Cannot let this man get a job elsewhere
August 1st, 2023 at 11:47 am
Trask was the third wheel of the QB bicycle. He knew he was going to stay as that as long as Brady was in town, so he had nothing to motivate him.
Now he has a legitimate chance to rise up to what he is and he has focused on doing that well.
I applaud it for not having tantrums before, and will applaud louder if he can turn this team in a positive direction.
If Baker still beats him I would applaud him keeping this focus until he does move into 1st place.
August 1st, 2023 at 11:50 am
Great news Joe.
Go Trask Go!
Signed an FSU-homer.
August 1st, 2023 at 11:54 am
“When I start the call, he finishes it,” Canales said of Trask. “He’s dialed in with it. So I am excited where he is heading.”
That’s huge! Especially since he’s been labeled a deliberate learner. Let’s hope he continues to make strides continuing to limit turnovers and demonstrates some consistency in his play during camp. Can’t wait to read how he fares in the Jets scrimmage and see him during the preseason. I think he has more upside and a higher ceiling the Baker, but may the best QB win!
August 1st, 2023 at 11:57 am
Once again no mention of the fact that for 2 years Trask was not allowed to take a single snap with the 1s in practice, in preseason games, or in the measly two series he got at the end of the Falcons game last year. One of the worst jobs ever managing and developing a young quarterback.
August 1st, 2023 at 11:58 am
“It’s as if an imposter is wearing Trask’s practice uniform and the Bucs have the real Trask locked in a dungeon.”
Apparently player development is drastically underrated, and given the fact Trask has had all of 2 years to focus on just that you’d think when you’re watching him live at practice you’d able to notice the nuanced/subtle changes made in his game that make a greater difference. So imagine what he’s doing in the film room or when Thad Lewis/Canales is testing these guys vocally & mentally.
August 1st, 2023 at 11:59 am
“Joe understands very, very, very few people reading this site have seen Kyle Trask practice as much as Joe has since he was drafted in 2021.”
Did you ever see him with the 1s? Jason Licht said he was never with the 1s.
August 1st, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Whoever starts, I just hope the line doesn’t get them killed.
August 1st, 2023 at 12:04 pm
If you are asking if Joe ever saw Trask throw to Mike Evans or Chris Godwin, the answer is “yes.” Hell yesterday John Wolford was throwing to Mike Evans.
And Joe applauds that Trask wasn’t with the ones. He didn’t earn it (until this summer). When Trask practiced with the twos (like when Brady went on vacation) he fully melted down.
August 1st, 2023 at 12:17 pm
“Did you ever see him with the 1s?”
^ That’s plural; it means “the starters”. Not scrubs with a starter thrown in.
August 1st, 2023 at 12:24 pm
Nah, Trask helped Trask get it figured out. Canales himself Just Said he had not much to do with it.
He may have certainly gotten help getting his footwork figured out before Canales came along and I’m Sure that Canales has been coaching him up, BUT Trask was ON IT before hand.
Example: He put together “private” workout sessions with receivers HIMSELF…
ALL ARE SURPRISED! Why? BECAUSE THEY HAD NO CLUE….. INCLUDING CANALES.
Trask helped HIMSELF.
August 1st, 2023 at 12:27 pm
Its pretty simple, Trask has appeared to improve at least so far in these first few practices. But its wishful thinking to suggest he was this “phenom” prospect coming out of Florida, theres a reason he wasn’t a first round pick because he was more of a project.
Joe certainly isnt making up the fact that Trask was sluggish in practices and pre season games in years past.
August 1st, 2023 at 12:28 pm
He was clearly left to fend for himself before this season, and with a veteran team playing for another run at the Lombardi, it was likely by design. He is likely more dialed in because there is a plan for him at this point. Let this kid get comfortable, start Baker early, and bring Trask in once some of the growing pains of the new offense are ironed out. A healthy Evans and Godwin will do all the heavy lifting this season on offense. LFG!
August 1st, 2023 at 12:40 pm
Tbbucs. You must have forgotten about the Texans and Dolphins game last year. I guess those games don’t count right??
August 1st, 2023 at 12:48 pm
Make me wonder if the GOAT helped, worked with or even gave Trask any good pointers.
August 1st, 2023 at 12:49 pm
You mean the Dolphins game where Trask had 2 turnovers and was outplayed by Skyker Thompson?
Kyle Trask pre season stats.
2020 1 TD 2 Ints
2021 1 TD 2 Ints.
August 1st, 2023 at 12:56 pm
Too soon to get excited. Let’s see it in a preseason game or two. Fingers crossed.
August 1st, 2023 at 12:59 pm
Joe … ‘It seems a second-round draft pick has been rescued from the ghosts of failed Bucs quarterbacks past.’
Whoa Nellie, need to slow down a tad. There are 31 other NFL teams who’d each love to see Trask (and Mayfield) both fail abysmally this season. And those teams will do everything in their power to make that happen.
I’m as excited as anyone to see what we’ve REALLY got in Trask AND Mayfield … and Canales … but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. Brady probably practiced as hard as anyone, but he didn’t win 7 Super Bowl rings & the nickname GOAT on the practice field.
And as an aside Joe, what Trask went through as an unused under-study for 2 years can’t all be laid at SpongeBob’s feet. Bruce Arians, our resident QB Whisperer (?), is much more responsible for that than BL is.
August 1st, 2023 at 1:12 pm
I’m not sure we should be surprised other than Joe who has literally seen the growth.
Trask was a late bloomer in high school and college why should the NFL be any different?
August 1st, 2023 at 1:21 pm
Looked pretty good last preseason for being checked out.
3rd year in seems to be when a lot of QBs turn it up a notch.
Certainly the carrot being real increases the energy. Be foolish not to think so.
August 1st, 2023 at 1:24 pm
Agree with you to a point DR. However, BL, was Also responsible to more of a degree than barley any. It was HIS responsibility to progress Trask’s capabilities as the OC. That WAS by “definition”, his responsibility overall.
Just as importantly, Todd Bowles (as head coach) was CERTAINLY just as guilty and responsible for the “lack of even an attempt” to develop Trask once he became head coach and the Overall shot caller last year.
All seem equally responsible in my humble opinion. Though I understand quite well “marching orders”
A SERIOUS LACK OF DUE DILIGENCE NO MATTER WHICH DIRECTION YOU LOOK.
August 1st, 2023 at 1:48 pm
Leftwich did nothing to develop the guy…..nor did Arians. Everyone was clinging to Brady’s coattails to make them look more capable than what they were. Arians credibility is very questionable…..he would rave about Gabbert, Leftwich and Bowles….it’s comical how Leftwich can’t even sniff an OC position in college yet Arians swears he’s HC worthy. Trask got treated like he wasn’t wanted by the coaches as the 2nd rd pick….good to see him get a fair shake this time.
August 1st, 2023 at 1:49 pm
I Stand Pat on my claim that Trask IS Responsible for developing himself until proven otherwise.
As his Entire career has gone, even though the odds of him getting help always seemed quite low, the odds of him Helping Himself to achieve Greatness has Always been quite HIGH!
HE IS THE DEFINITION OF THERE IS NO BETTER BET THAN TO BET ON “YOURSELF”. He Always comes up smelling Rose’s. He By Far is our Very Best shot at a Franchise QB. Self taught, Self supported, a TRUE Champ. Seems to be The Real Deal.
And though it’s CERTAINLY way to soon to crown him and hand him the keys to the kingdom, He seems to be “Taking Them” regardless of how any of us feel about it.
The markings of a Bonified Leader… You know, WALKING THE WALK! And seems to be stepping right over and past all other challengers “at this point”.
And if he ends up being a mirage, LET’S GO AFTER THE BEST DRAFT PICK WE CAN GET OUR HANDS ON! Sell part of the farm to get the Top of the food chain if we have to! I WANT A DYNASTY QB And That’s, THAT!
GO BUCS!
August 1st, 2023 at 1:53 pm
I feel so bad for Josh Rosen now. It’s he even in the league anymore?
August 1st, 2023 at 2:29 pm
I don’t buy that Trask didn’t get any attention and help the last 2 years. Honestly his situation was a dream for a rookie QB. Just to observe the goat and I’m sure Christensen was working on his mechanics. Perfect for someone who takes his time developing. It’s exciting that he has put in a ton of work and is ready to go. I would love to see him deveop into a franchise QB.
August 1st, 2023 at 2:32 pm
Let’s see when the real bullets start flying
August 1st, 2023 at 2:44 pm
stpetebucfan Says: “Trask was a late bloomer in college.”
Why do you keep repeating this lie?
After being red-shirted as a freshman, in his first season of eligibility at Florida (2018), Trask beat out the much-higher-rated Feleipe Franks (now with the Falcons) for the starting QB job. Trask later suffered a leg injury that kept him out for the rest of that season.
In his second season at Florida (2019), Trask was very good: 66.9% COMP – 25 TD – 7 INT – 156.1 RATING.
In his third season at Florida (2020), Trask was lights out, setting all new Florida passing records and some new SEC passing records and being a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in the toughest conference in college football: 68.9% COMP – 43 TD – 8 INT – 180.0 RATING.
He could have played a fourth season at Florida but opted for the draft.
How is all that “blooming late?” You Trask haters are so full of crap.
August 1st, 2023 at 2:59 pm
Contrary to many of you posting your B S. …of course KT was being developed the seasons he’s been here. Every NFL players is developed especially during mini camps and pre season!!!!!!!!!!!! KT has been paid millions of dollars to be on this team!! The GM and coaches constantly analyze every player on the roster!! Constantly trying to maximize their return on the owner’s investment!
It just might be that something finally clicked in KT’s head in regards to how to be an NFL QB!! What it was going to take for him to become a starter! THIS IS EXACTLY what happened to him in H.S. and College!!! Just sayin….
August 1st, 2023 at 3:31 pm
Definitely looking forward to the preseason. Gonna get a real idea where both QBs are. Seems more so it’s Trasks job to lose imo as he’s made less mistakes. I see people constantly saying it’s still Mayfields to lose, but if the preseason is anything like what they show in practice, then it’s definitely Trasks. Just hope whoever wins, gets us wins
August 1st, 2023 at 3:35 pm
it really does not matter who starts. Just be ready when your no is called. And it will be called. Its called contact Football. There will be injuries during the season. Be ready.
August 1st, 2023 at 3:40 pm
KT said that he practiced with a qb coach or advisor this summer. He also had practice sessions away from 1 Buc with some of the receivers. This is why the gap is widening between him and mayfield
August 1st, 2023 at 4:25 pm
The last 2 posts by Joe really speaks volumes about the trinity of ineptitude (BL, Christensen, & BA- QB whisperer my @$$) and their insecure, self absorbed glory boy- Brady. They bought a team and then quickly let it unravel. Coaches coach, con men milk marks for the most money they can get, then fade away before anyone can hold them accountable.
August 1st, 2023 at 4:26 pm
wait a minute Joe lol….who was the QB coach last year?….was it BL or Clyde Christensen?…..
who’s responsibility it is to develop a QB?…the qb coach, the HC, the OC?
dave canales got promoted because of the work he did with geno smith…as a QB coach!!!
BL’s main job was to call plays for the 1st string QB….not develop the 3rd string prospect…..
Trask needed to learn how to be a professional…he shouldve been dialed in from the get go…and imo, its the QB coaches job to make sure the 3rd qb is developing and ready to go….
BL was trash last year as a play caller but you cant put the lack of development of trask on him lol….that blame goes to Clyde Christensen….why wasnt he coaching up trask mechanics, release and footwork?….c’mon joe
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 1st, 2023 at 4:53 pm
I know his rookie year some reports said that Trask was basically treating it as a red-shirt year since he knew he had no chance of ever seeing the field, and didn’t seem to take it seriously.
Last season, once Gabbert was resigned, basically he knew again he wouldn’t see the field.
It would be mentally pretty weak to ‘check out’ just because you don’t think you’re going to get playing time, but there is something to be said for guys needing reps to get into a rhythm.
But, of course, the biggest thing with Trask was that he has had to relearn how to throw the ball, in order to drive it, and if he is doing that now, I’m thinking that’s more about 2-years of work, not a few months with a new OC. Although I’d be stupid to underestimate how dumb Leftwich is, so maybe it literally all on Canales, if so, and Trask is merely an average NFL QB, Canales will be an NFL HC really soon.
But we shall see. The issue with Trask last preseason was that once he was under pressure, he went back to his cupcake rainbow passes with no zip, so once we see him in a game, I think we’ll have a better feel on his progress. But in any case, it’s great news so far, I 100% want Trask starting over 6-11 Mayfield.
August 1st, 2023 at 5:58 pm
@rod
Fr. QBs need reps and game action. I don’t think he mentally checked out knowing he was redshirt though. He was never on the field with even the 2s as long as we had Brady which doesn’t help at all. But hell, Rodgers sat 3 years behind Favre, Young behind Montana etc(not saying he’ll be Roders, young or even close) but sitting isn’t always a bad thing either.
August 1st, 2023 at 8:22 pm
If you think Leftwhich is the reason Josh Rosen is bad your delusional….Rosen was going to suck no matter who the coach was.
August 1st, 2023 at 9:30 pm
I hope the offense is successful and Canales shines. I’d like to see him ultimately replace Todd Bowles if he can be as motivational and productive as he seems to be. So yeah, let’s ball out and set the field on fire, win a bunch of games and shut the haters up.
August 2nd, 2023 at 12:27 am
Kind of sounds like Trask is doing a mind meld with Canales, the two are really on the same page. Some people are like that, you just know what they want and what is expected. These two have a decent connection. Hope he keeps working it till it is solid. I believe that no matter whether he starts or not, he will get time on the field, Baker is apt to get hurt then Trask will step in. Or Baker will fade and the offense will stall and Trask will get a chance.
August 2nd, 2023 at 1:59 am
Bucfan94 – I’m just repeating what was being said at the time, that he didn’t seem to be taking things very seriously since he knew he had no chance to play, and it sounded like that was annoying a lot of people behind the scenes. Again, just rumors, no idea if it’s true or not.
But sitting and learning at QB is generally a good thing. How sitting because you can’t beat out anyone in front of you, that’s not a good thing. I’m hoping Trask beats out Mayfield, and the Bucs are an exciting and interesting team. I just dread the idea of a wasted season, and we’re guaranteed of that if 6-11 Mayfield is starting.
August 2nd, 2023 at 3:49 am
Seems like Trask actually learned something about work ethic while studying under Brady.
August 2nd, 2023 at 5:13 am
The guy has not got the mentality to be the third string no chance of playing QB?
Somehow I think that is probably a good thing. And getting in Leftnut’s grill probably needed to happen every week! Geez!
Go Bucs!
August 2nd, 2023 at 6:42 am
Trask was an after thought while Brady was hot. Trask was almost invisible for two years. We all saw the Bucs struggle all year last season. Injuries to key players and Brady’s age and family distractions made the GOAT look well past his prime. Brady’s retirement created a huge opportunity for somebody and Trask has gone all in this season. Ignored for two years he got pumped up when the door of opportunity opened. Good for him!
August 2nd, 2023 at 7:39 am
It’s one thing to look good in practice and another to handle real games. If Kyle continues to play better than Baker, then Kyle Trask has to start the season because we need to know if he’s for real or we go to the not-so-impressive-yet-experienced Baker. If Baker can’t take this job with a huge margin in practice, then we should follow the same strategy of the past and let him ride the bench. If you have two QBs, then you have none. Look back to the Fitzmagic/Winston year. Fitz never sustained his hot start because both QBs had to look over their shoulders.
Kudos to Kyle Trask for making this look like an actual QB competition. I’m rooting for him now, where in the past I didn’t have a lot of hope. But, my optimism is cautionary given we really need to see him in real games.
August 2nd, 2023 at 8:58 am
What a bunch of bandwagoners. Y’all poo poo everything that isn’t name brand and as soon as those off market items become fashionable your all about it. I never realized the extreme negative disposition of so many buc fans.
And it is ludicrous to believe that Brady has anything to do with Trask’s development. Trask wasn’t even allowed to share the same bench as Brady and I don’t think I have ever seen a photo of Brady and Trask in conference together.
August 2nd, 2023 at 5:44 pm
I’ll reserve my “I told you so’s” until the games matter. But you won’t be able to shut me up if he is successful. Go Bucs! Go Gators!