There is a lot of intrigue surrounding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in preseason with the battle for the starting quarterback spot being a huge focus.
After being released by the Los Angeles Rams earlier this year, Baker Mayfield is looking to salvage his career with a one-year deal at Tampa Bay, but if he is to achieve this goal, he will need to show head coach Todd Bowles why he will be better under centre compared to the much improved Kyle Trask.
The first round of what could be an exciting quarterback battle took place on Friday night when the Buccanneers faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in their first preseason game.
While the Buccanneers went on to lose the game 27-17, Bowles was pleased with Mayfield's performance after being involved in four drives.
During those drives Mayfield connected on 8 of 9 passes for 63 yards, a touchdown pass and had a 132.9 passer rating.
Trask on the other hand was subject to more pressure. He was sacked three times on the way to completing 6 of 10 passes for 99 yards, one interception and a 53.8 passer rating.
With Mayfield posting the better numbers, he has taken the first winning blow in his battle with Trask and speaking to The Sporting News after the game, Bowles gave his thoughts on the performances from both Mayfield and Trask.
"He [Baker Mayfield] was composed," Bowles said.
"He did a good job running the offense. He made the plays he was supposed to make."
When it came to discussing Trask, Bowles expressed a similar message.
"I thought Kyle made some good throws as well and he commanded the offense just the same."
The quarterback battle between Mayfield and Trask will continue next Saturday when the Buccaneers face the New York Jets in their second preseason game.
DAZN will deliver the NFL Game Pass International service from the 2023 season across the world (except the U.S. and China), find out more here.