Buccaneers: There's more to Kyle Trask's game than people think
When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted quarterback Kyle Trask in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, it was clear the 6-foot-5 pocket passer was in the mold of a typical Bruce Arians QB."Everything about [Trask] – he’s accurate, he’s smart, he’s tough, he knows how to move inside the pocket," Arians told reporters […]
When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted quarterback Kyle Trask in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, it was clear the 6-foot-5 pocket passer was in the mold of a typical Bruce Arians QB.
"Everything about [Trask] – he’s accurate, he’s smart, he’s tough, he knows how to move inside the pocket," Arians told reporters after Trask was drafted. "We don’t draft guys to run, we draft them to throw. And he’s accurate as hell. Really excited about him."
Obviously, the Buccaneers offense is looking quite different these days. Arians' scheme is out and new offensive coordinator Dave Canales' scheme is in. And, Canales' offense is nowhere similar to Arians' offense – it's pretty much the exact opposite.
Arians' offense was all about making throws from the pocket, including deep shots on a regular basis, as stated above. It's also a gap/power scheme rushing attack. Canales' offense does take its shots, but it's more about stretching defenses horizontally, not vertically, and, it's a zone-based rushing attack. Add in all of the bootlegs, play action, and misdirection/counters and it's easy to see why the Bucs offense will look a whole lot different in 2023.
So, that means Kyle Trask is screwed, right? He has the intelligence, the arm, and the accuracy to play in the NFL, but his lack of mobility prevents him from producing in Canales' scheme, right?
Nope.
So far, Trask has handled the adjustment well. And, according to both coaches and teammates, he has more mobility than people assume, which obviously helps him in the bid to win the Bucs' starting quarterback gig.
"I mean he ran some in college. Kyle's a better runner than you think," head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Tuesday. "He's not as quick as some of the quarterbacks that are out today, but he runs good enough to make plays when he has to. He's adjusted fine…
"… He's getting the reps. When you get more reps, you get more confidence. Obviously, rightfully so, with Tom [Brady] there last year and playing there, he didn't get the reps he should get. He's getting a lot of reps, right now."
And, Trask isn't just looking forward to the opportunity of proving to everyone that he's capable of more than just throwing from the pocket – he knows that he's completely capable of running the offense in an effective manner.
"Our old scheme for the last couple of years was definitely more geared towards throwing from the pocket," said Trask. "This new scheme allows you to get outside the pocket and use your legs more. That's really exciting for me as a quarterback – anytime you get on the edge. It's really exciting to throw one on the run or get outside the pocket and make a play you know, run for a first round or something like that…
"… I like to be labeled a mobile quarterback – that'd be pretty cool. But you know, I like to think that I'm able I'm able to get out on the edge and get first downs if I need to."
Bowles isn't the only one aware of Trask's ability, either. His teammates, particularly Pro Bowl safety Antoine Winfield Jr., are well aware of what the former Gator can do.
"He's a dual threat quarterback," Winfield told reporters. "Don't be mistaken, now. He can run a little bit."
It remains to be seen how effectively the new-look Bucs offense will be in 2023, but one thing's for sure: Canales' group will be in good hands if Trask can hit the ground running.
Featured image via Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
