The Facts: Kyle Trask rages on in the early stages of training camp. The pervasive assumption this offseason that Mayfield would run away with the gig led most to overlook, or flat-out ignore, the competition taking place for the right to succeed Tom Brady under center. Not so fast, my friend. Asked Tuesday if the battle for the Bucs' starting quarterback job has tightened in recent days, offensive coordinator Dave Canales responded: "Oh, absolutely."

Diehards Line: Mayfield's experience, coupled with Trask's lack of play-time outside of one appearance in Week 18 last season, in which he completed 3 of 9 passes, led to the presumption that the former No. 1 pick would earn the gig going away. It's why he inked a one-year deal in Tampa in the first place -- to revive his sliding stock. That Trask has closed the gap can be viewed in several different ways: The young second-round pick is developing in his first real chance to run the offense; Mayfield hasn't done enough to end the competition outright; or it's coach-speak to keep the perception of competition alive at this stage of camp. The Bucs plan to give each Mayfield and Trask a start during the first two weeks of the preseason. Bowles said Tuesday they'll decide after the first two who will start that third game. Given that the coach has previously said he wants to name a starter during preseason action, we can assume whichever earns that start against the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 26, will be in the saddle Week 1.