Buccaneers offseason plan to make the most of Kyle Trask

The Buccaneers need to slow things down for Kyle Trask

The pass-first strategy should stay at the forefront of every NFL’s offensive game plan, but the run did just become that much more important with Tom Brady out.

Asking a rookie (or almost any of the other options at this point) to throw the ball 40-50 times per game as Brady did is ludicrous. Tampa will need more of a run game and more of a script to help Trask succeed, and that starts in several areas.

First, the Bucs need a viable run scheme. Whether it is with Byron Leftwich or someone new, the Buccaneers need to bring their scheme to the modern era. Running out of heavy personnel has not been Tampa’s strong suit. First down runs and predictability also hurt.

Trying to find a balance between these two is tricky, but the Bucs should spend this offseason watching how teams like the Ravens and 49ers can keep such potent running attacks with significant roster turnover.

For the first time in a while, finding a quality running back in the draft or in free agency has become a serious focus for the Buccaneers. The free-agent options are lackluster, but bringing Leonard Fournette back or kicking the tires on a Day Two running back in the draft doesn’t hurt.

As for the passing scheme, the previously-mentioned shallow passing attack is the best way to start. Trask’s biggest weakness is his arm relative to the speed of the NFL, and asking him to take deep shots at the same rate as Brady would lead to disaster.

The offense has to focus on getting the ball to veteran options and letting them make plays rather than hoping Trask can completely change his game overnight. Keeping the defense honest and allowing the pass to extend and set up the run will later allow Trask the chance to make some of the deep throws as the opportunities present themselves.