Bucs' Danny Lansanah working on interception skills Greg Auman, Times Staff WriterWednesday, August 12, 2015 8:18pm
Bucs linebacker Danny Lansanah, back, celebrates his interception of Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, one of three interceptions Lansanah had last season. Associated Press TAMPA — Bucs LB Danny Lansanah dropped back, leaped high and came down with an interception of a Jameis Winston pass across the middle during Wednesday's practice.The Bucs want takeaways so badly that coach Lovie Smith also remembered two passes Lansanah got a hand on but didn't hold on to during drills."Danny had an opportunity to probably get three (interceptions). He got one, so we'll talk to him about those other two," Smith said. "It's about taking the ball away."Lansanah, in good position to be the starting strongside linebacker, had three interceptions last season and returned two for touchdowns, including one against the Saints' Drew Brees."I just try to do what they teach me to do and always be around the ball," said Lansanah, who started at all three linebacker spots last season. "I've always had a knack for getting picks, so I just sit back, read the quarterback and make a play."The Bucs' defense had 14 interceptions last year, but Smith's last three Bears teams (2010-12) all had at least 20 a season. Lansanah said the defense can be much improved."From last year to this year, it's a drastic change," he said. "We feel like we're brothers in there and playing for each other now."CROSS-TRAINING: Rookie Ali Marpet again worked with the first-team offensive line at right guard, but the Bucs have had him taking snaps with quarterbacks before practice to prepare him to be an emergency center."That's something you need to be able to do if you've only got seven offensive linemen traveling," Marpet said. "Your backup guard has to be able to play center."It's going to be something I work on moving forward. Learning guard is hard enough right now. (Snapping) the ball is a whole other animal. I'll try to learn it slowly, and I'll learn from (center) Evan (Smith) and the other guys."INJURY UPDATE: The Bucs went without DE T. J. Fatinikun for the second day in a row because of an undisclosed injury, and CB Sterling Moore was also sidelined. G Logan Mankins, who left Tuesday's practice early due to illness, watched Wednesday as well.Back for the second straight day was WR Louis Murphy, who had missed the first eight practices with an ankle injury. S Chris Conte remained out with a hamstring injury suffered on the opening day of camp.THIS AND THAT: CB Alterraun Verner had an interception of Winston during drills, and rookie CB Al-Hajj Shabazz, signed just before camp started, intercepted a pass from No. 3 QB Seth Lobato. … Both of this year's second-round draft picks, Donovan Smith and Marpet, worked with the first-team offensive line, with Smith at left tackle. With Mankins out, Kadeem Edwards filled in at left guard. … Undrafted rookie Josh Keyes continued to work as the second-string strongside linebacker, with Khaseem Greene and rookie Kwon Alexander also with the second linebacker unit. … The Bucs will begin a basic install of opposing schemes today in preparation for Saturday's preseason opener at the Vikings. Minnesota is playing in the University of Minnesota's stadium this season while its new stadium is being completed.Times staff writer Rick Stroud contributed to this report. Contact Greg Auman at gauman@tampabay.com. Follow [member=23448]gregauman[/member].
