With a heavy heart, Bucs safety Keith Tandy finishes the preseason strongGreg Auman, Times Staff WriterFriday, September 4, 2015 
Bucs safety Keith Tandy recovers a fumble by Dolphins running back LaMike James during the first half of Thursday night's preseason game in Miami. [Associated Press]Bucs safety Keith Tandy didn't need the threat of looming roster cuts to remind him Thursday could be his last game.He learned that well exactly three weeks earlier, when his 17-year-old nephew, Jayvon Charles, was killed on his high school football field in an accident as he was moving football equipment and was struck in the head."I know somebody up there is watching me," Tandy said after he intercepted two passes in the final two minutes — one in the end zone — to seal the Bucs' 22-17 win over the Dolphins. "You get out there, you get away for a little bit. Sometimes I catch myself still thinking about him. He makes you realize how quick you can be gone. It makes you cherish every moment. I was tired, but I was like 'I could be at home right now.'"Down five points, Miami and former Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman had driven to the Bucs' 18-yard line at the two-minute warning. Tandy got a boost from the Bucs challenging a call, which created a break, allowing him to rest before catching his first interception in the end zone."We got them in a passing situation. (Rookie safety) Chris Hackett had great coverage underneath, so he forced the high throw, and the ball hit me right in my chest," Tandy said.The Bucs gained just 2 yards on three straight running plays, and the Dolphins used time outs after each, so they got the ball back at their 29 with 1:33 left. Freeman again moved the chains, taking the ball to the Bucs' 24 to threaten again before Tandy got his second interception to seal the Bucs' win."We let them get back in the red zone real fast, so we had to make a play," Tandy said. "What really helped me out was the two-minute and the challenge. That probably gave me about 10 minutes of live time to just rest and get my breath back. I probably drank a full bottle of Gatorade in that time."Tandy also recovered a fumble off a muffed punt return at the 9-yard line, setting up the Bucs' first touchdown and had three total tackles on special teams. He said the defense — with four interceptions — was inspired to make the most of their final opportunity before cuts."Before the game, (defensive coordinator Leslie) Frazier was talking to the defense, and he was like 'Make us make a tough decision. You're not just playing for us. You're playing for the other 31 teams. Whatever you put on that film, that's your last, most important resume," he said. "That's what I was trying to do."
