With David sidelined, Lansanah filling in at high level
Danny Lansanah was jubilant just to land an NFL job with the Bucs as a free agent last December. A year later, he’s doing a heck of an impersonation of an All-Pro player. In his second week filling in for injured Lavonte David (hamstring) on the weak side, Lansanah led all players with 14 tackles in Sunday’s 14-13 loss to Cincinnati. Lansanah also shifted from his strong-side spot at Chicago the previous week and made seven stops against the Bears.

“I just do what I’m coached to do,’’ said Lansanah, who entered the league in 2008 as an undrafted free agent with Green Bay. “It’s the next-man-up mentality and this defense is jelling together, on and off the field. We’re close, but being close doesn’t give you a ‘W’ and this team needs wins.’’

Lansanah’s career stops took him to the United Football League for three seasons before returning to the NFL. It’s a journey that earned the respect of his Tampa Bay teammates. “We ask Danny to do a lot of things on this defense,’’ said Bucs safety Dashon Goldson, who posted 10 tackles against Cincinnati. “He’s playing different positions and he’s a baller. We’re glad to have him on our team.’’

David hadn’t missed a game since his high school days in Miami, but the Bucs defense has limited each of the past two opponents to fewer than 300 yards in his absence. “Danny’s playing some outstanding ball right now, playing Lavonte’s spot,’’ Bucs defensive tackle Akeem Spence said. “Those are big shoes he’s filling, but we haven’t missed a beat.’’