Bucs coaches are flipping over the play of linebacker Danny Lansanah.

There are so many things to gripe about this year’s Bucs, one would have to be able to count far higher than 12 to list everything that’s gone wrong. It is enough to start drinking. But let’s save that for tonight.

One bright spot is Danny Lansanah. He has come a long way, from a bubble player who came from the UFL, to starting at linebacker.

Filling in for inactive stud linebacker Lavonte David on Sunday, Lansanah played so well, David wasn’t even missed.

Lansanah racked up 13 solo tackles and finished with 14. Lansanah has played so well of late that Bucs defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier admitted Lansanah merits more playing time.

“He is definitely making plays for us and he’s done that throughout the season and we’ve actually had conversations about finding ways to get him on the field a little bit more,” Frazier said. “Right now, he’s primarily in our base package – doesn’t get on the field as much when they put three or four wide receivers on the field. His playmaking ability has definitely shown up and we’re discussing ways to get him a few more snaps. But, we’d love to have Lavonte [David] back on the field and every snap. But we’ll find a spot for him for sure.”

Lansanah did play some middle linebacker “when Mason [Foster] was down. That’s challenging when you’re playing both the outside linebacker position and moving inside like we had him doing. It’s challenging mentally, and from a preparation standpoint, it was really hard for him. But we’re tossing some things around, just trying to see what’s the best way to utilize his ability to make plays.”

There are a few reasons why the Bucs have been playing better defense. One reason is Gerald McCoy is healthy. Another is safety Mark Barron is gone. But a third reason is guys like Jacquies Smith and Lansanah have shown they can play football, too.

To hear more from Frazier, click on the button below. Audio courtesy of Joe’s friends at WDAE-AM 620.