Bears cornerback Charles Tillman had as good a game as any NFL player has had all season on Monday night, so there’s no doubt that he deserved the NFC defensive player of the week award.
Tillman, who shut down Lions receiver Calvin Johnson to the tune of just three catches for 34 yards, is having an outstanding season. He had interception returns for touchdowns in two consecutive games heading into Monday night, and he’s the biggest reason that the Bears’ great defense has led them to a 5-1 record.
In addition to holding Johnson in check on Monday night, Tillman also forced Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew to fumble twice.
This is the second time this month that Tillman has been player of the week; he also got the award following the Bears’ 41-3 win over the Jaguars. So Tillman looks like a lock to win the defensive player of the month award.
And he may just be the defensive player of the year.