There wasn’t much suspense about who would be the NFC defensive player of the month for October.
Bears cornerback Charles Tillman was named defensive player of the week twice during the month and Thursday brought the announcement that he’s been given the monthly honor as well. Tillman won his weekly prizes for an interception return for a touchdown against the Jaguars on Oct. 8 and again for helping to shut down Calvin Johnson during a win over the Lions on Oct. 22.
Tillman also returned an interception for a touchdown against the Cowboys on Oct. 1 to add to his sparkling month. Bears linebacker Lance Briggs returned interceptions for touchdowns in each of those games as well, making the two Bears the first teammates with interception returns for touchdowns in consecutive weeks.
It’s been a good run for the Bears defense as Tim Jennings, their other cornerback, won the NFC defensive player of the month award in September. That’s a big reason why the Bears are 6-1 and sitting in first place in the NFC North heading into Week Nine.