Chicago Bears 2012 Defensive MVPs
The offensive MVP selection was extremely difficult, because apart from Brandon Marshall, the Bears don’t have many great offensive players. However, the defense presents the opposite problem. With 24 interceptions and 9 defensive touchdowns, the Bears defense was dominant throughout most of the season. This has been the case for a lot of the Bears seasons in recent years. That being said, this is the first time that the defense was successful while Brian Urlacher wasn’t the most amazing player on the squad. The 4 defensive MVP award candidates are as follows:
Oct 7, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs (55) is trailed by Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Mike Thomas (80) as he returns an interception for a 36-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of their game at EverBank Field. The Bears won 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE
1) Lance Briggs
Throughout his career, Lance Briggs has always been slightly overshadowed by Brian Urlacher. This season, Briggs was stellar. Every play, you could see him running down the ball carrier to make the tackle or at least hold him up. His presence was always felt, and he ended up with 2 touchdowns off of interceptions. He may have taken a small step back late in the season, but for the most part, he was a major factor in why the Chicago defense was so overpowering.
2) Henry Melton
Chicago Bears’ Henry Melton sacks Minnesota Vikings’ Christian Ponder during 1st quarter of Bears’ 28-10 win in NFL game at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday, November 25, 2012. Mandatory Credit: (Scott Strazzante/Chicago Tribune)
Henry Melton has proven to be a valuable asset to the team this past year. He caused a ton of havoc in the backfield, and finished the season with a respectable 32 tackles. While his stats aren’t stellar, he has made a name for himself as one of the most athletic defensive tackles in the game. He finished 3rd in the league for sacks by a defensive tackles with 6, and on many occasions, he has gotten knockdowns on the quarterback. The best thing is, he will only get better.
Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman (33) scores a 10 yard touchdown after intercepting a pass during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Bears beat the Cardinals 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
3) Charles Tillman
Peanut Tillman had an outstanding season and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl for the second straight year. The veteran cornerback held some of the league’s best receivers in check, and he very rarely let receivers get behind him. Even when receivers did catch the ball, they did not get very far, because no one wanted to be victim of Tillman’s vaunted ball punch. He ended up with a whopping 10 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions, all of which were returned for touchdowns. Hopefully, age will not catch up to Peanut any time soon, as he was an extremely important defensive member.
4) Tim Jennings
I can’t nominate Charles Tillman without nominating Tim Jennings. This guy really came out of his shell this season. Despite only being 5”8, Jennings was able to dominate opposing receivers and finish the year with a league leading 9 interceptions. His best came against Carolina, where he returned an errant Cam Newton throw for a game-changing touchdown. He and Charles Tillman made a perfect tandem, and both of them showed amazing skill against opposing receivers throughout the season.
Nov 11, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (26) intercepts a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Keshawn Martin (82) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
What do you think Bears fans? Who was the Chicago Bears 2012 Defensive MVP? Vote in our poll and post your Comments, especially if you vote for “Other.”
BEAR DOWN!!!!