Charles Tillman named NFC Defensive Player of the Week
By Deez
Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman (33) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his play against the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday. His 36-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter gave the Bears a 13-3 lead, one they never relinquished.
It was Tillman’s second consecutive week returning an interception for a touchdown and the eighth defensive touchdown of his career (seven interception returns, one fumble return). He now holds the Bears record for career defensive scores, surpassing former safety Mike Brown who had seven. The NFL record for career defensive touchdowns is 13, held by Rod Woodson (12 interception returns, one fumble return) and Darren Sharper (11 interceptions returns, two fumble returns).
Tillman has 32 career interceptions and is just six away from tying the franchise record of 38 held by Super Bowl champ Gary Fencik. Tillman also ranks second on the Bears all-time list with 596 interception return yards behind Richie Petitbon (643 yards) who played from 1959 to 1968.
Bears linebacker Lance Briggs also has two consecutive games with an interception return for a touchdown, marking the first time in NFL history that the same two teammates have returned an interception for a touchdown in consecutive games. No player has ever had a pick-six in three consecutive games in a season. Tillman and Briggs will try to accomplish that feat a week from Monday against Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions.