No, do not make a pedestrian performance yesterday v. the Cowboys taint his overall season.

This is how Manning stacks up against other viable candidates.

Eli Manning: Another Giants loss, coinciding with losses by the Eagles, Cowboys and Redskins, has helped extend the G-Men’s lead in the NFC East.

Manning has anchored the Giants to six wins in arguably the best division in football. He has completed almost 63 percent of his passes, totaling 2,300 yards and 12 touchdowns. And yes, eight interceptions is a bit high.

When you consider the fact that the Giants’ D has not played up to its potential (aside from the barrage of Tony Romo yesterday), it’s hard to not consider Manning as a front-runner for the award.

Matt Ryan: A win against the Eagles yesterday elevated the Falcons to 7-0 and the NFL’s lone undefeated team.

It may sound silly (or maybe not) to say that Atlanta has locked up a playoff spot at the midway point, but they have, and much of it is due to the team’s passing attack coming together.

The development of Ryan has come to its height, with Matty Ice owning a 68-percent completion rate. He has thrown for more than 2,000 yards, with 17 touchdowns versus six interceptions.

The numbers are a little better than Mannings’ and depending on how this win streak pans out, has an edge.

Matt Schaub/J.J. Watt: The Texans are the best team in the AFC, and both Schaub and Watt are the respective leaders of each side of the ball.

It’s difficult to make a great case for Schaub, who engineers the NFL’s 18th-ranked passing attack averaging 230 yards per game. Statistically, he’s thrown for 1,650 yards, 10 touchdowns and four picks, but has led the team to a 6-1 start.

On the other side of the ball, Watt is in the midst of a career season and currently leads the league with 9.5 sacks. The Texans’ pass-rushing machine also had 10 pass defenses, seven tackles for a loss and 34 total tackles.

If the Texans’ defense continues to lead them to a No. 1 spot in the AFC, we might just see a defensive player win MVP honors for a change.

Tom Brady/Peyton Manning: I grouped Manning and Brady together because although they are not front-runners, they’re potential candidates to take the forefront should their teams surge to the top of the standings.

Brady’s Patriots are the clear-cut team to beat in the AFC East, considering the projected No. 2, the Jets, are more of a circus than a football team.

At 5-3, New England owns a top-five offense, and Tom Terrific has thrown for more than 2,400 yards, 16 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

Manning’s Broncos are in the same boat, and at 4-3 are separating themselves from the Chargers. Manning has engineered the NFL’s fourth-best aerial attack, and are about to hit part of their schedule when it’s likely they could go 6-0 before a Dec. 16 date in Baltimore.

Manning has thrown for more than 2,100 yards with 17 touchdowns and only four picks.

Aaron Rodgers: The Packers are not where many expected them to be at this point, but nonetheless they’re 5-3 and on a bit of a surge.

Rodgers’ numbers are still fantastic. He’s thrown 21 touchdowns and almost 2,200 yards, and he’s done it without top target Greg Jennings and again a non-existent rushing attack.

The Bears, Lions and Vikings stand above the Pack in the standings, but the Lions are wildly inconsistent and perhaps we saw the flaws of Minnesota in their Thursday night collapse against the Bucs.

The concern is how pedestrian the Pack looked vs. the Jags yesterday, and perhaps what we expect out of Rodgers may not equal to how good they actually are.

Chicago Bears D: If an entire unit could take home the MVP, it would be the Bears’ defense.

Chicago’s defense has scored nine touchdowns, as many as the Jaguars’ offense, and are a chief reason why they’re 6-1 and atop the NFC North.

The Bears are ranked first against the rush and are holding opponents to 316 yards per game (sixth). The Bears have only allowed 14.3 points per game, which is tied with San Francisco for the best average in the NFL.

Leading the way is veteran linebacker Lance Briggs, who has team-high 44 tackles and a sack, two picks, two forced fumbles and two of the defense’s scores.

Charles Tillman has shut down the likes of Calvin Johnson and other top wideouts. In addition to elite coverage, Peanut has three forced fumbles, two picks and two touchdowns.

And Tim Jennings has defended 13 passes and leads the league with six interceptions. He has accounted for one of the Bears’ scores, too.

Follow Sam on Twitter @SamSpiegs

(CBS) This is a season of the changing of the guard in the NFL. The battle plan is changing, and defense matters again.

A year ago, the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots were lighting up scoreboards and that’s all that seemed to count.

Those teams were winning each week because they could score more than their opponents. Aspects like running the football, playing defense and special teams didn’t seem to matter.

If the Packers could score 45 points, they didn’t care if you scored 35. They won.

However, they did not win the Super Bowl, and neither did the Saints or Patriots.

But that’s not how the game is being played this year. There is a renewed emphasis on the running game and defense. Not that these factors are more important than throwing the ball, but they have to be a part of the gameplan if a team has championship aspirations.

Here’s a look at the players who are having the most emphasis on the defensive side of the ball.

DE J.J. Watt, Houston Texans – The Texans are in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. One of the biggest reasons is that Watt is a factor on nearly every snap. He’s got explosive quickness, leaping ability and the strength to overpower blockers. Watt already has a league-high 9.5 sacks and it wouldn’t be a shock if he had 20 or more by the end of the season. He has batted down 10 passes, and had two fumble recoveries. Watt is also a solid tackler and has 34 stops. He has to be accounted for on every play and he is the league’s leading candidate for defensive player of the year.

CB Charles Tillman, Chicago Bears – The Bears have the best defense in the league and Tillman is in the picture for the team’s best defensive player. He’s also a candidate for the NFL’s defensive player of the year. Tillman is an outstanding cover corner. He doesn’t have the flash of injured New York Jet Darelle Revis, but that’s because he’s not the daredevil in coverage that Revis is when he’s in the lineup. Tillman has returned both of his interceptions for touchdowns, has forced three fumbles and recovered one. He also has 27 tackles. He shut down Calvin Johnson in the Bears’ Week 7 win Monday night win over the Lions and he shows no signs of slowing down at the age of 31.

LB NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers – The 49ers have a lot of big-name talent on the defensive side, including Patrick Willis and Aldon Smith. However, it’s Bowman who is the most productive player on the Niners’ hard-hitting defense. He’s one of the fastest linebackers in the league. He has 40 tackles, five passes defensed, one interception, and a sack. Bowman is all over the field and he makes plays. He’s not spectacular but he can’t be fooled and is almost always in the right position.

LB Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers – Where would the Packers be if they did not have Matthews playing defense for them? Matthews already has 9.0 sacks and he should easily get past his career-high of 13.5 sacks set in 2010. Matthews is a missile on the field and his added strength this season makes him all but impossible to slow down. He’s one of the hardest hitters in the league. He has forced one fumble this season, but that total seems destined to get a lot higher.

LB Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears – Like Tillman, Briggs seems to be playing the best football of his career even though he is 31 years old. He hasn’t lost a step and his 37 tackles show that he is still going all over the field to make plays. Briggs has two interceptions and both were returned for scores and he has also forced two fumbles and been credited with a sack. The Bears are playing the best defense of any team in the league and he deserves equal credit with Tillman for their outstanding play.

DE Chris Clemons, Seattle Seahawks – Pete Carroll has his share of critics around the NFL, but he has always been able to get his teams to play aggressively on defense. Clemons may be the Seahawks’ best defensive player. He has a pass-rushing groove that allows him to get past the guard of the opposing blocker, dip his shoulder and bring down the quarterback. Clemons’ quickness has allowed him to register 7.0 sacks thus far. He should easily get to double-digits and this will be the third straight season he reaches that mark.

OLB DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys – Ware continues to be a game-breaking force when rushing the passer. While he’s not likely to match last season’s 19.5 sacks (6.5 thus far), he should finish with 13-to-15 sacks. He has already forced three fumbles and recovered one. Ware has 30 tackles this season and he arrives with concussive force on most occasions.

LB Jerrod Mayo, New England Patriots – Bill Belichick has not gotten any relief from his pass defense, but his run defense has improved dramatically this year. The Patriots rank eighth in the league, giving up 86.0 rushing yards per game. Much of the reason for this is Mayo’s relentless play. Mayo has a league-best 72 tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, two passes defensed, a sack and an interception.

(CBS) It’s telling that before being named NFC defensive player of the week in consecutive games for his performance against Jacksonville and Detroit, Charles Tillman had not been recognized for his work since 2005.

After piling up interceptions, forcing fumbles, and setting franchise records for defensive touchdowns, Tillman is now being called by at least one football website the “best cornerback in the NFL.”

Ask teammates and they will tell he’s been one of the best for many seasons.

Tillman was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2011, when he was the most targeted cornerback in the NFL.  Quarterbacks were not picking on Tillman. He was defending their best receiver every week. The Bears defense also stopped the run enough that teams threw on them more often than any team but the Packers.

According to Stats Inc. LLC, Tillman was targeted on 117 pass attempts, but gave up only one touchdown.

This season, quarterbacks are staying away from Tillman, throwing his way only 30 times in six games, none for touchdowns.

Bears head coach Lovie Smith said Tillman essentially put together an instructional tape full of proper technique, toughness, and instincts during Monday’s win over the Lions. With help from a relentless pass rush, he erased Pro Bowl receiver Calvin Johnson from the equation.

His defense of Johnson on a fade route in the end zone was textbook.

It’s something Tillman has been doing since his 2003 rookie season, when his length, physicality, and ball skills frustrated former Minnesota Vikings star Randy Moss.

Tillman is elite in terms of what he does to impact the game. He’s an expert at “punching” the ball out and forcing 32 fumbles, one for a touchdown. He’s put himself in position to intercept 32 balls and turn them into seven touchdowns.

He’s the king of thieves.

In addition, he tackles.  Among defensive players since 2003, he’s in the NFL’s top 20 according to Stats Inc. LLC a group that includes Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, and only three cornerbacks.  Tampa’s Ronde Barber, Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield, and Tillman.

A decade into his career and 31 years of age, Tillman is at the top of his game.

He is, because he’s professional.

Monday night was not unusual. Cornerbacks have to be ready on the first play of the game. There is no time to ease into it.  Four hours or so before kickoff, he started his routine, getting his mind and body right in what turned out to be arguably his signature performance in a Bears uniform.

Jeff Joniak is the play-by-play voice of the Chicago Bears on WBBM Newsradio 780 & 105.9 FM. You can follow Jeff on Twitter @JeffJoniak.

Just look at Lance Briggs, who turns 32 next month. Briggs, who has been voted to seven straight Pro Bowls, is in his 10th season with Bears.

Though he’s been playing one of the world’s most violent sports at the highest level for more than a decade, he’s not quitting until he accomplishes his goal.

“Peanut asked me, ‘How many (years) would you like to play?’ I said, ‘Maybe three or four, then we walk away from it’ but I also said, ‘We gotta get a ring,’” Briggs told Laurence Holmes.

LISTEN: Lance Briggs on The Laurence Holmes Show

For the rest of this interview and other 670 The Score interviews click here.

This season, the Bears defense that features a 34-year-old Brian Urlacher, a 32-year-old Julius Peppers and a 31-year-old Charles Tillman is leading the lead in takeaways as it dominates opponents.

“Like a fine wine,” Briggs said of the defense’s ability to remain productive. “… I just go out and play football. I love playing football and that’s what I do. That’s what we all do. Nothing that anybody says about us is going to make us play worse or play better.”

Though Briggs expected the Bears defense to be tough this season, even he didn’t think they would be this dominant.

“I knew going into this year that it was going to be an exciting one, just looking at our schedule, looking at the expectations, looking at all the moves that were made in the offseason,” Briggs said. “I knew that it was going to be entertaining for the fans, for the defense, for the offense, for everyone on the sidelines or that’s in the stands or watching the game. I knew that. It’s even more than I thought it was going to be.”

(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Jay Cutler and the Bears scored on their first drive after the defense forced a Lions 3 & out to begin the game. Cutler went to Brandon Marshall for a 7 yard TD, capping off a 6 play 59 yard drive. Cutler didn’t put up fantasy numbers, only 16/31 150 yards passing and 1 TD, but he did play well because most importantly he didn’t turn the ball over. He took a couple shots too, one lethal from Ndamukong Suh. Suh slammed Cutler to the ground and it looked like he broke his ribs and shoulder but nope, Cutler came out for a few plays but returned to the game. For those that still say he’s not tough, tell me how many QBs are eating hits like that. The one thing I can say about Cutler is he is a much better QB with his main man Brandon Marshall and its showing. Marshall caught 6 passes for 81 yards but the previous two games he combined 19 catches 282 yards and 2 TDs. They started the season off slow but things are definitely clicking now. Then you add Matt Forte to the equation and you have a new age triplets. Forte ran the ball pretty well and hard, going for 96 yards on 22 carries.

(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

The Lions are far from what they were last year especially Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson. I never thought Stafford was an elite QB last year, I just thought he was the beneficiary of a good situation. He threw for 261 yards but never could capitalize in the redzone. Reason why I say he and not the offense is because he couldn’t put the ball in a area where only Calvin could get it. And Calvin for some reason forgot he is Megatron. I will say that Bears’ corner Charles Tillman did an excellent job covering him especially in the redzone. Usually Megatron is automatic in jump ball situations but not this game. Tillman made it tough every play for Calvin, holding him to 3 catches for 34 yards with very little help. On 1st & goal at the 1 yard line, it look like Calvin was going to come down with the ball but Tillman knock it out his hands as soon as he was coming down with it. He couldn’t have played it any better. The very next play Joique Bell fumbled the ball trying to go over the top and Urlacher recovered it, ending the Lions 12 play 79 yard drive with no points.

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

That was the story of the game for the Lions, their inability to score in the redzone. They couldn’t even get field goals. 2 out of 3 trips to the redzone ended in turnovers for the Lions but like John Gruden said we have to give credit to the Bears defense. Even though the Lions got 21 1st downs, The Bears forced the Lions to six 3 & outs, 4 in the first half. The Bears are known for defense and consistently have a great defense every season, Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher being part of the reason for that success. But then you add Julius Peppers to the mix and it just makes your front 7 that much dominate. Peppers recorded a sack but he was effective playing all 4 position on the front line. Israel Idonije, another monster on that front 7, also recorded a sack.

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Sitting pretty at 5-1, some may claim the Bears as the best team in the NFC but it would have to be debated. Their team will really be tested though because starting at week 10 they will have to face the Niners, Texans, Seahwaks, Cardinals, and 4 divisional games, all of which currently have winning records.

Who said they were too old? Who said they were past it? Who said Urlacher had lost a step? How’s that humble pie? Taste it and tell me how delicious it is.

We’re five weeks in; and whilst it seems the new high-powered offence still needs to find its feet, we can sleep safe and calm in the welcome bosom of the turn-over machine that is the Bears Defence.

Five games and we’ve had thirteen interceptions, thirteen! That’s leading the entire NFL; the next closest team is the (so hot right now) Atlanta Falcons with nine. Five of those interceptions have been returned for touchdowns, once again that’s leading the NFL. That’s five touchdowns just for the defence; both the Raiders and Jaguars only have six touchdowns at all.

Let’s take a deeper look at the Pick-6’s: Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs became the only team mates in history to have consecutive Pick-6’s. Tillman was also just voted the NFC Defensive Player of the Week, just over Briggs himself. Both Tillman and Briggs currently have more Touchdowns than Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson!

As a unit the defence has 18 total sacks too! Rookie DE Shea McClellin has two sacks and Julius Peppers has 2.5; but leading the way with 3 sacks is Corey Wooton and Henry Melton has 4.5! We’ve also managed to force 6 fumbles!

There’s been a lot to be pleased about with the Defence, Urlacher looks to be back to 100% and is still one of the best MLBs in the game. Julius Peppers, Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman are all playing at the top of their game and if anything look better this year than they have for the past couple years. For me however I’ve been most impressed with the younger members of the Bears D. Corey Wooton, Henry Melton, Major Wright, Chris Conte, DJ Wright; these guys have really stepped their game so far this season and they’ve been a pleasure to watch. They’ve been making brilliant tackles and sacks and snatching the ball right from the air.

However, there is one member of the Bears D who has really stepped up this season: Tim Jennings. He has nineteen tackles and two interceptions. These stats don’t sound great but they don’t really paint the full picture of just how effective Jennings has been so far this season. He’s evolved into a real stud of a CB; the real deal, a real ball hawk. He was even voted the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for the month of September. The next time you see the Bears on the field keep an eye on Jennings; he might not make all the beautiful plays but he’ll be there on every play, doing his job and getting to the ball.

Coming into this season, all the hype surrounding the Bears involved their new “explosive” offense with the additions of Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Michael Bush. While the offense has show some explosiveness through the first 5 games, I believe the real story for the Bears has been the play of their defense.

They were being called “old,” “broken,” “slow,” and so on. If you look at the Bears defensive roster, they are old. Their top four players, Urlacher (34), Peppers (32), Briggs (31), and Tillman (31), are all over the age of 30. Having your top defensive players all that old is not exactly the recipe four success. However, the Bears defense is off to one of its best starts in recent memory. Through the first 5 games, their DEFENSE has scored 5 touchdowns (4 from Tillman and Briggs combined), which is first in the whole league. They also lead the NFL in interceptions, with 13, and takeaways, with 17. Right now, they are playing and executing Lovie Smith’s style of defense perfectly. Odds are that they won’t continue to play at this same pace as the year progresses, but getting off to such a hot start is never a bad thing.

Offensively, the Bears have been pretty streaky. They were miserable against the Packers in Week 2, they somewhat struggled to get going against the Rams Week 3, and they only put up 3 points in the first half this past week against the lowly Jaguars. However, they looked great Week 1 against the Colts, Week 4 against the Cowboys, and during the second half against the Jaguars. Brandon Marshall is playing out of his mind right now, as he is on pace to set the franchise record for most receiving yards in a single season. The rookie, Alshon Jeffery, is showing signs of becoming a promising receiver as he ranks third among all rookies in receiving yards, and is tied for the rookie lead in TD receptions with 2. (Unfortunately, he injured his hand in the game against the Jaguars and could miss a game.) Jay Cutler has had an up and down season, much like the offense as a whole. Matt Forte has looked decent while healthy, and Michael Bush is proving to be the perfect backup to Forte.

The bottom line here is that this may be the best all-around team that the Bears have put together in quite some time. With the Packers and Lions severely struggling right now, the Bears seem to have all the stars aligning. Odds are that Minnesota won’t keep playing the way they have, and if you look at the remainder of the Bears schedule, they really only have 2 tough match-ups remaining; Week 10 at home against the Texans, and Week 11 at the 49ers. Until the Lions and Packers start to look legitimate again, I am not going to count those 3 games as “tough” ones.

Maybe I am just another optimistic Bears fan, but I don’t see the Bears losing more than maybe 2-3 more games the rest of the way. The path to the NFC North Division Championship seems to be as good as it is going to get for the Bears, but the season is still a long way from being over.

Five weeks into the season we have two unbeaten teams and one winless team. Drew Brees broke a 52-year-old record once thought to be unbreakable. Everybody is over .500 in the NFC West, and what is wrong with the Packers?

1. Houston Texans 5-0 (1)

Houston remains unbeaten with a tougher-than-expected win over the wobbly Jets. Right now is there a better defensive player in the league than J.J. Watt?

Next: vs. Packers

2. Atlanta Falcons 5-0 (3)

Atlanta just keeps on winning, and it knocked out RGIII in a come-from-behind victory in D.C. Tony Gonzalez may be the greatest tight end in NFL history.

Next: vs. Raiders

3. San Francisco 49ers 4-1 (4)

The Niners have outscored their last two opponents (Jets and Bills) by a combined score of 79-3. Alex Smith and company put up more yards of total offense in their blowout of the Bills than any 49ers team in history. That’s saying something, considering Hall of Famers Joe Montana, Steve Young & Y.A. Tittle all played in San Fran.

Next: vs. Giants

4. Chicago Bears 4-1 (8)

Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs returned INT’s for touchdowns in consecutive games as their destroyed the horrible Jaguars. Has this ever happened before in the history of the league?

Next: Bye

5. Baltimore Ravens 4-1 (5)

It was an ugly win in KC as neither team could get in the end zone. Baltimore knocked Matt Cassel out of the game along the way, turning Chiefs fans into an ugly mob.

Next: vs. Cowboys

6. Arizona Cardinals 4-1 (2)

They better start finding a way to protect Kevin Kolb or things might start soon spiraling out of control for ‘Zona. The Cards lost running back Ryan Williams for the season.

Next: vs. Bills

7. New England Patriots 3-2 (9)

First we had the K-gun, then we had the no-huddle and finally we had the hurry-up. Now the Pats have unveiled the double hurry-up. Defensive genius Bill Belichick has now become an offensive innovator.

Next: @ Seahawks

8. New York Giants 3-2 (unranked)

If the defending champs are going to run the ball like they did in their beating of the winless Browns — gaining over 230 yards on the ground — then this is football’s best offense. But where is that pass-rush?

Next: @ 49ers

9. Minnesota Vikings 4-1 (10)

Minni’ beats up the woeful Titans at home. Could this be 2012’s biggest surprise team? We’ll find out.

Next: @ Redskins

10. Philadelphia Eagles 3-2 (6)

It’s a tough call on number 10, but if Michael Vick keeps turning the ball over, they won’t be in the top 1o for long.

Next: vs. Lions

Your thoughts on Joe’s rankings? Let us know in the comments section below…

Well, sort of.

Tillman and Briggs actually have two interception returns for touchdowns, and the Chicago Bears’ defence has been racking up points at a rate that would make any high-powered offence envious.

“I just know that we need to keep it going. Guys realize … taking the ball away is a part of a good defensive game for us,” coach Lovie Smith said Monday. “We can’t wait for them to turn the ball over. We have to go and get it. I think the last couple weeks or so, I think defensively we have scored about as many as the defence has given up. I think it’s just a mindset. We have guys that have been around here a long time.”

[np-related /]

Takeaways have been a hallmark for the Bears (4-1) and a major point of emphasis since Smith took over before the 2004 season, and they lead the NFL with 13 interceptions. That’s something Smith will certainly take, although he’d like to see a few more fumble recoveries, too. The Bears have just four this season.

“Interceptions, when a ball’s thrown your way, you’re supposed to catch it,” Smith said. “But taking the ball away, once we really get good we’ll start yanking the ball out and you’ll see a lot more caused fumbles and fumble recoveries from it.”

When it comes to interceptions, the Bears are doing just fine, though.

The defence has five touchdowns this season — all on interceptions in the past three weeks — and has allowed just five TDs by opposing offences. Tillman and Briggs made history in Sunday’s 41-3 blowout at Jacksonville, becoming the first teammates to each return interceptions for TDs in consecutive weeks.

Throw in Major Wright’s 45-yard interception return for a score against Sam Bradford in a win over St. Louis last month and the Bears have run back picks in three straight games for the first time in franchise history.

“We play hard and we try to force the issue and when you play the game the right way good things happen to you,” defensive end Julius Peppers said.

Good things certainly have been happening for a defence that has allowed just two touchdowns during this three-game win streak, and the Jacksonville game was just the latest example. The offence got going in the second half, and the defence did its part as Chicago reeled off 38 unanswered points on the way to its third straight win.

That gave the Bears reason to smile heading into their bye week.

“We sit pretty good right now,” Tillman said. “We’ll enjoy the win and hit the reset button. We’ll get ready for Detroit after the bye week.”

After returning two of Tony Romo’s five interceptions to the end zone, Tillman and Briggs were at it again, helping the Bears shake off a sluggish first half to come away with a lopsided victory.

Tillman gave them a cushion in the third quarter when he picked off an underthrown pass by Blaine Gabbert and ran it back 36 yards to make it 13-3, getting some good blocks along the way. And Briggs came through with the game out of hand in the fourth on a ball that was deflected, returning it 36 yards.

“I’ve never seen anything like it, two straight weeks the same two guys with pick sixes,” Brian Urlacher said. “It’s fun to be part of it and watch these guys do it.”

They’ve been doing it for a long time, actually, carving marks in the Bears’ record book.

Tillman became the franchise leader with his eighth career defensive touchdown on Sunday, moving ahead of Mike Brown, and Briggs isn’t far behind. The seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker now has six defensive TDs in his career — five on interceptions.

The accomplishments are hard to ignore, even if Tillman has flown a bit under the radar. He didn’t make the Pro Bowl until last season, his ninth.

“But just living in the now and what’s happened lately, he went to the Pro Bowl last year,” Smith said. “We don’t try to go back in the past too much, just talking about the future, he’s being recognized for his play right now, which he should. We’re OK with that.”

The Associated Press

(CBS) The first half was a bad football game. The second half turned into a Bears practice.

Amazing how quickly unsightly can become adorable, sometimes. One moment you’re looking at Tilda Swinton, the next she’s Marisa Miller. It’s like my TV got drunk at halftime and decided to give me beer-goggled NFL football.

It started with Charles Tillman’s pick-six, his second in two games. Lance Briggs scored again, too, not wanting to be outdone. It was the first time since 1950 that the Bears’ defense has put points on the board in three straight games. Tillman now has eight career touchdowns, surpassing Mike Brown as the franchise record-holder.

This all starts with Lovie Smith.

It’s his philosophy, his culture, his kind of players, his results. Beat him up all you want when you feel he deserves it, but you better damn well appreciate it when it looks like he wants it to look. Fortuitous bounces are always nice, but this is far more than dumb luck.

MORE COVERAGE:

• Recap & WBBM Highlights
• Hoge’s Grades: High Marks As Confidence Carries Into Bye Week
• Podcast: Doug & OB Post Game Show – Week 5

Anyone who has attended training camp in the scorching summer heat in Bourbonnais has seen what happens when a ball hits the ground. Even mundane incompletions are treated like fumbles: “Pick it up and score!” Voices rise, eyes turn downfield, defenders morph into blockers, looking for people to hit.

When such opportunities are missed – a catchable interception is dropped, a deflected pass tumbles to the ground uncaught, or, god forbid, any ball on the ground is not scooped up in time – the defensive players hear holy hell from Smith and coaches Rod Marinelli, Bob Babich and Jon Hoke. You can almost sense the uneasiness when players casually pass any number of balls lying around after practice ends, as if they’re a twitch away from picking it up and heading for the nearest marked end zone.

That’s how 3-3 becomes 41-3 against a crappy opponent, and that’s how they draw it up.

Tillman is the on-field embodiment of Smith. He’s a Tampa-2 corner, built to jam and drop, then drive to the ball. Only he, Brian Dawkins and Charles Woodson are 30/30 guys in picks and forced fumbles, and it is no coincidence that he has played nine of his ten years for Smith. Similarly, Briggs is a system prototype for weak-side linebacker, ruling his assigned gap that so often is the place where plays go to die.

This may be the best defense Smith has had in Chicago, and that discussion will have room to breathe during the bye week, like those regarding Tillman’s status as the best corner in Bears history and Briggs’ appearance, now, on the edges of the Hall-of-Fame radar screen.

Truth be told, Jay Cutler’s recent on-field behavior has kept us from the more serious focus on how good the Bears may be, even as they rely on so many older players on defense. It all starts with Julius Peppers, who influences every play regardless of what it says next to him on the stat sheet. He’s the opposing coordinator’s primary concern every week, and the primary reason why the defensive line has played so well.

And keep in mind that Brian Urlacher – a legend created in part by his ability to play a Smith-defense spot – can barely run, seemingly, unless in one direction in a short area. Nobody believed that his side of the ball could withstand his absence, but guess what? He’s all but absent, and it’s thriving.

Pressure the quarterback with the front four. Secure the tackle. Create turnovers. Pick it up and score. Same stuff we’ve been hearing since 2004.

Lovie Smith’s ripe old defense, newly successful. And it can happen just like that.

Dan Bernstein joined the station as a reporter/anchor in 1995, and has been the co-host of Boers and Bernstein since 1999. Read more of Bernstein’s columns, or follow him on Twitter: @dan_bernstein.

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Sometimes I glance over different sites’ Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em articles out of curiosity just to see who they are recommending or not recommending. This week I stumbled upon a particular site and I really just shook my head in amazement of how obvious a lot of these players were. I try to do my best to provide you with the not so obvious selections, because that is what this article should be about. Otherwise, what is the point of reading? Anyway, this particular site had recommended starts such as Julio Jones, Jordy Nelson, Demaryius Thomas, Reggie Wayne and then at QB, Matt Ryan and Eli Manning. I mean, do we really need to be advised that these guys should start? Most of these guys were drafted within the first 5 rounds of our drafts and should be started every week regardless. Maybe the author is just trying to make us feel good about our teams? Or maybe he is just thinks the majority of his readers are dumb? If you are a supposed “expert” then give me some expert advice, not something I could get from a 10 year-old! At Fp911 we recognize our readers are passionate, knowledgeable owners and we try to provide them with the best information we possibly can. We hope that you recognize the difference between our site and others and continue to stick with us throughout this season and into the future.

You won’t see the obvious names on here, that would be pointless. Maybe occasionally to give you a reminder, but rather we are looking to identify some guys that you may be on the fence with and encourage you to either start or sit them. Matchups will be broken down, stats will be used, some projections will be provided and some “gut” feeling will be mixed in. But when it comes down to the come down, it’s your “gut” you need to roll with.

*Players listed in order of projected effectiveness in the start ‘em category and ineffectiveness in the sit ‘em category.

Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

Andrew Luck vs Green Bay

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Luck has averaged 282 yards passing over his first three games in the NFL and should keep it rolling against Green Bay. It’s not a ideal matchup, but the Colts should be passing early and often as they try to keep up with the Packers. Look for Luck to approach 300 yards passing once again and to throw at least 2 TD’s in what should be a high scoring affair in Indy.

Andy Dalton vs Miami

Dalton is emerging in his Sophomore campaign and has 8 TD’s in his last 3 games while going over the 300-yard mark twice. Miami’s Defense has been tough against the run, but inferior against the pass ranked 19th in points allowed to Fantasy QB’s. Dalton is a guy who is out there on waivers in a lot of leagues and a QB I would look to play matchups with if my number #1 option wasn’ t the strongest. This is one of those weeks as I look for Andy to keep it rolling at home.

Christian Ponder vs Tennessee 

Could be a good week to play Ponder if you are a Romo owner and looking for a bye week replacement. The Titans defense is allowing 26 points per game to Fantasy QB’s, tied for last in the league with Oakland and have allowed 10 passing TD’s as well. The Vikings should be moving the ball all game and Ponder will have opportunities to score. I can see Ponder throwing a TD and possibly running one in as well. The matchup is right here, so I believe it’s safe to play Ponder if you need to.

Sit ‘Em

Sam Bradford vs Arizona

Don’t get giddy and try to start Bradford tomorrow night. If you haven’t recognized by now, you should have noticed that Arizona’s defense is legit. Yes, Ryan Tannehill threw for 400 yards against them last week, but that was only because of the man, the myth, the legend, Brian Hartline! Bradford hasn’t thrown a TD in two games and now goes against the Cardinals who are allowing the 6th fewest points to Fantasy QB’s. Keep Sammy benched in all leagues.

Matt Schaub @ NYJ

The Jets did lose Darelle Revis, but their secondary did a nice job against Alex Smith last week holding him under 150 yards passing and without a TD. The Jets were embarrassed last week at home, so I expect them to have an inspired effort back in their building on Monday Night Football. They also still rank 7th best against Fantasy QB’s. Schaub may have a decent day, but will most likely be held under 250 yards passing and could be limited to just one passing TD.

Michael Vick @ Pittsburgh

Not crazy about this matchup for Vick as he goes on the road to Heinz Field with the Steelers coming off a bye week after the loss to the Raiders. This was a Pittsburgh secondary that was the toughest against Fantasy QB’s last year and I think if you have a better option you should bench Vick this week. Vick’s matchups have been brutal so far going against Arizona, Baltimore, the Giants and now Pittsburgh. Things will get easier for Vick, but this is a week to be cautious with him.

Running Backs 

Start ‘Em

Frank Gore vs Buffalo

Gore hasn’t been great this year, but has been his usual steady self, finding the endzone in three out of his four games. The matchup is right here against Buffalo who are allowing the 27th most points to Fantasy Backs.

Ryan Mathews @ New Orleans

I have always felt Mathews was a little overrated, mostly because he’s always getting hurt and never lives up to expectations. Yet every year owners take him high only to be disappointed. There is some concern again this season with the emergence of Jackie Battle and him taking the goal line carries. After recommending Mathews last week, I hope he doesn’t burn us again this week in what is the best matchup he might face all year. We all know the Saints have been brutal against the run and Mathews should get it going, but even if he can’t find running room he should be a factor in the passing game. Either way he should produce for your fantasy teams, if he doesn’t and Jackie Battle continues to steal the show, be worried!

Alfred Morris vs Atlanta

Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins

This guy just continues to beast, running through holes and through defenders. So far in 2012, Morris is averaging 4.6 yards per carry and has 4 TD’s. Atlanta’s secondary has been top notch but their Run Defense is a different story, allowing the 25th most points to Fantasy Backs. It doesn’t look like Morris is going anywhere in the near future and he looks to be a legit option for the rest of the season. Props to all owners who snatched him up.

Sit ‘Em

Steven Jackson vs Arizona

Why did you draft him? I’m sorry but that was a donkey move! Move him if you can or else he will continue to frustrate you! No TD’s and a 3.3 YPC, turrible! This guy is fool’s gold every season.

DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart vs Seattle

When both are on the field, they can be considered flex plays at times, but this is a week to avoid them. The Seahawks have been stout against the run, allowing the 7th fewest points to Fantasy Backs.

Chris Johnson @ Minnesota

Johnson broke out in the unlikeliest of matchups against Houston, but I still want to see more. I would continue to try and see what you could get for him. If Johnson has another good game against Minnesota and their No.2 Rush D, then I may be a believer, but I am banking against Johnson in this game.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Brian Hartline @ Cincinnati

Brian Hartline, Miami Dolphins

Hartline is Fo’ Real and Tannehill loves him. Now, he’s not going to produce 200-yard games, but he should get a good amount of catches and come close to 100 yards often. Hopefully you landed him on the wire this week. I would even go out and try to trade for the guy, his value couldn’t be that high. Tannehill loves to hit this guy on comeback routes, which Hartline seems to have perfected. Stick ‘em in your lineups this week and expect production.

Dwayne Bowe vs Baltimore

Don’t be discouraged by the matchup. This guy is the ideal fantasy play week to week because Casselconstantly looks his way and Bowe just reels the passes in. Bowe has seen 43 targets the past three weeks! I kind of feel kind of cheap owning Bowe in Fantasy, because he plays for such a poor team and most of his stats come in garbage time!

Eric Decker @ New England

After a slow start to the season Eric Decker has picked the pace up the last two weeks catching 15 balls for over 200 yards and a TD. Decker could start to distance himself from Demaryius Thomas in the coming weeks, at the very least stay neck to neck. Either way, Decker is for real and needs to be in your lineups this week and pretty much every week going forward. This might be the last time you see him on my Start ‘em list.

Sit ‘Em

Pierre Garcon vs Atlanta

Garcon owners are finally glad to have him back healthy and ready to emerge with RGIII. But he had a slow return last week with just one catch for 20 yards and he gets a tough matchup this week in Atlanta who have been the best against Fantasy Wideouts.  Garcon will start producing soon, but avoid him in this matchup.

Anquan Boldin @ Kansas City

Boldin looked great last Thursday night popping off for 131 yards on 9 catches, but don’t be confident in him in Week five. The Chiefs defense is starting to return to prominence now that they are getting healthier and are ranked 7th best in defending Fantasy WR’s. Brandon Flowers will be a tough matchup for Boldin, so look forFlacco to connect with his other options. Dennis Pitta time?

Andre Roberts @ St. Louis

Andre Roberts along with Brian Hartline were hot pickups this week, but unlike Hartline who I am suggesting to start, consider sitting Roberts. The Rams have been 4th best against Fantasy WR’s, so expect Roberts to be limited somewhat. I do like Roberts outlook for the entire season however and believe the guy is going to remain consistent.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Kyle Rudolph vs Tennessee 

Rudolph along with Dennis Pitta both burnt me last week, but Rudolph at least should bounce back this week. The Titans have been brutal against all offensive players and are the worst at defending the Tight End position. Rudolph should provide for your fantasy squads in Week five.

Scott Chandler @ San Francisco

Scott Chandler, Buffalo Bills

The matchup doesn’t look good at first, but if you dig deeper you will see that the 49ers haven’t been great at defending the Tight End ranked 26th overall. Chandler is going to remain Fitzpatrick’s favorite target around the goaline as Chandler continues to have a bit of breakout season in 2012. Look for Chandler to either finish with a TD or have a good game yardage wise.

Jacob Tamme @ New England

Tamme hasn’t lived up to his draft day hype, but this might be the week to plug him back into your lineups. This game will be a shootout and the Pats have been bad against Tight Ends ranked 2nd worst in points allowed. If Tamme doesn’t get it done this week or if we see Joel Dreessen cutting into his production, he could be waiver wire material.

Sit ‘Em

Heath Miller vs Philly

Miller has been one of Ben‘s favorite targets this season, but consider sitting him this week against Philly who are ranked 4th best at defending the Tight End.

Martellus Bennett vs Cleveland

Bennett had a slow game against Philly last week with just one catch and might be in for another off performance against the Browns who are ranked 3rd best in points allowed to Tight Ends.

Jermichael Finley @ Indianapolis

If Greg Jennings is out with the groin injury that helps Finley, but this guy still only has one TD all season and drops way too many passes. The Colts are also are giving up the fewest points to Fantasy Tight Ends, so look to bench Finley.

IDP’s

Start ‘Em

Akeem Ayers @ Minnesota

Akeem Ayers, Tennessee Titans

The young Titans LB has been emerging this season with 29 tackles a sack and three pass deflections. He should continue to rack up the tackles this week as the Vikings will run Peterson a ton and Ponderwill also take off from time to time. Continue to put the talented youngster out there and pick him up and start him if he’s available in your league.

Lance Briggs @ Jacksonville

We saw Briggs pick of Romo, pull of a juke move and take it to the house on Monday Night against Dallas and he should keep the stats pumping against Jacksonville. MJD will be running often which means plenty of tackle opportunities for Briggs, plus Blaine Gabbert could toss him a INT as well. The Chicago Defense is going to dominate the Jags, get Briggs in your lineups.

Sit ‘Em

DeAngelo Hall vs Atlanta

Hall preys upon bad QB play and bad WR’s, but he won’t have that luxury this week against Atlanta. Hall won’t do much guarding Julio Jones and Roddy White, keep him benched.

Devin McCourty vs Denver

Don’t like this matchup for McCourty facing  Peyton Manning. Keep him reserved.

Courtesy Tom Mleko

The beautiful thing about sports, about living in a city drenched in sports teams, engulfed in sports history is the ongoing cycle of teams to root for and follow. The Sox’ unexpectedly hopeful season just ended, the Cubs lost 100+ games (for the first time in 50 years, believe it or not), the impending strike may shorten/eliminate the Blackhawks’ season, the Bulls’ hopes rest on an ACL of the best point guard in the NBA, but da Bears? Da Bears are 3-1 and atop the NFC North. The cycle continues, and this leg of the cycle looks like a winner.

Da Bears look like serious contenders. Outside of an embarrassing loss at Lambeau, da Bears have looked like the best team in the NFC not representing the Bay Area. The defense is up to its usual tricks: forcing turnovers, scoring points (read: plural), and wreaking havoc on opposing defensive coordinators thus far (read: thus far). After the thorough thrashing of Rob Ryan and the Cowboys, we and the rest of the nation were reminded just how good this defense still is. Brian Urlacher is still the anchor of the D, the same way Jay Cutler anchors the other side of the ball. Both guys want one thing: to be competitive and win football games.

It’s no wonder than that after the aforementioned ass-kicking Dallas and the rest of Cowboy nation received Monday night, we were wondering about the psychological makeup of both stars, albeit in very contrasting ways. Through all the revelations we received Monday night, all the answers, we were still left with a few questions. We want to know why Cutler had a tiff with Offensive Coordinator Mike Tice, and we want to know how mentally tough Urlacher will prove this year, battling his obviously hankering knee(s?) injury.

Cutler’s magnetism begs us to talk about him, to write about him and his will to win. In this city, a city built on big shoulders, historical defense, and legendary running backs, we don’t know of this passing game you speak of. This is still so new to us. Cutler brings something we’ve never seen before his arrival. Does he know that? I don’t know. What I do know is that with the addition of Brandon Marshall this year and Cutler evolving into the quarterback and man he is capable of, da Bears have become…gulp…a passing team? This is dangerous on many levels.

Mike Tice calls the plays. Jay Cutler executes said plays. Bottom line. Was there a blowup between the two on the sideline after a failed 3rd and 1? That depends on how you define blowup. Was Cutler pissed that they turned the ball over to the punting unit? Obviously. I would be more concerned if there were no blowup at all. We criticize Jay when he seems complacent, and we criticize Jay when he shows emotion. Come on. You can’t have it both ways. I love the competitive fire, the spirit of “We may be up big on the scoreboard right now, but I want to shove it down their throat, I want to put this game away, leaving no doubt who wins.” The coverage of Cutler walking away from Tice on the sideline is a non-issue. Cutler is the leader of this team, but he has to mature and converse with the coaching staff every now and then, doesn’t he? That’s part of leading by example, beyond throwing touchdowns to Marshall and Devin Hester en route to victory and spreading the ball around to increasing targets. If we are to become a passing team (read: if), Cutler needs to maximize his potential, which will include heavy doses of competitive flames. The offensive line is starting to gel, evident in preventing Dallas’ up-to-this-point-lauded defense from having any effect on the game. He’s got plenty of targets (Hey there, Kellen Davis! Didn’t see you come in), Forte will get healthy, and Tice will learn where to pick his battles. Yes, that is part of Tice’s job description I’m sure. Know your personnel. But no one wants to talk about Mike Tice. Mike Tice is not going to sell papers, make you tune into the post-game show. I know my personnel…

Da Bears’ defensive personnel, on the other hand, could not have excited football fans any more than they did Monday night with their play. They picked off overrated Dallas Quarterback Tony Romo 5 times, scoring touchdowns on two of them. Components of the defensive core for years, Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman picked 6 once apiece, up and comer and potential Pro Bowler Major Wright intercepted twice, and D.J. Moore took one away late in the 4th quarter. Everyone on the defensive side got involved. Everyone that is, except for Urlacher. His own brand of competitive fire is still ignited, but I’m not sure Urlacher the of yesteryear is still in the house. He didn’t look like the Urlacher I know and love Monday night, but I know he’ll still have his moments, his flashes of brilliance. The defense, even without him contributing on a regular basis, will continue to dominate, but we miss you, big fella. Get well soon?

In the meantime, the rest of your personnel on both sides of the ball will handle business. Just ask Dallas.

Next stop: Jacksonville.