Bears Preview: Defensive Backs

For whatever reason, a lot of Bears fans don't think Charles Tillman is that good. Never mind the fact Peter King ranked him the 75th best player in the NFL and called him the league's best big corner. Not that PK is always right (far from it), but it's strange that Bears fans would disagree with a national writer when he commends a player. It's basically the exact opposite of Grossman, who many Bears fans defend, and who's bashed by national writers all the time.

Well I've watched every game of Tillman's career, and I'll tell you, he's good. Sure he doesn't have prototypical  speed, but he's big, physical, and knows how to tackle. He's the Bears best cover corner, and also has a knack for big plays. Just look at the interception he ripped from Randy Moss his rookie season, or the fumble he returned for a touchdown during the Bears mad comeback against the Cardinals last season. Even the interception he returned for a touchdown in overtime against the Lions in 2005. On most defense, Tillman would be considered a "big play guy", but he's overshadowed in the Bears secondary.

"Big play" is an accurate description of every returning member of this secondary, and a lot of that has to do with Lovie Smith's influence. Nathan Vasher is the prototypical corner for Smith's attacking style; the dude just has a nose for the ball. Sure he didn't match the eight picks he tallied in 2005 last season, but Vasher always seems to be around the ball when a turnover is caused. It's part of the reason the Bears decided to extend his contract instead of Lance Briggs'.

Mike Brown can also be described as a "big play" safety. His 2001 season is one Chicago legends are made of, with a game ending interceptions for touchdowns against the 49ers and Browns. I don't think two games back-to-back will ever more exciting then those two through my life. Brown's one problem is that he's often injured; this may be his last year with the Bears if he gets hurt again. His injury last season was a crushing blow to the defense, and along with the loss of Tommie Harris, was the reason the Bears' defense slipped so much in the final quarter of last season.

Tillman, Brown, and Vasher are as solid as they come in the NFL. I dare to say that Peanut and Vash-Dog are among the league's top corner tandems, maybe even the best. Brown moves to free safety this year, moving over for the arrival of Adam Archuleta. If Arch can revert back to his St. Louis days, the Bears defense will be that much more intimidating.

The good thing about the Bears secondary is that they're so deep. The Bears have the NFL's best, and probably highest paid, third corner in Ricky Manning Jr., and have great depth at safety with Daniel Manning. I really like Manning, the team's first pick last season out of Abilene Christian, who played very well last year, beside for a critical Super Bowl mistake. TUP friend of the program Al Bundy believes Manning may be faster then Devin Hester. Manning's presence gives the Bears a lot of flexibility for the future. If Brown gets hurt, Manning is there free safety next year. If Arch plays like he did on the Redskins, Brown shifts back to strong safety, and Manning slides into free.