Charles Tillman has won NFC defensive player of the week and month awards. Lance Briggs is in the NFL history books along with Tillman for touchdown returns of interceptions in consecutive games. Julius Peppers has 5.5 sacks, tops on a defensive line that is No. 6 against the run (88 ypg.).
Now all three have been selected to the midseason All-Pro team by Pro Football Weekly. PFWs reasoning for each:
Lance BriggsBriggs is playing even better than a year ago, scoring pick-sixes in consecutive games and flying around the field. Anyone who suggested playing next to Brian Urlacher has made Briggs an overrated player has been proven dead wrong this season, as Briggs has picked up the slack for the Bears aging defensive captain.
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Julius PeppersPeppers remains as steady as ever even as his snaps have been significantly cut back to keep him fresh later in the season. While the sack numbers are still there, Peppers is still an excellent run defender despite dealing with a foot injury that has limited his burst. He probably has been the Bears best player this season.
Charles TillmanTillmans knack for forcing fumbles is becoming legendary, as four more in Week Nine put him in the league lead with seven this season. He also shut down Calvin Johnson and had pick-sixes in consecutive weeks. What more could you want from this steady veteran?