Rookie defensive tackle Stephen Paea made a big impact in his first NFL game helping bring down Vikings QB Donovan McNabb midway through the first quarter for a safety.

The Bears’ last safety came in the 2009 season opener in Green Bay when Danieal Manning sacked Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the end zone.

The Bears have recorded eight safeties since Lovie Smith became coach in 2004, tied with the Lions for most in the NFL.

Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. He is also the Chicago Bears writer for NFLTouchdown.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker for up to the minute news about the Bears.