Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings has played outstanding so far this season. He was named NFC’s defensive player of the month on Thursday because of his superb play.
Jennings has reeled in four interceptions, 18 tackles and six pass breakups through four games this season. Two of his pass breakups turned into interceptions for the Bears’ defense.
The four interceptions doubled his career high of two a season ago. The Bears lead the league in interceptions with 11 so far.
Jennings has been a play-maker for the Bears this season and it’s really taking the pressure of off this defense especially cornerback Charles Tillman.
According to Pro Football Focus:
Bears’ opponents have targeted Jennings by a 3:1 ratio over cornerback Charles Tillman. Jennings has been thrown at 33 times, while Tillman has been thrown at just 13 times.
Only 14 of the 33 passes thrown at Jennings have been completed. The longest completion was of 26 yards and he hasn’t allowed a single touchdown. A completion percentage of 42.4 ranks 13th among NFL cornerbacks.
Opposing quarterbacks have just a 15.9 passer rating on passes thrown in Jennings’ direction which ranks second to only recently injured All-Pro Darrelle Revis (6.3).
With all that being said, Jennings is stepping up and really helping Tillman out on the opposite side.
The Bears haven’t had a play-maker opposite Tillman like Jennings since Nathan Vasher, who racked up 16 interceptions in his first three seasons (04-06).
If Jennings can keep up his play, the Bears’ defense will be that much closer to helping this team reach its goal of winning a Super Bowl.
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker and on Facebook for up to the minute news about the Bears.
