Thread: Tillman Not Shy About Covering Johnson.........

Versatile Tillman won't back down from Lions' Johnson

Veteran cornerback gives Bears best chance to slow Pro Bowl receiver

By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter 4:53 p.m. CDT, October 21, 2012




Bears right cornerback Charles Tillman doesn't mind being compared to a Packer. In fact, he views it as a compliment.

Although they play in vastly different defenses, Tillman, 31, possesses versatility similar to Charles Woodson, an eight-time Pro Bowl pick. Woodson, 36, has played every position in the secondary since the Packers switched to Dom Capers' 3-4 scheme in 2009.

"He's a hell of a player,'' Tillman said. "And Green Bay does a good job of putting him in good situations to make plays.

"I'm OK with being that type of guy, it if helps us win. If they needed me to play receiver or running back … I would do it, if it gave us a better chance to win.''

Having Tillman shadow Lions receiver Calvin Johnson is likely to give the Bears the best chance to slow Johnson on Monday night. The 6-foot-2 Tillman has enough size to contend with the 6-5 Johnson, although Johnson's speed and athleticism make shutting him down virtually impossible.

"He's a competitor,'' Tillman said. "He's got size. He's strong. He's like a created player of Madden.''

Tillman's player-value rating is rather high these days as well. He returned an interception for a touchdown in each of the last two games, a feat equaled by teammate Lance Briggs. Tillman's seven interception returns for scores are a franchise record.

He might not be a shutdown corner in the same mold as the Jets' Darrelle Revis, but Tillman can defend shorter, speedy receivers and contend with bigger, stronger tight ends.

"Receivers come in all different sizes, so you have to have at least one big corner,'' Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "Charles does so much for us. If he wanted to, he could play safety. He could play nickel. And, of course, he could play on the outside. There's just a lot of versatility to him.''

Tillman's versatility gives the Bears defensive flexibility Monday. It wouldn't be a surprise if defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli inserts cornerback Kelvin Hayden when Johnson forces Tillman to follow him into the slot.

Tillman is sure to have his hands full chasing Johnson, who lined up on the right side 35 times and the left 35 times last week during a 26-23 overtime victory in Philadelphia. Johnson, who caught six passes for 135 yards, went in motion on four plays. Nnamdi Asomugha shadowed him for most of the game.

Tillman said he feels no pressure.

"They trusted me to follow guys around in 2005, '06,'' he said. "I remember in '06, we played the Giants and I had to chase Plaxico (Burress). I don't think this is anything new.''

Tillman has a similar outlook toward playing another position in the secondary. The question seems to be asked every year about the possibility of playing free safety in the future. Some suggest such a move would help prolong his career, although the durable veteran has missed only one game in the last three seasons.

"I'd like to think I could play safety,'' he said. "Obviously, I haven't played safety in, gosh, 10 years. The movements are still the same. Safeties are obviously in the box more. Give me a week or two, and I think I'd be all right.

"And I've never played nickel either. That would be a fun position to play. They do a lot of blitzing.''

The Bears are fine with Tillman where he is now, particularly coming off his first Pro Bowl season.

"He's just such a big guy that he can play in the slot, he can play outside. He's just so smart,'' Brian Urlacher said. "He could do it all.

"But why would you move him? He's a great corner.''

vxmcclure@tribune.com

Twitter @vxmcclure23