Charles Tillman came into the NFL in 2003 as a second round pick out of Louisiana-Lafayette. Tillman had a pretty solid rookie season, appearing in all 16 games, making 86 tackles, one sack and four interceptions.

Tillman was named NFL Rookie-of-the-Year and an All-Pro by Sports Illustrated while receiving NFL Defensive Rookie-of-the-Year honor from Football Digest.

In 2004, Tillman only appeared in 8 games suffering an injury in week three. 2005 and 2006 were perhaps Tillman’s best seasons, where he posted 80 plus tackles, five interceptions and forced fumbles left and right.

The last three seasons Tillman has combined for eight interceptions, 247 tackles, two interceptions for touchdowns and 14 forced fumbles. Six of those forced fumbles came last season. Tillman forced a career high three fumbles in a game against Philadelphia last season.

Tillman has been playing through injuries the last couple of seasons, but he is still an elite cornerback in the NFL.

I had the chance to catch up with Charles this week and I asked him about how he got his nickname, “Peanut”, where he likes to dine in Chicago and much more.

Here’s the interview, exclusively on Bearsbacker.com:

Q: First of all how are you doing Charles?

A: I’m doing fine

Q: Was it always your dream to play in the NFL?

A: I’ve always wanted to play in the NFL since I was a kid.

Q: How did you get the nickname Peanut?

A: My aunt gave me the nickname when I was a little baby and it just stuck. I was a small kid growing up.

Q: I know your known as the strip king, when it comes to taking away fumbles. How did you become so good at it?

A: It was something I started doing in college. Our coached preached turnovers…

Q: What is your pregame ritual consist of?

A: Going through warm-ups with Lance, playing this throwing game, getting taped by same trainer, stretching at a certain time… things like that.

Q: What kind of drills do the cornerbacks get put through?

A: Lots of hip and foot work drills.

Q: Is it tough moving from the left cornerback position to the right cornerback position? And what have you taught Zack Bowman?

A: Its not tough it just takes a few days to get use to it. I just tell Zack that he is good and keep making plays.

Q: What is your ultimate goal that you want to get from the NFL?

A: I want to make a name for myself… so far I think I’m doing ok.

Q: What is your ultimate goal in life?

A: Live life to the fullest, grow old with the wife, see my kids have kids and just relax

Q: Who is your role model? Who is the person who helped you get to this point?

A: My parents. They did a really good job of raising me and my brother and taught of life lessons.

Q: What kind of music do you listen to? What TV shows do you like to watch?

A:I’m a Drake fan, I also like Lil Wayne, mix with some Norah Jones and John Mayer. NCIS, Criminal Minds, The Unit, East bound and Down, and True Blood.

Q: What is your favorite food? Where do you go to eat in Chicago?

A: I love soul food. like to eat at steak houses all over, especially Morton’s.

Q: What is favorite vacation spot?

A: Anywhere in Europe

Q: What kind of feeling did you have when the team got to Miami for the Super Bowl and then when you came up short?

A: Good feeling when the game started, but after game was over, I was sick to my stomach.

Q: I’ve watched you play at the top of your game, but the last couple of seasons you have been hit with the injury bug. What do you have to do to avoid it this season?

A: Ask God to keep my healthy. I’ve only miss 6 games in last 4 years with all my injuries though… I will play through pain.

Q: Do your friends and family ever come to the games?

A: Yes they do… all the time

Q: What is your favorite part of football?

A: The feeling i get when i make a good play, the friendships you make along the way

Q: Who are you’re closest friends on the team or in the NFL?

A: I would say 55.

Q: Who are the beneficiaries of the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation?

A: The mission of the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation is to provide opportunities and resources to children or their families who are in need.

Q: How did you get involved in the foundation?

A: I wanted to start a foundation that helps families in tough times. I am truly blessed with great support from the entire Chicagoland community and corporate sponsors, like Meijer and Fifth Third Bank. They make it possible for us to continue to help more and more families each year.

Q: Why did you get involved in the foundation?

A: Our daughter got sick and that’s what started the foundation.

Q: Thank you Charles for your time, have a great season.

A: Thank you no problem anytime.

You can follow Charles Tillman on Facebook or check out his foundation, www.charlestillman.org.

Check it out: Here is a link to perhaps the best play of Charles Tillman’s career.

TE Greg Olsen, WR/KR Devin Hester and RB Matt Forte are all key parts in the Bears offense, but will they fit in Mike Martz’s scheme.

Will Matt Forte return to his rookie form? Will Greg Olsen be more than just a blocking tight end? Will Devin Hester and the other young wide receivers fit the bill?

These questions plus many more will be answered very soon. Jay Cutler is a smart QB when it comes to understanding plays, he knows what he has to fix, but he makes some big mistakes similar to former Bears QB Rex Grossman. I’m not going to say Mike Martz is going to bring the best out of Cutler, but he should. Martz’s offense is a high risk/high reward offense.

With a big armed QB in Cutler, a nice RB tandem in Matt Forte and Chester Taylor, a bunch of young speedy receivers and a nice group of tight ends this offense sure has what it takes.

The one big problem comes at the offensive line position where the line is basically the same group as last year. Chris Williams, Josh Beekman, Olin Kreutz, Roberto Garza and Frank Omiyale should be the starters come opening day. If the offensive line is bad the whole team will be bad. Mike Tice needs to bring the best out of this group, which is mixed with young guys and veterans. The offensive line will be under watch all training camp and pre-season.

The defense was pretty disappointing last season, but they were without Brian Urlacher last season, Tommie Harris was playing injured, Charles Tillman wasn’t himself and the secondary just stunk. There are  a lot of questions about this defense that people want to know, but not as many as on the offensive side.

Will Brian Urlacher return to form at age 32? Will Julius Peppers be the pass rusher that the Bears envisioned him to be and will he bring the best out of Tommie Harris and Mark Anderson? Will cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Zackary Bowman stay healthy? Will Danieal Manning and Chris Harris be a good combo at safety?

Brian Urlacher is always in great shape, but he isn’t getting any younger and he has been fading the last couple of seasons. The cover two defense basically depends on good play from the defensive line and the MLB, who covers the middle of the field and drops back in coverage. Good play from Peppers, Harris and Urlacher will make the secondary that much better.

The Bears have the talent on both sides of the ball, but will they play up to there talent and step in front of the Packers and Vikings in the NFC North. These season will either be a great success or it will be a complete disappointment. There isn’t much time before the first game on September 12th versus Detroit. The time is now for the Bears to come together as a team.

Training camp starts July 30th in Bourbonnais, IL.

The Bears were 0-3 last year when Jay Cutler passed for at least 300 yards, losing to the Atlanta Falcons,  Arizona Cardinals and San Fransisco 49ers.

The most yards Cutler threw for in a victory was 276 in the season finale against the Detroit Lions.

According to the Chicago Tribune,

“It appears the Bears are going to go to training camp with four quarterbacks after all, but the new addition will not be the experienced veteran that some had talked about.

The Bears have agreed to terms with free agent Mike Teel on a contract, and he is expected to sign his contract on Wednesday, a league source confirmed. The Bergen Record first reported the news.

They become his third team in two months as Teel was released by the Seattle Seahawks on May 21 and then claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots. They cut the Rutgers product three weeks ago.
The move has the fingerprints of new personnel director Tim Ruskell on it. Ruskell was the general manager in Seattle when the Seahawks drafted Teel in the sixth round in 2009. Teel spent last season on the Seahawks’ roster as the third quarterback but did not play. In the preseason, he completed 20-of-41 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns. As a senior at Rutgers in 2008, Teel passed for 3,418 yards with 25 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

The 6-3, 230-pounder joins a crowded group behind starting QB Jay Cutler. Caleb Hanie served as the backup last season and is entering his third year. The Bears drafted Central Michigan record setter Dan LeFevour in the sixth round.

The Bears will have to release a player to sign Teel. They will also have to release a player when they come to terms with running back Harvey Unga, who was chosen last week in the supplemental draft.”

The Bears made some noise in this years NFL supplemental draft by taking RB/FB Harvey Unga from BYU. The move will cost the Bears a seventh round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Unga worked out for 20 teams on July 8th in Utah and the Bears were very interested in him. At 6’1″, 244 lbs, Unga has a frame built for an NFL fullback. It will be interesting to see how the Bears use Unga because he was very successful at BYU.

Unga had three straight 1,000 yard seasons, all included double digits touchdowns. Unga also had great success as a receiver out of the backfield at times. Unga became the school’s all-time leading rusher with 3,455 yards in his four years at BYU.

Unga led the Mountain West Conference last season with 1,087 rushing yards.

Unga entered the supplemental draft after being dismissed from BYU for violating the school’s honor code, allegedly for having pre-marital sex with his girlfriend.

This picks makes sense because Unga has so much upside, but the Bears are already pretty full at the running back position. With Matt Forte and Chester Taylor locks to make the team, Kahlil Bell, Garrett Wolfe and Brandon Minor will fight it out with Unga for the third and fourth spots. Unless the Bears use Unga at FB, where he would probably have the most success. If they used Unga as a FB, he could be a great goal line specialist.

Eddie Williams is the FB the Bears added to the roster in the offseason, maybe Unga can beat him out if not, Unga is a solid player to have develop on the practice squad.

Here’s what Unga had to say about being picked by the Bears:

”To be honest, I was surprised, they’re stacked up with running backs right now. They don’t need another back. I’m just going to come in there and bust my butt and make the best of the situation. I told them this is something they won’t regret and I’m a man of my word.”

Russ Lande of Sportingnews.com had this to say about Unga:

“In a season or two he should become a solid starting fullback who also contributes as a short yardage runner. To do so he must improve as a blocker.”

All quotes from Chicagosuntimes.com

Last season the Chicago Bears wide receivers showed a lot of potential. Johnny Knox was a fifth round pick out of Abilene Christian and Devin Aromasohodu spent a couple seasons on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad.They both excelled when they had a chance and this season their expected to do big things.

Now the two receivers will be a big part of the offense. Devin Aromashodu appeared in 10 games last season making 24 catches for 298 yards and four touchdowns. Aromashodu didn’t get playing time until week 14 against Green Bay. Aromashodu put up big numbers that game.  In, Week 16 against Minnesota, Aromashodu showed great potential by reeling in seven passes for 150 yards and the game winning touchdown in overtime.

The 26 year old Aromashodu, often goes by the name of D.A. or the “other Devin”, but this season he might become the best receiver named Devin for the Bears. FFToolbox.com ranks Devin Aromashodu as the highest Bears wide receiver at #34, they call Aromashodu a super sleeper which means he is a high risk or potential pick.

Johnny Knox on the other hand appeared in 15 games for the Bears. Knox actually took the spot of Devin Aromashodu during week one and showed his potential against Green Bay right from the start of the season. Knox caught 45 passes for 527 yards and five touchdowns. Knox also returned a kick for a touchdown and he showed great speed on kick returns that was he was named to the Pro Bowl.

A lot more is expected from Johnny Knox in his sophomore season. Knox and Hester are the starters right now, but Mike Martz will get the most out of all his receivers so who knows if the starter label will stick for Knox or Hester. The 24 year old Knox is ranked 49th on FFToolbox.com’s wide receiver list. Devin Hester is ranked 53rd behind both Devin Aromashodu and Johnny Knox.

If your playing fantasy football this season, don’t be afraid to draft a Chicago Bears wide receiver. Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu both have the potential to be starters on your team, if not they are great options of the bench. Don’t forget about Devin Hester, you never know what he can do.

When its your turn to draft don’t hesitate on a Bears receiver named Aromashodu or Knox because your not familiar with them, take the chance on these young guys, especially if your in a deep league.

The Bears lead the all-time series 91-82-6 against their NFC North rivals the Green Bay Packers.

Since taking over as Head Coach in 2004, Lovie Smith has great success against the Packers.

When these two teams meet its always a battle to the finish. Can’t wait for the games this season against Green Bay.

Bear Down!

DE Israel Idonije came into the NFL as an undrafted rookie in 2003 with the Cleveland Browns. The Browns put Idonije on the practice squad, but Idonije was released midway through the season. The Bears scooped Idonije up late that season.

The 6’6″Idonije was used at defensive end, defensive tackle, and on special teams. In Idonije’s first three seasons he appeared in 39 games, making 53 tackles and two sacks.

In 2007, Idonije made 28 tackles in 16 games and also did something very special.  That season Idonije blocked a field goal attempt or extra point attempt in three straight games. Idonije was known from that point on for his ability to block kicks.

In 2008, Idonije made 24 tackles, 3.5 sacks and deflected six passes. Last season, Idonije appeared in 15 games making 18 tackles and two sacks.

The 29 year old Idonije has started seven games in his six-year career with the Bears.

I got the chance to speak to Israel Idonije this week and I asked him some questions about how he got so good at blocking kicks, what he has to do to earn a starting spot on the roster and when his foundation started.

Here’s the interview, exclusively on Bearsbacker.com:

Q: Was it always your dream to play in the NFL?

A: I actually wanted to play in the NBA. When I was 13, I wrote in my journal that I was going to play for the Chicago Bulls.

Q: How different is it playing for the Bears than the University of Manitoba?

A: Playing in the NFL is business.

Q: What is your pregame ritual?

A: I listen to my Michael Jackson mix and eat a chocolate chip cookie.

Q: How many times a week during the season do you work out? What does your work out consist of?

A: During the season I work out every day and weight train three days a week.

Q: What kind of drills do the defensive linemen get put through?

A: The defensive linemen work on a lot of repetition. We work on reaction.

Q: I know your in the competition at the defensive end position with Mark Anderson and Henry Melton. How do you deal with competition?

A: I know my job and focus on what I can control. I am in the best shape I can be in-it will work itself out.

Q: How different is defensive tackle than defensive end? Is it tough dropping weight and gaining weight to play the different positions?

A: At defensive tackle the play develops quicker. Dropping weight is easy, it just takes discipline.

Q: How do you block so many field goals? Do you enjoy it?

A: I love it. Drive the line back and get your hand up. There’s an element of luck.

Q: What do you think you have to do to win the starting defensive end position across from newly acquired Julius Peppers?

A: I have to know the position and be in great shape. Those two components will allow me to make a lot of plays. Making plays is the key to earning the job.

Q: Has Julius Peppers taught you anything you didn’t know?

A: Just watching him rush passer. I am learning a new way of attacking the offensive line.

Q: What is your ultimate goal that you want to get from the NFL?

A: The NFL has been an incredible platform and has provided me so many opportunities. I am entering my eighth season and hope to continue to improve.

Q: Who is your role model? Who is the person who helped you get to this point?

A: My mother. She’s a very motivational person. There were times I wanted to quit and move on and she always helped me focus and make the right decision.

Q: What is your favorite food? Where do you go to eat in Chicago?

A: My favorite is the I-train special at Park 52. They donate a portion of each sale to my Foundation. Its delicious fried catfish. There are a lot of places I love, but at the top of that list is Park 52. Some of the best food I’ve ever had.

Q: What is favorite vacation spot?

A: Montreal

Q: Do your friends and family ever come to the games?

A: I have 50 IZZYz KIDz at every home game from our First Down Attendance program. They are usually cheering in the North End Zone. My family is able to make it to some of the games as well.

Q: What is your favorite part of football?

A: The competition and winning. I LOVE TO WIN.

Q: Who are your closest friends on the team or in the NFL?

A: The d-line is really close. We are together every day. Tommie Harris and I really close.

Q: How did the Israel Idonije Foundation start?

A: I grew up in a missionary household. Service is something I have always been a part of and I am thankful for the opportunity to share with others.

Q: What exactly does your foundation do?

A: We work with economically-disadvantaged children and families in Chicago, Canada and Africa. We have three main programs, IZZYz KIDZ, All-Star Football and Cheer Camp and C.A.R.E. Africa.

Q: How many years has it been around?

A: I started the IZZYz KIDz programs in 2007, and we received our 501(c)3 charitable status in 2008.

Q: Thanks Israel, have a good season.

A: Thank you.

You can follow Israel on Twitter or Facebook or check out his foundation, Israelidonije.org.

The Bears struggled on both sides of the ball last season.

Jay Cutler led the league in interceptions, Matt Forte never really got going on the ground, Greg Olsen didn’t live up to his expectations, and the offensive line was pretty pathetic due in large part to the over the hill LT Orlando Pace.

The defense saw linebackers Brian Urlacher and Pisa Tinoisamoa miss basically the whole season, the third down defense was awful, the secondary didn’t look like they belonged in the NFL at times, the defensive line was not very disruptive, and DT Tommie Harris was again playing with a bum knee.

These things must improve  in order for the Bears to bounce back from a below .500 season. Here’s what the Bears need to improve from now until Sunday, Sept. 12 when the Bears face the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field.

1. The Defense Must Play Better On Third Downs

Last season, the defense didn’t play up to exceptions probably because middle linebacker Brian Urlacher was lost during Week One for the season. The defense allowed opposing offenses to convert 41 percent of the time against them last season. The Bears ranked the sixth worst at stopping opposing offenses on third down last season. Only Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Jacksonville, Indianapolis, and Atlanta were worse.

They allowed the Bengals to convert eight of 12 times, the Cardinals to convert eight of 14 times, and the Vikings to convert 12 of 18 times in Minnesota. Those three games were the lows of the season for the Bears defense.

In 2008, the Bears were the fifth best team at stopping opposing offenses on third down and that was probably because Brian Urlacher was on the field for the whole season. Fast forward to this season, the additions of DE Julius Peppers, Chris Harris, Major Wright, and the returns of Urlacher, Tinoisamoa, and a truly healthy Tommie Harris, will make the third down defense that much better.

Rod Marinelli has taken over the defense as the new coordinator, expect him to make it a point to stop opposing offenses on third down.

Forty-one percent is unacceptable.

If the Bears want to be known as a good defense than their defense better act like one. If the Bears can stay healthy and the defensive line can constantly apply pressure, then they’ll be a solid. To be a good defense you have stop opposing offenses on third down. Watch out for a big improvement this season.

2. The Offensive Line Has To “Protect” Jay Cutler

The Bears offensive line for a good portion of the season was LT Orlando Pace, LG Frank Omiyale, C Olin Kreutz, RG Roberto Garza, and RT Chris Williams. The line looked good on paper, but they couldn’t protect Michael Vick during his prime if they wanted to. The big problem was that Pace was “way” past his playing prime. Jared Allen made him look like a fool in the first game against Minnesota. If this was Mike Martz’s offense, Pace would have been gone after Week two. Pace was that bad.

Frank “The Tank” Omiyale, the Bears big free agent signing on the offensive line, started only one game in his career before coming to the Bears and it was at right tackle. Right tackle is his natural position, playing him at left guard last season was a big error by Bears coaches.

The other mistake they made was starting the young and inexperienced Chris Williams at right tackle when he belonged at his natural position of left tackle. Once the Bears moved Williams to the left side, the offensive line was much improved. Kevin Shaffer filled in at right tackle and Josh Beekman was used on and off at left guard.

Come this year, the line might have the same names but it will play much different. The Bears hired former Vikings head coach Mike Tice to coach the offensive line, and since they did I’ve only heard good things about the guy. Having an experienced offensive line will help tremendously.

Look for the Bears to start Williams at LT, Kreutz at center, Garza at RG, and Omiyale at RT. The left guard position is up for grabs; Beekman, Lance Louis, and Johan Asiata are all competing for the starting gig.

The big reason this years offensive line will be better is because they have Williams and Omiyale playing at their natural positions. Also, don’t forget about the addition of TE Brandon Manumaleuna. He is considered the best blocking tight end, so on passing downs he will basically be used as another offensive lineman.

The offensive line must be improved, if not, the Mike Martz system will not succeed and Lovie Smith and Co. will all be sitting jobless when the season ends.

3. Matt Forte Must Return To His Rookie Form

In Matt Forte’s rookie season in 2008, he rushed for 1,238 yards and eight touchdowns. He also had 63 receptions for 477 yards and four touchdowns.

Last season his numbers dipped, he rushed for only 929 yards on 258 attempts with just four touchdowns. His receiving stats are basically the same, but he failed to reel in a receiving touchdown. The biggest difference between 2008 and 2009 for Forte was that he was averaging only 58 ypg last season, and his rookie year he averaged 77 ypg. Also, he fumbled the ball six times last season, compared to his one fumble in 2008.

Forte was playing hurt basically the whole season, but fumbles are no excuse especially in the red zone where he was constantly losing the ball. With the injury it seemed like Forte lost his speed and power to get down the field. With Forte struggling, Jay Cutler had to throw the ball.

Expect Forte to be a smarter and healthier running back this season. With the addition of Chester Taylor in the backfield, they could be the best running back tandem the Bears have had since Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson shared the rock in 2006. With Taylor getting some carries, Forte will be able to get some time to rest.

Remember Martz isn’t a huge fan of running the ball, but the Bears like to get the ground game going first, so Forte will be a major factor in the offense even if Martz is opposed to running. Forte and Taylor both have great receiving talent, so when they don’t feel like running the offense could run a little HB screen.

The key for Forte is to stay healthy and not turnover the ball. It’s that simple. Look for Taylor to take over if Forte cannot return to his rookie season form.

4. The Secondary Must Play Like They Belong

Last season, Al Afalava and Kevin Payne were the opening day starters at safety. Charles Tillman and Zack Bowman were the starters at cornerback. Payne was traded this offseason and Afalava might not even make the team. Danieal Manning and Chris Harris look like the new starters at safety.

Yeah that’s right, Chris Harris, the same Chris Harris who had an interception in Super Bowl XLI. The same Chris Harris who was traded to Carolina in 2007, so the Bears could start Adam Archuleta. What a mistake that turned out to be.

The Bears have Craig Steltz and Josh Bullocks who both started in games last season, and Major Wright who was the Bears third-round pick this year. Manning has been bounced all over the secondary, and nobody knows if he can even be anything more than a solid kick returner in the NFL. Harris will be fine, he is just as good as Charles Tillman at forcing fumbles. Harris forced 12 in three seasons with the Panthers.

The safeties should be okay; I think the cornerbacks should be viewed as a big concern for the Bears.

Bowman is moving over to the left cornerback position, where they cover the number one receiver from the other team, and Tillman is on the right side now. Nathan Vasher is no longer here. Corey Graham will likely be the starter at nickelback, and the depth on the bench isn’t very experienced. They signed former Colt Tim Jennings, but he is another undersized corner like last years fourth round pick D.J. Moore.

This years fifth-round pick, Joshua Moore, was selected for depth despite only being able to do two reps of the bar at the NFL Combine this year. Woodny Turenne was on the practice squad last season as an undrafted free agent. Who knows what he’ll be able to do?

If Bowman or Tillman go down the Bears could be in big trouble. Neither of them have been very durable over the last couple of seasons. The cornerback position is a bigger concern than the safety position in the secondary for the Bears. Tillman and Bowman can’t go on the injured reserve this season

5. The Offense Must Play As A Team.

Cutler can’t give up on plays as often as he did last season. There’s a reason he threw a league high 26 interceptions. His receivers maybe, his lack of running game, his lack of blocking, and the lack of coaching. I think it’s a mixture of all those things. A new coach will improve all of those things.

Jay Cutler will be a better Jay Cutler this season.

The receivers weren’t bad last season, but they weren’t great. They can be great in Mike Martz’s offense. Devin Aromashodu’s skills weren’t realized until the second half of the season, Devin Hester should be more of slot receiver, Johnny Knox is going to be even better this season, and Earl Bennett and Juaquin Iglesias will see some playing time.

I talked about the starting running backs in number three, but I didn’t talk about the backups. Kahlil Bell and Garrett Wolfe shouldn’t see the field very much, and Brandon Minor will likely be put on the practice squad.

The tight ends will play a big role in the passing game like the always have in the Bears scheme. All the rumors about Greg Olsen being traded were dumb; why would you trade your best tight end just because he doesn’t fit the scheme of a coach who might only be here for one season?

The offense needs to play in sync, and with Martz running the show I think they will. The greatest show on turf could come to Soldier Field after all. Obviously not actual turf, but basically the Bears offense hold the keys to success for the entire team.

It’s a make or break season for the Chicago Bears. These improvements have to be made in order for them to beat out the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings for a playoff spot or the division crown.

I believe the Bears have what it takes to win the division and more. At least I do. Do you?