/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5695391/154589872.0.jpg)
When describing Detroit Lions' wide receiver Calvin Johnson Thursday, Bears' cornerback Charles Tillman had nothing but praise for the sixth-year player out of Georgia Tech, calling Johnson "the LeBron James of football."
"He can do everything," Tillman told the Chicago Tribune. "He's the LeBron James of football. If you could create a player -- that's Calvin Johnson. Size, speed, hands, agility, quickness, strength."
Johnson's impressive attributes and abilities have allowed him to become the NFL's premier receiver. In 2011, Johnson led the NFL with 1,681 receiving yards and was second in the league with 16 touchdowns. His scoring numbers are down this season -- five touchdowns in 15 games -- but Johnson has already set the single-season receiving record with 1,892 yards, eclipsing Jerry Rice's mark of 1,848 yards in 1995.
The last time the Bears and Lions met, Chicago's secondary limited Johnson to just 34 yards on three receptions, season lows in both categories. When asked if he and his colleagues could achieve the same feat again, Tillman didn't sound too confident:
"It would be cool if we did, but I don't know how."
If the Bears want to make the playoffs this year, they'll need to keep Johnson from taking over their upcoming game against the Lions. Chicago needs a win and a loss by the Minnesota Vikings to claim the NFC's final Wild Card spot.
The Bears (9-6) and Lions (4-11) meet Sunday at Detroit's Ford Field. Kickoff is set for noon CT, and the game will be televised on FOX.