Chicago Bears CB Charles Tillman ranks among top 10 MVP candidates

Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman comes in at No. 8 on Mike Sando's MVP watch at ESPN. Tillman has 27 tackles, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns, on the season. Last week Tillman shutdown Detriot Lions star wide receiver Charles Johnson, limiting him to three receptions for the 34 yards. He also forced two fumbles against the Lions.

Tillman is having a great season on a Bears defense which is the best in the NFL in terms of points allowed. Tillman is one of two defensive players on the MVP watch, with Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt coming in at No. 4 on the list. The last defensive player to be named MVP was Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants in 1986.

The Chicago Bears are 5-1 and in first place in the NFC North. They take on the Carolina Panthers at 1:00 p.m. ET in Chicago on Sunday.