LAKE FOREST – Not only did Bears cornerback Charles Tillman earn NFC player of the week honors for the second time in three weeks, but he did so without recording an interception.

Bears coach Lovie Smith said that fact stood out to him when the league announced Tillman’s award Tuesday. Tillman limited Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson to 34 yards on three receptions Monday while registering nine tackles, two forced fumbles and two pass break-ups.

“It’s hard to do,” Smith said. “And that says just how special that performance was, which it was, by Charles Tillman. He’s an excellent football player. He does so much and you see it time after time. He’s a consistently good football player for us and I’m glad others took notice.”