August 7, 2007
Dynamic cornerback duo picks off three passes
By Larry Mayer
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Bears cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher have more in common than the lucrative long-term contract extensions they each signed during the offseason.
Nathan Vasher (31) and Charles Tillman have combined for 21 interceptions since 2005.
Both are adept at creating turnovers, a skill they demonstrated in Tuesday night’s practice in sweltering Bourbonnais. Tillman intercepted two passes and Vasher picked off one, helping the defense dominate the offense for one of the few times in this summer’s training camp.
“We paid those guys to make plays like that,” said coach Lovie Smith. “They’re both good football players. Takeaways on defense are what it’s all about and it’s good to see us getting some. Looking at the other side of the football, we have to be able to protect the ball better.”
Tillman and Vasher form the only cornerback tandem in the NFL to each record double-digit interceptions with the same team over the past two seasons, and their 21 combined interceptions during that span are the most by an NFC cornerback duo and tied for second in the NFL.
“We make a great tandem,” Tillman said. “Nate feeds off my energy and I feed off his energy. We have two completely different playing styles. I’m a little more aggressive and he’s a little bit more finesse. We complement each other real well.”
Vasher’s interception came after he was warned by strong safety Adam Archuleta to look for a slant pass.
“Just having that kind of knowledge on the back end to give me that kind of alert shows that we can go out and make plays,” Vasher said. “It’s good to see us communicating like that so early.”
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Dynamic cornerback duo picks off three passes - Chicago Bears