Tillman leading the way for Bears’ potent defense

A group that came into the season with some question marks is supplying plenty of answers and leading the way for a team that’s 7-1 heading into today’s showdown with the Houston Texans.

A big part of that is Tillman, the guy Obama touted for defensive player of the year during an interview aired Monday night.

The praise came on the heels of Tillman forcing four fumbles in a 51-20 blowout of Tennessee the previous day.

“It was a great honor. I was actually asleep when he did the interview. I go to bed early — four kids,” said Tillman, whose wife is expected to give birth to their fourth child in the next few days. “I was asleep, but I had a bunch of text messages that morning when I woke up. I definitely thought it was cool to get mentioned from our Commanderin-Chief. Thanks for the shout out.”

It’s even better in a season like this.

The Bears lead the NFC North, and the defense is a big reason why. Few teams have been as dominant in that area, Houston being an exception, and the way they’re shutting down opponents is raising eyebrows.

A defensive line that was widely considered a weakness even with Julius Peppers is getting contributions from all over, and the Bears are tied for third in the NFL with 25 sacks. Eight more and they match last season’s total.

But it’s not just the pressure they’re getting; it’s the takeaways they’re creating.

No defense has been more relentless. Chicago leads the league in takeaways (28) and turnover differential (plus 16), and their seven defensive touchdowns tied the 1942 team’s record. All have come on interception re- turns, which puts them third on the NFL’s single season list behind the 1998 Seattle Seahawks (eight) and 1961 San Diego Chargers (nine).

“It all starts up front,” Houston offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said. “They do a great job of pressuring and making sure you rush and putting your offensive linemen on an island at times from what they do. They work very hard at it and they’re good at it.”