Chicago Bears DB Tim Jennings Proves Doubters Wrong and NFC North News

In a league where passing as often as you can is the way to win, defense remains a priority for any team. The Bears have been solid defensively so far this season, thanks in no small part to the play of cornerback Tim Jennings, which has come as a surprise to many fans and media.

The Chicago Sun Times reports that for Jennings, it's pretty much business as usual.  He has been doubted before and is used to proving all of us wrong.

It's actually a story you hear a lot. Smaller players (Jennings is 5'8") are often overlooked, especially as receivers and, as in Jennings' case, defensive backs. 

However, many overcome that with hard work and determination. Jennings has a knack for making big plays, and it's undoubtedly because he makes up for his lack of size with film work and instinct.

The Bears have been depending on him a lot and he has stepped up to the challenge.

It's hard to say if he can keep it up, but I wouldn't be against him.

On to more NFC North news and notes.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs says that with Matt Forte and Michael Bush banged up, the Bears are still kicking the tires on free-agent running backs.

B/R's Matt Eurich breaks down the Cowboys' offense and how the Bears might counter it.

The Sun Times' Joe Cowley gets us updated on the recent Brandon Marshall-Warren Sapp kerfuffle.

Detroit Lions

Anwar Richardson writes on MLive.com that the defensive line has to make a statement this week.

Tim Twentyman answers some questions from readers, including the state of the defense and the run game, on DetroitLions.com.

The Detroit News' Josh Katzenstein talks about placing Ben Graham on IR and adding Nick Harris.

Green Bay Packers

CheeseheadTV.com's Zach Kruse points to some positives from Monday night's loss.

Rob Demovsky writes at the Green Bay Press Gazette that James Jones is fighting through a foot injury.

Jason Wilde has more quotes from Aaron Rodgers regarding the Monday Night game at ESPN Wisconsin.

Minnesota Vikings

ESPN1500.com's Judd Zulgad says that with Mistral Raymond out, Jamarca Sanford is making the most of a second chance at a starting job.

B/R's Mike Nelson says the Vikings are primed to be the next big surprise in the NFL.

The Star-Tribune's Kent Youngblood says that Chad Greenway's dad, Alan, was in the stands Sunday. Greenway's father has been battling leukemia.

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