With an NFL-leading four interceptions in his first four games, Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month on Thursday.

“It’s an honor," Jennings said. "First four games, first quarter of the season, obviously the team’s doing pretty good. I always take it as an honor to be named defensive player of the month. I take it as an honor. Gotta keep working, try to get another one next month.”

Going back to the final game of 2011, Jennings picked off a pass in four consecutive games to become the first Bear to accomplish that feat since Dave Duerson in 1986. The string was snapped against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, but he finished that game with a season-high five solo tackles.

A seven-year veteran, Jennings had just seven interceptions in his career entering the 2012 season.

“I always felt I was a good player," Jennings said. "I’m just making more plays this year. I think that’s the key and one of the focuses I had coming into this year. I never doubted my athletic ability. I just wanted to work on making plays and making the best of my opportunities.”

In addition to the interceptions, Jennings also had 18 tackles, one tackle for a loss, and six pass breakups, including two that led to interceptions by other Bears. Chicago leads the NFL in takeaways with 14.

ESPNChicago.com's Jeff Dickerson contributed to this report.