ESPN NFL

You've finally figured me out. It took only a handful of "Have at it" features before something started to seem suspicious. Lou of Denver was one of the first to put in writing what no doubt has the entire NFC North buzzing:

"Wow. I wish I could get paid to have my readers write my column for me. U rock!"

Ah, we jest. (And we assume Lou was, too.) Thanks for another strong response to our question of the week, which asked you to name the division's most underrated player after Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield's performance Monday night in New Orleans.

Several Chicago players were named, but Bears cornerback Charles Tillman led the voting, by a wide margin. Tillman has been a full-time starter for six years but has never made a Pro Bowl.

Babygy summarized the situation succinctly:

"How has Charles Tillman not made a Pro Bowl? He's the Bears' best corner, and one of the best in the league at forcing fumbles."

Indeed, Tillman has forced 14 fumbles in his career and has 19 interceptions. Sam of Chicago noted the importance of takeaways:

"The man is forced-fumble machine and one of the better tacklers in the league, but he's never been recognized with a Pro Bowl selection. Peanut has blocked kicks, he has intercepted passes, he single-handedly beat the Packers last year with two strips of WR James Jones."

Jimmy of Bristol, Conn., pointed out Tillman is usually assigned to an opponent's top receiver.

"I believe Charles Tillman is the most underrated player in the NFC North. He never gets Pro Bowl considerations and doesn't do a lot of "flashy" things that get you on highlight reels. However, throughout his career he has single-handedly won games for the Bears. From his two forced fumbles in the Monday Night game against Green Bay last year, to his OT interception return for a TD against the Lions in 2005, to his manhandling of Randy Moss and snatching the game winning TD catch right out of his hands his rookie year. Peanut has a nose for the ball and is a master at stripping it. Yet all of his contributions typically go unnoticed outside of those actually watching the games."

Sportsboi34 wants some love for Bears defensive tackle Israel Idonije, who has tended to go unnoticed behind Tommie Harris:

"No one knows his name other than the Chicago Bears faithful. He is very good, blocks field goals, can play DE and DT, big part of the Philly goal line stand. He is Tommie Harris' backup but has proven himself in Tommie's absence. He is from Canada and nobody, NOBODY ever talks about him. He is a stud, I truly believe that. No one has even mentioned his name in here, unbelievable."

Brian of Chicago points out how Bears defensive end Alex Brown always seems to fly under the radar:

"As for underrated players on the Chicago Bears, my vote most definitely has to go to Alex Brown. His play has been superb this season, and in past seasons, but he often gets overlooked on a D-Line with Tommie Harris and Adewale Ogunleye, as well as a defense with many more players grabbing the spotlight. Alex Brown's play this season is deserved of a mention amongst DE pro-bowlers."

More than a few readers nominated Green Bay defensive back Charles Woodson. My first inclination was to pass on that suggestion. I'm pretty sure most people have heard of Woodson. But Joe of Minneapolis believes Woodson hasn't gotten much attention for his play on a national scale since going to Green Bay, which I think is a fair point:

"Woodson has to be up there, he does nothing but continue to get better every week...on a broken toe. He's been shafted from the Pro Bowl and as a Packer no one seems to give him any of the attention or credit that he deserves."

Meanwhile, all three of the Vikings' linebackers -- the injured E.J. Henderson, Ben Leber and Chad Greenway -- were all mentioned. Chris of Chicago suggested all three:

"Everyone talks about the Vikings' rush defense with Pat and Kevin Williams stuffing the run at the line, but a lot of that can also be attributed to EJ Henderson, Chad Greenway, and Ben Leber. As the Vikings missed EJ last week, you saw some penetration on the edges with the Saints' run game, and I believe it was because EJ's speed wasn't there to help close off the sideline."

My take: This will spur another round of concern from those who think this blog is Vikings-centric, but I can't think of a more anonymously productive player than Leber.

Leber has to be a coach's dream because he's always in the right spot -- in his alignment and in terms of instinctively knowing where the ball will be. He is one of those players who makes every play available to him, whether it's on a rare blitz or when he is inserted into nickel coverage or if coaches decide to make him a defensive end for a game.

With Henderson out for the season, Leber is now calling the defensive alignments for the Vikings. You won't see him making a huge hit or returning an interception 80 yards for a touchdown, but if you want to see a player consistently carry out his job and make one or two impactful plays in every game, watch Leber.