Things don't always work out as expected for Bears Cornerback Tim Jennings.
Coming out of high school, the 5 foot 8 inch defensive back, expected to stay in South Carolina and play small college football. Then Georgia called the night before signing day and told him of their interest.
Five years ago, when Jennings played for the Colts, he was mentioned as one of the worst cornerbacks in the league. But he intercepted a Rex Grossman pass in the Super Bowl.
Last year, as a member of the Bears, he was benched from his starting job week 15 against Seattle, and was expected to be a bench player in 2012.
But that's not what happened.
Jennings, it appears, has beaten the odds being named NFC Defensive player of the Month for September.
"I always felt I was a good football player" Jennings said Thursday. "I'm just making more plays this year so I think that's the key."
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As for overcoming the odds, Jennings added "I never doubted my athletic ability, I just wanted to work on making plays and making the best of opportunities."
He has.
Jennings's nine pass break ups have helped lead to two interceptions, one for teammate Major Wright and one for Chris Conte.
He's also been able to get his own hands on the ball. Jennnings matched his career high of four interceptions in just the first four games of the 2012 season. He's the first Bear to tally that many since Dave Duerson 26 years ago.
Jennings credits the Bears third ranked rushing defense for forcing offenses to become one dimensional.
"I'm just getting a good feeling when they want to pass the ball, I'm not second guessing myself" Jennings explained.
It'll be tough for Jennings to play at this pace for 12 more games. But if he even comes close, his Bears teammates won't just call him "The Hawk" but quite possibly a Pro-Bowler.
