2005 Beardown Awards:Best Defensive Player

Nathan Vasher

With our dominance on defense this was always going to be the toughest category and the voting showed that with plenty of contenders for this award. You had the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and three Pro Bowl players all up for the award.

In the end Nathan Vasher won it for being the biggest playmaker on a defense full of playmakers. He played in 16 games, had 46 tackles (7 of them assists) and a whopping 145 yards off of 8 interceptions (including one Touchdown). Put in perspective that is more yards from his interceptions during the season than Orton threw in most games. He also defended 8 passes and forced one fumble.

Even after all that for me the highlight of the season from Vasher was the record setting Field Goal Attempt return for a touchdown against the San Fransisco 49ers. The 49ers attempted a field goal and it seemed to stall and go to the left of the uprights. Vasher caught the missed kick looked to be downing it, then he took off.. A couple of players in front of him realised and blocked for him.. Then the big hitters on the defense started blocking as well. 108 yards later with Urlacher running next to him we score a TD..

"Again, a real tough one to call, but I went with Vasher, just for a great stand out season with some remarkable moments along the way." Blitz 46 from the voting thread.

"...on Sky Sport's News. It was a work of art - this wasn't just a catch and spirnt up the sideline . Umpteen 49ers had a shot at him but the Bears gave him a convoy and blocked out any danger. Definitely the most meandering play I've ever seen whilst following the Bears. Vasher just kinda fell into the end zone at the end. It was a 108 yard play but he must've ran about 180 yards total. " DaBossBear, first post in "Just Saw Vashers TD...." 14/11/05

Runners up: Alex Brown, Brian Urlacher, Adewale Ogunleye

Macca