Dillon Thieneman’s first NFL interception couldn’t have come at a better time

Chicago Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman just came up big.

The first-round safety's first career interception couldn't have come on a more clutch occasion: swiping Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Andy Dalton in the red zone to take away a potential touchdown and maintain the Bears' 7-0 lead in the second quarter.

(In case you're wondering, starting quarterback Jalen Hurts was momentarily out of the game while being evaluated for a possible concussion after a late hit by linebacker D'Marco Jackson, which is why Dalton, the former Bears quarterback , was in the game.)

What a moment, on Monday Night Football, to make such a huge play.

The young safety has quietly been one of the Bears' most consistent players early in the season, which is simultaneously good and concerning. (Your safety shouldn't be your leading tackler coming into Week 3 in an ideal world.) Still, it's nice to know the guy brought in to be an immediate difference-maker has proven to be just that.

And now, he's checked off a big box on his resume: "first career interception." Thankfully, Dalton made it easy for him.

The nice part: this pick wasn't just "a meatball sub," in the words of Tom Brady from last week. It also helped the Bears maintain a lead not many people expected them to have at this point against the Eagles with Keenum at quarterback. In fact, funnily enough, it stole points off the board for the Eagles after the Bears had failed on 4th and goal with a chance to go up two touchdowns.

As a safety, Thieneman probably won't top too many people's lists for Defensive Rookie of the Year, especially if the Bears continue being a largely "mid" defense.

But make no mistake: so far, the youngin has done his job on the back end of the defense.

Here's to many more interceptions to come.