LAKE FOREST – Rookie safety Mark Carrier of the Chicago Bears has never met his namesake and third cousin, wide receiver Mark Carrier of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But it’s inevitable the two will cross paths Sunday.

“Something will happen and a Carrier will win,” said Mark Carrier of the Bears, who has sealed a starting job after being the No. 6 player chosen in the draft last spring.

Carrier’s interception Sunda led to a touchdown in a 31-21 victory over the Phoenix Cardinals. He has been outstanding, something that hasn’t surprised coach Mike Ditka, who likened Carrier to Ronnie Lott, the All-Pro safety of the San Francisco 49ers when the Bears made their selection.

Carrier has not disappointed Ditka.

“I’m happy the way I’m playing, but I can do better,” said Carrier, who has 51 tackles, 29 assists, two interceptions and six deflected passes in helping the Bears compile a surprising 6-1 record. “I haven’t reached the level I want.”

Carrier thinks attending camp from the start has helped him succeed.

The Bears made sure that Carrier had agreed to sign when they drafted him.