The league on notice, time to hit the Big Apple for the Bears

After Week 2 everyone said the Bears made a statement. Well, after Week 3 was put to rest, the statement got its punctuation. Yes, there were 18 penalties on the Packers, but the Bears took advantage and became the NFC's only 3-0 team.
They have areas they need to improve, but the positives do out number the negative which is promising heading forward this season.
Devin Hester shined and got that first return touchdown in two years and it helped Jay Cutler put it together. Yes, I'm not giving my full endorsement of his performance, but he did enough.
As usual, it was the defense that made the big statements ring true. The leader of all of that was the biggest acquisition made in the offseason, Julius Peppers. How amazing was he in the third quarter?
The stats might not show that the Bears did a lot of things right in terms of getting to the quarterback, but three big holding penalties and an intentional grounding speak for that.
Also, Brian Urlacher (So great to have him back) and Lance Briggs just continue to show how great they are together. Yes the Bears are 3-0 by way of a bit of some help, but you have to win those games if you're going to be a successful team and you have to give them credit for that.
This week, the New York Giants are on the docket, as the Bears get to check out the new Meadowlands. For once this season, the Bears are favored in a game and they'd rather be the underdogs. I think they have reveled in being the underdog and want us to not give them a shot so they can prove us wrong.
The Giants have shown they are not disciplined at all the last two weeks, and I'm not so sure that can go away after a week. It could be the key, again, for the Bears to win. I have not been impressed by Eli Manning all season and this could be another chance for the Bears to take a step forward.
Prediction: Bears 24, Giants 14


Before I get into my picks, I got an E-mail from a big Giants fan this week, that I have agreed to not talk about the game with this week so we wouldn't say anything lame to upset each other. Yes, On The Line Sports' own Vaughan Gartrelle wanted to chime in as things led into the game. These are his thoughts on the week:
"This is the week where it sucks to have two of your closest friends be bears fans. I will tell you this much my New York Giants will come out swinging. We have many problems but we are a team that plays extremely well under the owners pressure i.e. 2007. If I was in thee Giants locker room my pregame speech would sound something like this :

We played a damn good week one, instead of taking that momentum into week two for our game against big brother we let the media convince us we had no chance. And then in week three we did exactly what we should have done for week two and took that terrible momentum into a game that we should have won. No look at where it has us behind the eight ball let's just be glad we have many other shots before that's our concern. Now we must go out today and be the reverse of ourselves and be GIANT KILLERS. Let's go win on the big stage.

If this is the speech 20-13 giants if not 31-6 bears."



That was pretty good from V. But it's now time for my NFL Picks. Last week I delivered a great week and went 10-6 to push my record on the year to 28-20 for the season. Here is Week 4 with the winners in bold.
49ers at Falcons
Jets at Bills
Bengals at Browns
Lions at Packers
Broncos at Titans
Seahawks at Rams
Panthers at Saints
Ravens at Steelers
Colts at Jaguars
Cardinals at Chargers
Redskins at Eagles
Bears at Giants
Patriots (17) at Dolphins (14)

It should be a big week and the Nussie Hunter wanted to give you a girl that is a fan of sports to close things out. Is there one hotter than Kelly Brook right now? Yes she's made the blog twice in recent months, but that's because she's at the top of her game. Just check out the photo below. Then head over to Guyism.com to see her in a red dress. ALL HOT!

Right this way to the glorious 100th post! Thanks to you!

The road has been a bit confusing in getting here, and with people like those two -  R.J. and myself - trying to show you the way, I'm not so sure I ever thought we'd get here.
Yep, this is the 100th post of Wilber's Way. I owe a lot of the success of this blog to you the fans, the faithful followers of "The Way"
To be honest I started this site back in July when I thought I was getting out of the one thing I worked for since I was three. I wanted to keep some connection to sports and writing. Well, plans change and I stayed on at that other site that pays me. And the rest, as they say is history.



Yep, the very first item on this blog was that very video. Kind of fitting if you think about it. I started out a bit misdirected and have since found my way *BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE*
I've done some pretty good things on the blog over the first 99 posts. I'd have to say one I here the most about is the mancrush post. Yeah I sorta sweat a handful of guys. Not in a sexual way. I don't know what it is, the three I mentioned in that blog, Paul Rudd, Urijah Faber and Shia LeBouf are just confident young guys. Something I want to be.
I've also heard good things about man rules at sporting events. That one was one that I actually got input on from you the readers. There were some good notes in there. One I still stand by is the no proposing to your girlfriend at a game. I'm pretty sure I'm a sports nerd, I'm not tying that moment of hers to a game. No way.
On the sports side, the blog was pretty Brewers heavy during the Brewers season and I have my take on everything that has to do with the team.
And yes Wilber's Way endorsed a player. Of course we love Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder as well as Yovanni and Trevor, but those are obvious choices. Since spring training I had my eye on one Casey "Tits" McGehee. And as it was written Casey McGehee made a strong case for rookie of the year in the National League.
So much so that after the vote was released we recounted his personal Top 5 for the season, topped by the Holy Redeemer grand slam.
What was your favorite? Comment it below and tell me about it!



I went into a bit of new territory when I went away for a few days to cover the girls state volleyball tournament and turned the blog over to my friends. Vaughan (seen above pretending to take my life as he does from time to time) was the first to literally take a shot and he killed it. Then Amanda took a run at it and knocked it out the park. Then Wilber's Way picked up a college football writer in Golberg. Officially making it an eclectic staff for Wilber's Way.
There are plans for the Casey McGehee Fan Club's Co-President to pen a blog in a few weeks. Yes, El Rog will be taking over "The Way."
And honestly, I love seeing what other people have to say. I'm up for listening to educated sports discussions and seeing the funny others bring, too.
So, if I know you, shoot me a line. Pitch me an idea for your guest blog and I'll let you know a date. There will be some openings toward the end of March for sure during the state basketball run I'll be making at the Kohl Center.



Now for some new goodness for today's blog. I posted this on my Facebook the other day and it is just too awesome to not post here. I love LT, he helped me win a fantasy football title a couple years back, and this shows the man has some personality. Not the guy with the "Hit the Hole" shirt. Awesome mullett!



By now you've heard of the Jay Leno/NBC/Conan debacle going down. Well, Jimmy Kimmel, yes ABC's Jimmy Kimmel did his whole show Wednesday as Jay. Love the chin and love the lisp. Enjoy!



You thought that was good. Take a look at Conan's monologue last night. This is the whole episode, but the start pretty much sets the tone. Simply AWESOME!

Now for the 100th Nussie in Wilber's Way history. Did a lot of thinking about this and in doing the 99 Problems but a ____ Ain't one post the other day I realized this woman was not on the blog. Yes folks, I have neglected Jennifer Love Hewitt. She is one of my faves. Dunno what it is, but did you see Heartbreakers? Damn!



She was on the George Lopez show last night talking about "Vejazzling" Umm, you'll have to watch the video. That talk comes at about the 1 minute mark and again at 2:40. I'm not exactly sure what that is, but I might have to investigate ;)
And I have to give you a picture and pretty sure this one shows off J-Love!

Still recovering yet another Bears beatdown...

Hope none of you were completely turned off by what Vaughan wrote Friday. Heard someone hacked the account and he took things over. Haha. OK, I gave him the keys to the Ferrarri and he actually did a damn good job. Might need him again in a couple weeks, so look out! I actually owe him multiple beers now.



Didn't get a blog up Monday or Tuesday because I was so damn frustrated with the performance with my Bears last Sunday. It got very ugly at time with Kurt Warner just killing them all game. The lone bright spot of the game was Greg Olsen, who caught three touchdown passes from Jay Cutler.
Got a little quick side not before I get into anything regard that game. I know I talk a lot about Greg Olsen looking like He-Man. Take a look at G-Reg's photo here. Then peep the He-Man intro... Yeah, I'm not crazy. And yes, he did just miss out on being part of the ManCrush edition of the blog a couple weeks ago.



With a super short week for the team with a game Thursday night against the 49ers, and at the half-way point being 4-4, the season is in the balance in the next few weeks. The team says they are still confident they can save the season. It's not that I don't root for them (because I do), but I'm a realist and I have to be shown something encouraging and I haven't seen much of anything I like in the last few weeks.
I'll do a big-time preview of the game tomorrow before I run to Buffalo Wild Wings to catch the game on NFL Network. (I hope to have checks in the mail from both companies by the end of the week, thank you!).



Don't adjust your television sets, that is one last J.J. Hardy sighting on these pages. I know a certain someone (AJ, hope you're doing OK!) was rather upset when word came down he was traded to the Twins. I'm a bit miffed the move didn't yield pitching because this team is in dire need of it. But this starts kicking over a few dominoes as the team looks to build for 2010. I'm not doubting Carlos Gomez taking over in center field. He's got amazing speed and plays a great game in the field. That should be great. He doesn't hit well, which will need to be addressed, but is a problem.
With him taking over in center that means Mike Cameron is going to be out of town. Not a move I can say I endorse. Really was starting to like CAM (BOOGIE!), but have to go with a bit of a youth movement here to save funds to go after pitching.
That means the news out today that General Manager Doug Melvin is becoming more comfortable with bringing catching prospect Jonathan Lucroy up to take over the catching duties. He might not get the 134 games Jason Kendall did, but he's likely to get a large portion of them.
I don't mind any of these moves, I really don't, but as Journal-Sentinel columnist Michael Hunt said today, the youth usually means growing pains, and puts the team farther away from a pennant. Can't say I disagree with that. And why take a step back? The team has Prince Fielder's services for at least the entire 2010 season. Beyond, however, is uncertain as 2011 will be his final arbitration eligible year. The team needs to go for it now while they can.



One of the greats made it clear today he was hanging it up. Yep, Allen Iverson didn't want to come off the bench for the Memphis Grizzlies and has been given an extended leave of absence from the team. Not officially retiring, but it looks like it could be academic at this point. He is just fun to watch. For a guy that small to be able to do what he does is one of the most impressive things in all of sports.
Kind of funny though how, even to this day, he is remembered for this "Practice!" press conference from his days back in Philly...



Alright time for a bit more a fun and uplifting part of the broadcast. Yep, the Nussie Hunter! Time to get into something a bit more fun than looking at V's mom and girl. Today it's all about Isla Fisher. Got the idea from Amanda the other day to get her in this segment and you know I can't really find a reason not to. Let's see, she was funny in Wedding Crashers, was awesome in what is my fave Rom Com Definitely, Maybe and most important she's married to Sasha Baren Cohen. That says something about her: she loves a guy that can make her laugh, something I think I'm pretty good at. Well, without further ado...

Wil Who? It's Vaughan's Way Today

So with the little brother on assignment I am in charge fear for your lives............


As a native New Yorker, I am from Queens BTW (My mom is from the Bronx)....jerk, I am never one to expect a championship, but this one was deserved. I have been taking more ridicule than a bears fan in West Bend Wisconsin. Now we got it done, the pressure is lifted off of guys like A-Rod, Tex and CC and put exactly where it belongs to everyone who cannot use a Metrocard. Now the baseball world fears us once again and we reign supreme. TEX,A-ROD,CAP (#2), MO and DEK got it done .... My house still smells like Derek Jeter cologne and Miller Lite (my locker room celebration). Now this win puts NYC as a regional force (yea one city is more important than the whole region). The Giants wins over the Packers and Patriots put us on the map. THIS MADE US THE MAP. We fight again. Now if someone would remind the Knicks of that we would be in business. Being that the champagne is dry, the ticker tape is swept and the kids can go to sleep at a normal hour I must turn my energy to a group of 15 who play dead better than anyone in the Thriller videos (yea a Mike Jack Shout). And now I am watching Lebronathan destroy us, Happy Friday Drink up !!!! (post script the Knicks only lost by 9, POP THE BUBBLY)



In the note of the NBA and the wonderful New York Knicks. Do you remember when John Starks DUNKED on MICHAEL JORDAN and Horace Grant? I do it was the greatest day of my life (and I don't forsee that changing until I have a kid on purpose) P.S. John went up LEFTY!!! And P.P.S. When you Jordan fans admit that he got dunked on I'll put him in my top 20 players of all time.

So the NFL is happening this weekend I guess. And I am not nearly as extensive as that little boogie boy so I'll keep it simple. GIANTS beat the bolts unless Thor himself drops a bolt on Eli, Scary Pirates handled by the Green Bay Grocery Clerks, Thomas Braidme beats the fins himself. Fred Taylor slaps Larry Johnson. Ocho Cinco scores but "child please" you lose to Ray Ray. Game of the week is on Monday and I am chosing Big Ben to KAPOOOOWWWWWW Kyle Orton and John Elway too , by 15 (yea I gave you a number take it to Vegas).


So I wrote this as I was sitting at P.F. Changs drinking Mai Tai's and watching the Kicks ... (Knicks) get thowelleped (they were at the time) I can 't help but to think of my XMAS list. And besides a couple of Yankee things and Jordan Shorts (as close as i get to cheating on my girlfriend) I can't help but to realize that I need this ..................................... The Powermat



So basically you are telling me I no longer need cords???? Yea as we say in the Coaching/Drinking profession I'll do one. As a matter of fact I'll do two. Why two I'll spill vodka on one but hey I have another. "You know you are getting old when you want stuff like that...Yea I'll take a powermat and a Guiness. It's like an Irish Best Buy. Best thing ever." - Tony Champion.

So now for my Nussie section, this woman needs now introduction. She is the worlds most beautiful woman and I am not sure if she is even a Nussie (idk what it means) .............................



Will I chose between Mom and Girlfriend HELL NO !!!!!

Happy Weekend

An old Chicago rivalry revistied when the Cards come to town

Alright a little different look to things today. As I'm a day early with my Bears preview and my NFL picks. Well, you know that other site I write for? Well I got a long day of watching high school girls volleyball tomorrow, so I will not be able to get a post together. More on that later. On to today's post...

The Arizona Cardinals come to town this week. And to be honest I'm not sure how things will unfold. I'm not really sold on the Bears secondary being able to keep up with the horses, or rather, the gazelles the Cardinals can send out in pass routes. And since the Bears front four can't really generate any pressure on their own to knock old wobbly Kurt Warner onto his backside.
I'm saying we could be in for a long day and might have to turn Jay Cutler loose to keep the Bears in the game. But I'm not sure that would amount to much, either since they can't seem to keep him upright, either.
My take on the game is this: It's going to be sloppy and could be rather high scoring. I'm saying the defense that steps up and make a play in the end is going to win. As a Bears fan, why don't I think that's going to be my team?
Bears win this one 27-21

We all know what happened the last time these two teams got together. It was 2006 and the Bears were in the middle of a special season. The Bears ended up winning and then Dennis Green had steam blowing out of his ears.



Now to the usual Friday/Saturday goodness. The NFL Picks. Last week was a rough one as I only got 7 of 13 games correct. Here's to hoping Week 8 is much better! Winning team is in bold...
Redskins @ Falcons
Cardinals @ Bears
Ravens @ Bengals
Texans @ Colts
Dolphins @ Patriots
Packers @ Bucs
Chiefs @ Jaguars
Lions @ Seahawks
Panthers @ Saints
Chargers @ Giants
Titans @ 49ers
Cowboys @ Eagles
Steelers (14) @ Broncos (20)



Not a lot of Yankees talk today. A big hat tip to the Bronx Bombers for winning No. 27. Since I'm going to be covering state girls volleyball in Green Bay tomorrow, I'm handing the keys to the Porche off to my boy Vaughan, a Bronx native to take over for me and give his take on the Yankees. He's even got a Nussie in store for the Nussie Hunter. I have faith he won't disappoint. Be sure to comment and let him know what you think!

But before we sign off until Monday, it's time for today's Nussie Hunter portion of the broadcast. As I sit her with my boy RJ behind me, I'm figuring he's going to like this.
Got a text from AJ this morning and I can't say she was wrong with yet another suggestion for this segment. Hayden Panettiere has been on the radar since she was that screaming little girl in "Remember the Titans." You just knew she was going to be a cute kid. In fact, she was on the fourth ever Wilber's Way ever published. It was also a Covino and Rich mention, so I figure I'll make it up to her here. Enjoy and nite good folks!