Here is the thing. I understand what Panini was trying to accomplish with Limited's retooling a bit, but I think its worth another look to figure out if it has done anything to save this product. After a DISASTEROUS 2013 edition, Limited was shaping up to be as irrelevant as ever, though I do think the 2014 product looks quite a bit more crisp.

Check out some of the bigger hits:

2014 Panini Limited Teddy Bridgewater Logo Patch Auto 1/1

2014 Panini Limited Elway/Davis/Smith/Sharpe Quad Auto

2014 Panini Limited Johnny Manziel Jumbo Patch Auto Logo /5

2014 Panini Limited Richard Sherman Triple Patch Auto Dirty Patch

Limited’s 100+ dollar price tag is up over previous years, with the understanding that many of the cards are what the product title promises. However, its pretty clear that there are quite a few reasons why this could be referred to as a sticker dump, which is everything Panini should want to avoid with a set like this.

At least the design of the cards is much improved, save the jumbo memorabilia cards, which I have no words for. The lack of foil and focus on higher end looking motifs do this product a lot of justice, especially in terms of the base cards and base autographs. Even cards with multiple players look really nice all things considered, and that is a step up from where we usually see cards of that type.

I think the Black, White and Gold color scheme helps to make the colorful jerseys of the players stick out more vibrantly, and from I what I gather, that’s on purpose. I still think that the team word logo cutouts would have been something that could have made the rookie patch autos a bit more attractive, but collectors dont like their event used relics to be covered up. I disagree with that, but I still like that they added some shape to the box without making it an ugly straight rectangle.

The jumbo memorabilia cards are what kill this set for me. You just cant make a vertical oriented card with a patch that big. It covers too much of the player, and obscures so much of the card that you lose all the things that make cards cool. Adding in a giant foil box for sticker autos is even worse, as it prevents more of the card from being seen.

Similarly, with Limited coming out around the same time as flawless, I have no idea why we are still consistently bombarded with rookie sticker autos for the guys who signed. We KNOW they were able to get done, so why neuter it further? Although I like that some of the guys have preseason game shots as their pics, which is a great addition when you have to go with stickers, but I am not ready to make the trade off yet.

When considering how far Panini still has to come with a set like this, I start to wonder what is in play for other products coming later this year. We all know Totally Certified is going to totally bomb like the totally horrendous product it is, but this one had potential. Kind of pissed about it still.