Just when you think things are going in the right direction, you see exactly the opposite continuing to be the standard of operation. Both Certifed and Absolute seem to have ELEMENTS that are upgrades, but both Threads and now Gridiron Gear have proven that Panini refuses to get off of their ass and put together a product that collectors will actually want to buy.
The first thing that struck me about the preview was that both the base cards and the pull out cards do not seem to have changed AT ALL from last year. To an uninfomed collector, they might as well be the same set. People tout continuity as the excuse for this tactic, but continuity can be maintained with different and better designs that follow a similar theme. Not only that, but it wasn’t like 2010 or 2009 Gridiron Gear was on a level of visual appeal that should be tapped for continuity.
When you consider the rest of the preview, I see a lot of potential in concept, but a complete and utter failure in execution. The Crash Course card is a GREAT idea, but looks stupid, and will just be another set with 2 dollar 1 inch by 1 inch swatches. You finally get something that will work, and this is the way it comes to fruition.
Of course we are also getting the normal stale idea of plastic helmets for the second set this year, and the signed fields that no one cares about for the fourth year in a row. What is going on over in Texas that they think this is acceptable? Topps is basically showing that they are on track for greatness down the road, while Panini looks like they will be hanging a for sale sign in their window.
The last thing I want to talk about has PISSED THE EVER LIVING CRAP OUT OF ME ALL YEAR. Rookie Orientation is a dumb idea for a set. It takes the one part of college experience that everyone hates, and turns it into a card set that plays with the idea that they are just coming into the league. That isnt the worst part. This is like the FIFTEENTH GODDAMN SET THIS YEAR THAT IS USING THIS LAME ASS CONCEPT. They even are using those creepy ass studio shots for the millionth time. Football is an ACTION sport, with the potential for some of the most dynamic photography in the world. Yet, Panini decides that for a fifth set, they are going rookie orientation with studio shots. Its a bastardization of what should be on each card. Are they really THAT short of ideas? Someone needs to go over there and pull the Panini design team in for a brainstorming session because this is pathetic. Yes. Pathetic.
One of the most telling signs of laziness is failing to replace the subset “Plates & Patches” with something else after creating a spinoff product named “Plates & Patches”.
Possible subset replacements: “Freshman Fifteen” (highlighting the top fifteen picks), “Rush Week” (based around running backs), or “Dean’s List”(MVP Candidates). I joke, but I think these might be well received if I was in a Panini meeting.
Looks like Prestige. Damn, Panini’s designs are so redundant. If you just put hits from all their products side by side blindly, you’d think they were all from the same product.
HAHAHA! But I think ‘Freshman Fifteen’ should be the 15 heaviest rookie D-Linemen.
Is it just me, or does the bottom half of the Rivers base card look like the Buffalo Sabres logo?
One thing you have to give to Panini is that they’re consistant – consistantly awful, lazy, stubborn, deaf, etc etc etc…
Just one more reason to miss UD. They may be crooked, but they make good cards (usually).
I forgot bout gridiron gear and it’s hideous pull out jersey things. Def gonna invest in another product other than this