The Redzone- 1 Game to Go, Season Recap

[hagansp]

THE REDZONE: 1 Game to Go, Season Recap
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Edition #3
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HOT 5 (Top 5 Popular Products of 2006 To Date)
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1. 2006 SP Authentic:

SP Authentic seems to be running away from Contenders right now, the price is inflating faster, and the hottness in resell value is much larger right now. The look of this product is similar to other years, and seeing the larger production run in most of the Patch/Autos I thought would maybe hurt SPA a little, but it has taken the #1 spot and does not look like it will be leaving anytime soon.

2. 2006 Playoff Contenders:

Contenders has come out of the box hot, and now with the short print releasing out, has taken somewhat of a downfall. I dont know what it is, but Contenders doesnt seem to have the #1 product of the year feel this year, as it did last year. But thats my opinion, still a top notch product pulling 4 autos per box!

3. 2006 Ultimate:

Ultimate is still new to the market, the pricetag is high but collectors know it is one of the premium sets of the year to get the big rookie auto out of. These cards will only go up over time if you hit right! Ultimate will remain a solid contender in the top 3. Grab it if you have the money!

4. 2006 Topps Chrome:

Topps Chrome remains hot, it is on the top sellers list of most wholesalers for 2006 and holds down another issue in the top 5. The Rookie autos are still what are driving this product along and the value remains hot. This is one of the mid tier products that hold good value and is good for all collectors.

5. 2006 Leaf Limited:

Leaf Limited is fading fast, but holds down a 5 spot. The look is similar to Limited over the past few years, however the pricetag per pack may be too high considering the potentially limited results you could receive. I have seen some very mixed results from Limited and that may be the reason it isnt as impressive this year.


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EARLY RELEASE INFO FOR 2006 PRODUCTS
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*Card Info and Pics are taken from Charmcitycards.com*

2006 Topps Triple Threads
APPROXIMATE Release Date: Week of January 22, 2007

Each sealed box contains 2 packs of 9 cards each in a 150 card base set including 90 #`d Veterans, 10 #`d Retired Greats, and 50 Autograph Rookie Triple Relic cards. Each box will contain ONE Triple Memorabilia card and ONE Autographed Triple Memorabilia card. Parallel sets: Veteran/Retired Greats (5 variations #`d to 499, 199, 99, 25, and 1-of-1), Rookie 5 variations #`d to 75, 50, 25, 10, & 1-of-1), and Platinum Autograph Memorabilia (Rookie #`d to 1, Triple Threads #`d to 1, and Triple Threads Combo #`d to 1). Inserts: Triple Memorabilia cards 1:2 (features 1 player & 3 memorabilia #`d to 36 and 3 players & 3 memorabilia #`d to 36; 5 parallel versions #`d to 27, 18, 9, 3, & 1), Autographed Triple Memorabilia cards 1:2 (features 1 player, 1 autograph & 3 memorabilia #`d to 18; 3 parallel versions #`d to 9, 3, & 1 and 3 players, 3 autographs & 3 swatches #`d to 36; 5 parallel versions #`d to 27, 18, 9, 3, & 1), White Whale (Autographed Triple Threads #`d to 1), and Framed Printing Plates (Veterans/Retired Greats each is a 1-of-1 and White Whale Autograph each is a 1-of-1)

2006 Playoff National Treasures
APPROXIMATE Release Date: January 29, 2007

Each sealed box contains 1 pack of 7 cards each. Each PACK contain SIX Memorabilia and/or Autograph cards. Inserts: Rookie Signature Combo Materials (dual memorabilia plus autograph #`d to 99 or less), NFL Rookies Autograph Memorabilia (features the one of the letters in N-F-L R-O-O-K-I-E-S plus autograph #`d to 80 or less), Charter Class Cuts Signature (#`d to 102 or less), Historical Cuts Signature (#`d to 50 or less), Presidential Historical Cuts Signature (#`d to 5 or less), Canton Classics Signature Prime Materials Jersey Numbers (dual memorabilia plus autograph or cut signature #`d to 99 or less), Timeline HOF Signature Prime Materials (triple memorabilia cards plus autograph or cut signature #`d to 25 or less), Super Bowls (single and dual autograph cards #`d to 10 or less), HOF Greatness Quad Signature Materials Prime (Quad Memorabilia plus Autograph #`d to 25 or less), and Prime Materials NFL Logo Signatures (#`d to 1).

2006 UD Exquisite
APPROXIMATE Release Date: January 29, 2007

Each sealed wooden box contains 1 pack of 3 cards each. Each PACK will contain ONE #`d Rookie Autograph card, ONE #`d Rookie Autograph Patch card, and ONE #`d Autograph card (either single, multi, memorabilia, or Legendary Cut). Parallel set: (#`d to 1). Inserts: Autograph cards 1:1 (Endorsements, Inscriptions, Legendary, Debut, Combo, Trio, Quad, Ticket Match Up, Signature: Swatch, Number, Patch, Foursome Patch; Rare Materials, NFL Logo: Dual, Quad; and Maximum Jersey) and Memorabilia cards 1:1 (Maximum: Jersey, Patch; Combo, Trio, and Quad). All parallels #`d to 1. Look for RARE Gold boxes which contain one 1-of-1 cards!


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TOP PLAYERS (Whose Hot! Non Rookies)
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1. LaDainian Tomlinson: Tomlinson may have had the single best season ever of any pro football player in league history. We all know he is an elite back, but how elite will he be when its all said and done. He is on pace to run past Emmitt...but will he keep it up?

2. Drew Brees: Brees has come out of nowhere this season, he has been a Pro Bowler in the past but is Super Hot with the Saints run in the playoffs. His season is over now, but you better believe he will hold onto the popularity he gained. What was SD thinking? They could have 1 and 2!

3. Peyton Manning: Peyton has finally reached the Super Bowl, and if he can win the Lombari Trophy his stock will skyrocket. For now I will put him at 3, because right now I dont know how it will effect his value, as its high so as it is. But watchout!

4. Larry Johnson: Larry Johnson had a solid year, but didnt have the stardom he had last season. Maybe it was because Tomlinson took all the spotlight, but LJ just didnt seem as flashy this year. Maybe nows the time to buy Johnson, as his value has come down a little.

5. Frank Gore: Gore had an amazing season, and with the 49ers building a strong franchise it could be time for Gore to take off! If he can put up similar numbers again next season, Gores stock will go off! He is one of the hottest guys out there to collect right now!

6. Tony Romo: Romo is cooling down now and has even dropped in book value in the most recent beckett. Will the botched snap be the last thing we remember of Romo, will he just fall into oblivion? I could see it. But he stays on the hot list because people keep buying him.

7. Tom Brady: Brady is going to go down in history as one of the greatest and he still has plenty of years left. He took his 1st playoff loss in a long time, but Brady will rebound and youll see his name on this list for a while!

8. Brett Favre: Retirement or not? I can already hear the annoying broadcaster on SportsCenter leading off the show with a Favre story. I would be fine if the guy hung em up and never played again, because I dont like him, but regardless, he is one of the greatest and most popular ever.

9. Phillip Rivers: Rivers had a solid season and was awarded by being invited to the Pro Bowl, in his 1st season he did not achieve any playoff wins but led the AFC in wins. Expect Rivers to come back strong next year and pickup where he left off.

10. Ben Roethlisberger: Roethlisberger is having a bad year but is still a very popular player for collectors to target. He books very well and a lot of collectors love his low value right now with high value down the road. Ben is having a bad year, but dont expect him to play like this for long.


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JUST MISSED LIST (Players on the verge)
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1. Steven Jackson: Jackson had an amazing season and reminds me somewhat of how Tomlinson did his 1st big year, tons of catches, tons of carries, just a beast at RB. SJack will start going up in value, VERY SOON!

2. Willie Parker: Parker might be the best RB not considered a top back in the NFL. Parker is absolutly sick and due to the Steelers down year not everyone noticed it. Parker has already developed his value, but could break out next season!

3. Marion Barber: Barber showed he can be a solid RB in the NFL this year, and his value went up as he got more touches. Barber can muscle the load and with a new coach coming to Dallas next year, he may be given a shot to be the go to guy!

4. Shawne Merriman: Merriman is arguebly the highest collected defensive player out there, ahead of Urlacher, Roy Williams and a few others...Merriman is just a beast...Wow, the 3rd Charger so far to be mentioned.

5. Carson Palmer: Carson had an up and down year this year, and as a result never got onto the Hot List, expect him to rebound with the Bengals next year and find a constant place on the Hot List!


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THE FUTURE (Top 3 Players to WATCH OUT FOR)
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1. Brandon Jacobs: With Tiki out of the picture, Brandon Jacobs could become next seasons Frank Gore, he could come into his own and develop into a starter and have his stock go up considerably. Jacobs has already seen a little pickup by collectors who are anticipating big things next year.

2. Jason Campbell: Jason Campbell looked like he grew a lot in the few games he played towards the end of this year. He started looking more confident and started making better throws as he progressed. Campbell looks like he will be the real deal in Washington!

3. Michael Turner: Turner will be one of the more attractive guys to watch this upcoming season of free agency, because if he signs to a team with a good rushing offense he could immediatly escalate into a stud back in the NFL.


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Hottest Rookies! (Whose tearing it up in Year #1)
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***This list will probably remain the same through the offseason***

1. Reggie Bush: Reggie Bush has taken the hobby and NFL by storm, and is by far the most sought after 2006 rookie out there right now! Everyone wants a bush auto...Reggie has Barry Sanders juke ability with flashlike quickness and speed.

2. Vince Young: Vince Young was named AP Rookie of the Year and is leading the 06 QBs right now. Vince is clearly a top tier collected Rookie of 2006

3. Maurice Jones Drew: Drew played really well this season and when given a shot to be a starter may show how good he really is! His quickness and agility has him making defenders miss left and right. Can his small body type hold up through the wear and tear though?

4. Joseph Addai: Some asked where Addai went the last few weeks, but according to the Colts they wanted to rest him so he could be healthy and strong for the playoffs...Finally the Colts did something right, because Addai looks strong in the Colts run to the Super Bowl, and they will need him vs the Bears.

5. Devin Hester: Devin Hester and has helped the Bears out in so many ways. Hester will only receive more hype as he helps take the Bears to the Super Bowl!

6. Marques Colston: Colston has cooled off due to an ankle injury, and showed he is a rookie in his 2 playoff games this year. Expect Colston to rebound strong next season though and proove to be one of the leagues top receivers!

7. Jay Cutler: Cutler is getting a lot of attention in the hobby right now because he is the future of the Broncos. Cutler will have the offseason to develop the skills and another training camp will only make him better.

8. Laurence Maroney: Maroney has dropped a little bit, and looks to be a little tentative in how he picks his hole and the drive he ran with early on in the season is lacking. Maybe he is still nagged by an injury, I dont know but we saw a different Maroney the 2nd half of the season.

9. DeAngelo Williams: DeAngelo should be the starter in Carolina next season and looked like he has some flash of ability this season. He remains a question mark for me, so do as you think with Williams.

10. Matt Leinart: We all know Leinart has the weapons to be amazing and put up huge numbers, he will come around. Grab him while you can, if you can!


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WHOSE NOT! (Players who are falling off want-list's)
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1. Charles Rogers/Mike Williams: 2 1st Round WRs, which have both translated to BUSTS for the Lions. Rogers is now an unsigned free agent, and Mike Williams may soon follow. Will we see another 1st Round WR for the Lions this season?

2. Daunte Culpepper: Culpeppers time to shine is now, he needs to get healthy and have a solid 2007 season or he may be lost forever.

3. Cadillac Williams: Cadillac Williams went from Rookie of the Year to a player who is not performing. Caddy has 1 TD and under 60 yards per game. This is a far cry from last years highest collected rookie!

4. Byron Leftwich: Byron is quickly becoming a question mark. He has the weapons, but hasnt been able to produce this year. Where will Leftwich play next season?

5. DeShaun Foster: Foster cannot stay on the field in Carolina. Every year we think Foster will have his breakout year and he has never been able to put together more then a few games. He was highly sought after in 2002, but has never really come around.


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Publisher's Rant!
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The 2006-07 Season has been a season full of surprises, ups, and downs. Noone would have predicted the Saints to be in the NFC Championship, The Colts to beat the Patriots, the Titans missing the playoffs by 1 game, or the Eagles to win the NFC east after being 5-6 and Jeff Garcia at QB. On the other hand, we all could have assumed Tomlinson was going to be a stud, Shaun Alexander was gonna get bit by the Madden curse, and the Raiders would struggle.

The season has come and gone, and only the Super Bowl remains. Not many people are giving the Bears much of a shot, but Ill say this, and we have all heard it before. Defense wins Championships, and we all know who has the better defense. I predict a Chicago win and a Peyton choke, but thats my thoughts, lets hear yours.

Below is the year end rankings of where the players and brands fall into place. I will continue to update and issue through the offseason but with limited activity its hard to see too many changes occuring. Enjoy! and as always, Leave comments!





Keep an eye out for The Redzone, as more issues will be published monthly. Keep in mind it is hard to update if I don't get feedback from you, so let's hear it! Reply!

[matt31387]

Great Work as Always Sean!!!