First Look: 2008 Exquisite Football

Well, first off, I am quite disappointed with the way this was handled by UD marketing. After conversing with UD over the last few months about getting these previews, they decided that it was still a better option to go the Beckett route rather with the blogs. I think that with the position that Beckett is in, as well as the way they approach their blog, the established card blogs should have been just as viable a route to get them at the same time.

I am not advocating exclusivity or even that I get them first, just an understanding that the card blogs are just as much a part of the online face of the industry as the idiots at the hobby's number one authority on douchebaggery.

Regardless, here is the first look at 2008 Exquisite.






I must say these preview show a MAJOR upgrade over last year. I love the way that the cards look in every single way. They finally changed the super swatch design, THANK YOU, and the subsets even look much, much better. I dont like the helmet off look for the RC triple, so that is pretty frightening that other cards may be done the same way. All of that is definitely overshadowed by the awesome, awesome, design of the RC auto patches. I love it all the way. I just hope that the blue sharpie isnt as much of a problem as I expect it to be.

There were other cards that were released, some of which may be part of that special add on to the packaging, but it wasnt totally clear. As Gregg mentioned a few months ago, there will be a new part of exquisite called the "Exquisite Gold" in the form of a one card pack containing an auto or auto relic. I am really excited so far, congrats to UD on a great design this year.

Vikings Recap: Week 1

Well, week one is officially over, and the Vikings (of course) lost. For the Vikings fans out there, I want to break down a few points of the game and move on to a tough game next week.

Coaching

I cant say enough about how badly the Vikings were outcoached. McCarthy layed out a masterful first half after his offense rattled off penalty after penalty, and really, that made a huge difference. All I have to say is that Childress is lucky to have All Day who can make something out of the boring plays he calls. Without Peterson, the Vikings would be the most boring team on the planet thanks to Brad "the Brain." In fact, the Vikings basically scored 19 points off of luck and Peterson to make this game even look close. That was disappointing.

Also, can someone please fucking tell me who told Childress to allow Jackson to throw 35 times? Are you fucking serious? That made me angrier than hell. You send Peterson out there until he cant run, and then you send Taylor to pick up the pieces (if there are any). If both are being stopped, you consider throwing over taking a knee and punting. Its not "Throw, Throw, Throw, Punt" you idiot. I hope that changes next time.

Penalties

When the Packers were about to score their first touchdown, the Vikings stopped them like eight times before Rodgers finally got it right. Thanks to 3 mindless penalties in a row, the Packers got 7 points instead of 3. What the fuck? I was seriously screaming at the TV.

Fast forward to the deep ball where douchebag extraordinaire Al Harris clobbered Bernard Berrian. It was so blantant a penalty, that I almost couldn’t watch the rest of the drive due to anger. What bullshit. Its almost like the Packers were supposed to win, but im sure bad play from the Purple helped a bit.

Peterson

The only bright spot for the Vikes (as usual). The 35 yarder in the first quarter made it look like he was going to have a big game with close to 65 yards in the first quarter, but of course, Childress sucks. At least he got his TD.

Jackson

I didn’t think Jackson played that bad with what he was given. He got a bunch of yards on the ground and basically had the same stats as Rodgers, minus the 35 attempts. He shouldn’t get more than 20 tosses a game, and then he may win some for us. If he continues to be a chucker, forget it.

Defense

Can someone tell me where these guys were all game? They let Grant break off a 50 yarder on them, and they didn’t sack a "rookie" QB with a banged up OLine. That is borderline inexcusable. I hope Allen, Edwards, and the Williamses are running laps today.

McKinnie's absence

We need him back - NOW. The pocket was smaller than Childress' brain. He really makes a huge difference, and it was beyond obvious how desparate we are for him. Im serious that players need to ask themselves "what would goodell do?" before making plans for the night. If it is more than watching the Notebook on DVD, they need to reconsider and replan. Thanks No Fun League...

Overall, this game was one the Vikings needed to and should have won. The Colts will be tough, and Im not sure if they will win. The home team could be losing the next two to end up 0-3. That would be a tragic start to what should have been a good year. I am crossing my fingers it doesn’t happen.

Im looking at you, Tjack and The All Day Funky Bunch. You better come to play this week.