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Here we go with another week's edition of my football IPO Insights. I hope everyone reading didn't take my advice on Derrick Mason, as he is the new SP of the 2003 set. But don't worry -- it's a pretty safe bet that another SP will be coming out soon!
Dante Hall is one of this year's early stars. He tied the NFL record by returning a kick or punt for a touchdown in 4 straight games. Too bad he didn?t break the record last weekend. Dante is in his 4th year with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was drafted out of Texas A&M and, until this year, nobody knew who this kid was. Unless he returns some more kicks for TD's he will probably fade into oblivion. Don't buy this card. You will be able to get it on eBay for a fraction of the IPO price.
Jerry Porter is a wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders in his 4th year. He has only 72 career receptions to date. Porter is the heir apparent to Jerry Rice and Tim Brown for the Raiders and is a popular player. Only time will tell on this one, however, once he becomes the Raiders' go-to guy, his numbers should climb in a hurry. With a max PR of 1500, a price tag of $4.00 and this being his first eTopps card let's buy this one at IPO!
The Steelers and Tommy Maddox are struggling to start the season. I'm not sure if Maddox has totally regained his form after a mid-season injury last year. This will be his 2nd eTopps card. He has a 2002 issue with a PR of 3,397 and SDA of around $2.50. Even with a lower PR this time around, I just don't see this card as very attractive. So, I'm giving it a big "thumbs down" and a strong recommendation to not check that IPO box!
Ladainian Tomlinson is a gifted running back in his 3rd year out of Texas Christian. He has already amassed 3,376 yards and 26 touchdowns in his career to date. With 2 other eTopps issues and a price tag of $6.50 this card has a shot at SP status. So, if you like the SP game, you might want to take a chance on this one. If not, you know where to get it on flip day.
Brian Urlacher is one of the true defensive superstars in the NFL. Many NFL experts would say the only linebacker who may be better than Urlacher is Ray Lewis (I just had to add this, as I am a huge Ravens fan). It's really a shame the Bears have not put a better team on the field to complement Urlacher's abilities. Since this card has a maximum PR of 1,000 and a $4.00 price tag let's give eTopps a break and pick this one up at IPO.
Jimmy Smith has been a real "playmaker" over the years for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville fans are lucky to have had a player like Smith who has given them so many spectacular catches to enjoy. The numbers on this one are enticing and I think its gonna be a sellout. Even so, my advice here is to stay away and don't buy this card.
Andre Johnson is a rookie out of the University of Miami. He has started the season off well with 28 receptions and 2 touchdowns for the Houston Texans in his first 5 games. Johnson may become QB David Carr's favorite receiver and develop a chemistry that makes him one of the game's next great wide receivers. Better get this one at IPO.
Musa Smith is a big strong running back out of Georgia. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens to back up Jamal lewis in case of injury. Smith showed some promise in the pre-season. However, a knee injury has prevented him from playing yet in the regular season. The knee is healed now and we should see Musa get some playing time soon. But, unless Jamal Lewis goes down to injury, I can't see this guy getting many snaps at all this year. Pass on this card unless you are a set builder or a big Ravens fan.
Thanks for reading and good luck to you and your favorite team!
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