In case you missed the introductory post to this tournament, here is the underrated bracket:
Most Underrated Panthers
1. Chris Gamble | ??? | ??? | ??? | ??? |
16. Brentson Buckner | ||||
8. Mike Minter | ??? | |||
9. Nick Goings | ||||
5. Michael Bates | ??? | ??? | ||
12. Will Witherspoon | ||||
4. Thomas Davis | ??? | |||
13. Travelle Wharton | ||||
6. Brad Hoover | ??? | ??? | ??? | |
11. Keydrick Vincent | ||||
3. Al Wallace | ??? | |||
14. James Anderson | ||||
7. Jeff Mitchell | ??? | ??? | ||
10. Brandon LaFell | ||||
2. Charles Johnson | ??? | |||
15. Kris Mangum |
Today we're voting on the 1 vs. 16 matchup -- Chris Gamble vs. Brentson Buckner.
The one benefit of this matchup is I don't have to give a history lesson on either player since one is fresh in the minds of Panthers fans and the other was a member of the Super Bowl team. However, I do feel the need to use a few words to explain why they are in the tournament.
Chris Gamble is one of the most successful cover corners in recent NFL history, yet he was always underappreciated because he didn't rack up a lot of interceptions. For many fans, his ability to take away the #1 receiving option for the opposing offense wasn't good enough because he didn't rack up sexy numbers on a stat sheet, and for that reason he holds the #1 seed in the underrated bracket.
Brentson Buckner played on one of the greatest defensive lines in recent NFL history with Julius Peppers, Mike Rucker and Kris Jenkins, and he was part of the 2003 team that came just short of winning the Super Bowl. He would probably get a lot more recognition for his play in a Panthers uniform if he didn't share the spotlight with those three other guys, but he's underrated enough to hold down the #16 seed in our bracket.
So, who do you think is more underrated, Chris Gamble or Brentson Buckner? Vote in the poll below, and feel free to discuss your vote in the comments.
Please remember that voting will close in 48 hours.
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