Matt Kenseth 2014 Review
By Richard Tix
Season Grade: B
Year two for Matt Kenseth at JGR. First up, lets take a look at my preview of 2014:
"So, normally you would figure year two a team can get stronger, but is that possible? I do think that even though Kenseth was strong he has room for improvement in 2014. The #20 team seemed to be inconsistent at times and blazing fast others. In 2014 it is very possible he will post more top 5's and 10's but might fall off in the wins category and yet it could be a good thing. Consistency is what matters at the end of the day as long as you can get a few wins in the Chase." -Season Preview
If you are wondering, Matt Kenseth in fact did have less win's in 2014, more top 5's, and more top 10's. He was consistent and it almost paid off in 2014 (even without a win). However, the key part of my preseason statement was "as long as you can get a few wins in the Chase." That didn't happen and Kenseth finished 7th in points to end the year.
It was pretty obvious going into 2014 that he wouldn't have as many wins as he did in 2013 (7), but I don't think anyone thought he would end up win-less in 2014. Overachieving with a new team in 2013 might be part of it. JGR having fast cars in 2013 might have been part of it. JGR having slower cars in 2014 might have been part of it. Heck, maybe Matt Kenseth is starting to get past his prime?
One thing is for sure, Kenseth just wasn't dominate in 2014. He was a front runner in many races as he proved with his 13 top 5's, 22 top 10's (most since 2007), and two Pole Awards. So not all was lost in 2014, but that zero in the win column (first time since 2010) will eat at Matt all offseason.
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