Month: February 2018

Categories
FANTASY Uncategorized

NFL Fantasy Free Agency – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-39

Serious fantasy implications

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This is a huge year for Fantasy Free Agency.  Of course a lot of the attention will be on the group of Quarterbacks that are available.  I’ve already made my predictions for what might happen with them in my Quarterbacks Carousel blog entry.  In this article I’ll highlight a few of the more intriguing Free Agents that could seriously effect the Fantasy Football outlook for next Season.  There are some really intriguing possibilities that have the potential to transform franchises.

Wide Receivers

Allen Robinson & Marqise Lee – it wasn’t that long ago that the Jacksonville Jaguars duo was arguably one of the best Wide Receiver tandems in football.  Even though the Jaguars had a great Season, and even won a playoff game.  It wasn’t because of the play of their two Free Agent Wide Receivers.  Marqise Lee had a pedestrian Season of just over 700 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Allen Robinson spent the almost the entire Season on IR.  When healthy Allen Robinson is the better Wide Receiver.  He can be a true star in the NFL, and I expect the Jacksonville Jaguars to resign him.  Marqise Lee will probably find himself wearing a new jersey next Season.  Any team interested in adding a speedy Receiver with good hands could make an offer.  I wouldn’t be surprised if the New York Jets, New England Patriots, or Dallas Cowboys make a play.

Sammy Watkins – people were stunned when the Bills dealt Sammy Watkins to the L.A. Rams.  Word got out that Sammy wasn’t interested in remaining a Buffalo Bill, so only one Season away from Free Agency the Bills decided to deal him.  Sammy Watkins didn’t have the kind of Season we were used to seeing from him.  It took a while for Goff to get on the same page with the ridiculously quick Wide Receiver.  The one thing that wasn’t missing from Sammy Watkins repertoire was his big play potential as evidenced by his 8 touchdowns on only 39 receptions. That’s a touchdown every five times he catches the ball.  That’s absolutely insane!  I would expect a Season of catching balls from Goff, and an off season to get their timing on point will turn Watkins into a true number 1 Wide Receiver once again.  The L.A. Rams should sign him, and after a couple subpar Seasons they’ll get him for a deal.

Terrelle Pryor – will the real Terrelle Pryor please stand up.  After a break out Season in Cleveland in 2016.  Terrelle Pryor just couldn’t get it going in Washington.  A former quarterback Terrelle Pryor has the ability to adjust to new systems relatively quickly.  The Redskins are notorious for looking outside their own locker room when adding talent.  That makes it very unlikely that Terrelle Pryor will be a Redskin next Season.  There are industry insiders that have said the Panthers, Steelers, and Seahawks are all interested.  Between those three I see the Carolina Panthers as the best fit.

Danny Amendola – lets be honest here.  Amendola might have had his last quality Season.  He’s not getting any younger, and he has a reputation for being brittle.  In my opinion the only team that might have some genuine interest in Danny Amendola is the New England Patriots.  He will probably get a two year contract for very little money as a security blanket in case Edelman gets hurt again.  It doesn’t sound too appealing does it?  Well actually for Amendola it might be exactly what he wants.  Best case scenario he sees maybe 25% of the offensive snaps.  The Patriots win another Superbowl with him on the roster.  Due to his injury concerns, and veteran status he gets to take it easy at practice, and during training camps.  The alternative is to call it quits.  Hang up the cleats and retire.  After having one of his better Seasons i don’t think he’s ready.  I see him as a Patriot for at least one more Season.

Jordan Matthews – this one has me scratching my head.  We haven’t had much of a sample size to evaluate Jordan Matthews.  One thing is for sure.  The Revamped Bills head office was quick to clean house, and build their team.  Acquiring Jordan Matthews was one of their moves.  So it remains to be seen if they stick with their guy, or accept that he was a bust.  The good news is that if they decide to keep him.  He definitely won’t cost much.  The bad news is that there are quite a few teams looking for Wide Receiver help.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Matthews takes a few calls from some other teams.  There could be a lot of teams interested including the 49ers, Dolphins, Browns, Chiefs, and Redskins.  I believe that there’s a very good chance that he ends up in Miami.

Running Backs

Dion Lewis & Rex Burkhead – here’s the problem that everyone faces almost every Season.  Are the Patriots Running Backs any good, or are they just a product of a good system that forces defences to focus on containing Tom Brady?  Obviously last Season LeGarrette Blount proved that he was for real.  I’m willing to bet that Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead aren’t.  I’m not saying that they aren’t good Running Backs.  I’m just saying that neither one is more than a platoon or backup player.  Which suits the Patriots just fine.  Their platoon system prevents any one Running Back on their roster from standing out.  That in turn makes resigning them relatively easy on the cheap.  So in most cases that’s what happens.  Only this year things are a little different.  A number of Patriots coaches have left for greener pastures with other franchises.  One such franchise that could use a serviceable Running Back is the Detroit Lions.  I wouldn’t be surprised if they make a move to land one of these and offer them a larger role in the offence.  I see Dion Lewis as the more versatile of the two, and could be wearing the Lions Blue and White next Season.

Carlos Hyde – a lot of people have doubts about whether or not Carlos Hyde is a true number one Running Back in the NFL.  I will go on record as saying that I don’t have any doubt.  Carlos Hyde is definitely a number one Running Back.  What people have forgotten is that until recently the quarterback situation in San Francisco has been a mess.  Hopefully for Carlos Hyde, and the San Francisco 49ers signing Jimmy Garoppolo to a long term contract has fixed that.  With a quality signal caller taking the snaps, Carlos Hyde should find a little more running room.  I expect the 49ers to sign him because having a veteran Running Back that knows the system will only Jimmy Garoppolo progress smoothly.

Le’Veon Bell – look I wasn’t even going to talk about Le’Veon Bell because it’s pretty obvious what will happen in this case.  On second thought though I realized it actually isn’t completely obvious.  There are two scenarios that could play out.  Scenario 1 is that the Pittsburgh Steelers pay him what he wants and he continues to slice his way through defences.  Scenario 2 is that the Steelers and Bell fail to reach an agreement and he holds out.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he was willing to sit out the Season.  Bell has been the most consistent Running Back during his current contract.  Unless the Steelers are willing to make him the highest paid Running Back.  There could be a serious impact on Fantasy Football next Season.

Jerick McKinnon – after Dalvin Cook went down last Season.  Jerick McKinnon finally showed some of that explosiveness many of us expected to see right out of college.  Unfortunately for him he will be relegated to being a backup running back once the Season starts.  Minnesota will be interested in paying him as one, but there will be other teams that recognized his star potential.  Possible fits are with the Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Houston Texans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  I would see the Houston Texans as a perfect fit.  The addition of McKinnon could really make for an explosive offence.

Tight Ends

Jimmy Graham – Jimmy Graham’s career plays out like a highlight reel and last Season was no exception.  10 touchdowns and it took a while for Jimmy to really get rolling. Jimmy Graham strikes me as a bit of a Mercenary.  He will go wherever the money takes him, but I don’t believe he’s interested in playing for a losing franchise.  The Seattle Seahawks just missed the playoffs last Season so that might just be the push Jimmy needed to look elsewhere.  Some may argue that him and Russell Wilson were really beginning to click last Season.  Well it wasn’t like he didn’t click with Drew Brees in New Orleans.  It will take a fair amount of money to keep him, and Seattle is limited with cap space.  The teams with the deepest pockets that Jimmy could be interested in are the L.A. Rams, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and Houston Texans.  The only one of those three with a truly veteran Quarterback is of course the Patriots so I see him there.

Tyler Eifert – I’ll go on record as saying that Tyler Eifert is a total bust.  The Bengals know it, and unfortunately for Eifert so does everyone else.  The bengals won’t keep him unless it’s for peanut money.  He’s most likely to land on a team looking to start a rookie quarterback, or first year starter.  That way he can serve as a big physical target across the middle as the rookie develops.  That limits his potential landing spots to Cleveland, Houston, San Francisco, or Cincinnati.  I believe Cincinnati re-signs him for a song.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins – it took a while but Austin Seferian-Jenkins showed some signs of brilliance last season.  The New York Jets have some of the deepest pockets right now.  Although you should expect a large portion of their cap space to go to signing a marquee quarterback.  Still i expect them to have enough money left over to keep Seferian-Jenkins.  I fully expect him to be wearing Jets Green next Season.

Keep close attention!

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Categories
GOLF

Golf & Travel show Giveaway!!!

Got to Play to Win!

This contest is open to all North American Subscribers. All you have to do is complete the three steps to enter.  This contest is totally free!

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Gain additional entrys by introducing yourself to me at the Toronto Golf and Travel show this weekend and saying “I’m a fan of Cobe Life Golf”. I’ll be easy to spot. Just look for the guy in Orange pants!  Contest will close February 28th, and the draws will be held on March 1rst.

Thank you for becoming a member of the Cobe Life crew.  Good luck!

Categories
FISHING Uncategorized

The one that got away – The Right Angle RA-19

Promises Promises

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I’m sure some of you are expecting a recap of what my first Ice Fishing experience was like.  Well sorry to disappoint you but that hasn’t happened yet.  There has been a number of reasons as to why I haven’t made my way out on to the ice yet.  I’m not afraid to admit that the greatest of which is my resistance to spending quality time freezing my ass off on a frozen lake.  Does that make me a little bit less of a Canadian?  If it does, so be it.  IdI rather be a poor excuse for a Canadian than frozen on a lake to prove a point.  Don’t completely give up on me yet though.  My resistance to participate in anything that requires a Parka isn’t the only reason.  I’ve had health issues to deal with this winter.  I had a business opportunity related to my website that was too good to pass up.  Finding someone else interested in going Ice Fishing is actually more difficult than I expected it to be.  Keep in mind I expected it to be tres difficult!  It’s down right next to impossible.  There aren’t too many people that live in Toronto that think hanging out in a hut on a frozen lake in the middle of winter is an entertaining idea.

My intentions are good

As unappealing as Ice Fishing sounds to me.  I have a very strong suspicion that it would make for some great material.  Could there be better video content of me totally unimpressed, and pissed off with a situation I have no way out of?  What if I actually enjoy it?  I know that’s highly unlikely, but I’m not completely dismissing the possibility.  That could actually make for better material.  I’m willing to bet that one Ice Fishing trip would equal a two part, or maybe even three part Blog series.  No other fishing trip has provided that.  So if you think I’m looking for ways to avoid doing this, you’re wrong.  I really do want to try Ice Fishing. My intentions are good.  I just haven’t had the opportunity present itself.

It’s not all bad news

On a lighter note, the temperature outside has been slowly, but steadily increasing.  It’s already beginning to feel like Spring is on itsi way.  My window for Ice Fishing is closing, but so what.  With Spring comes easy access to rivers, and a lot more fishing for me.  That also means a lot more The Right Angle posts for you.  I already have a couple of Fishing trips planned so you will have some original content to look forward to.  That also means that I’ll be taking some fantastic pictures as well.  I can’t wait.  Hopefully neither can you.

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Categories
GOLF Uncategorized

The one club a Beginner Golfer should get fit for! Beginner’s Guide to Golf

The Big Stick

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There are a number of things that I wish I knew when I first got started golfing.  The one that would have most likely saved me the most time, effort, and frustration is getting properly Fit for a Driver.  I didn’t completely screw up when it came to selecting a Driver.  I waited until after I had developed a somewhat repeatable swing.  I selected a Driver with a large, adjustable club head.  I didn’t break the bank hoping that the newest technology would make a significant difference.  All of these decisions helped, but not getting Fit made them affectively moot.

Industry Tricks

  Something you may not be aware of as a Beginner.  I know that I wasn’t.  The majority of Drivers on display in retail stores, and pro shops have extra long shafts.  Chances are good that if you purchase a Driver off the rack.  The shaft length will probably be too long for you.  Greatly increasing the difficulty of making proper contact with the ball.  I mean unless you are six feet five inches tall, a shorter shaft length is probably better.  Now you are probably wondering why so many people just walk into stores, try a few Drivers, and then buy one without making any custom adjustments?  I did just that, and everyone I usually play with did as well.  It’s because the majority of newer players assume that they won’t be able to just hit a perfect drive with a new Driver the first few times they swing it.  So what do we do?  We have the store rep provide us with a few Drivers to try in the simulator, and swing away until we catch one absolutely perfect.  You know what happens then?  Well anyone who has researched Driver technology, or understands a little bit of science knows that a longer shaft equals a greater swing speed.  Then of course the greater swing speed equals a greater force of impact on the ball.  Which then sends the ball that much further.  And voila!  You are so impressed with the end result you buy the Driver exactly as it was set up at the time.  You just assume that after a bit more practice you will be able to repeat the result you achieved with that perfect contact in the simulator.  A few of you are lucky enough to be the correct height, or have just the right swing to repeat that result.  The reality is though that most of us aren’t.  Took me a full two seasons to make that realization.  That’s countless numbers of rounds of Golf where my round suffered due to poor Tee shots.  All because I didn’t want to pay the additional $50 to get fit.

Night & Day

  Recently I have had a simple Driver fitting done.  My local Golf Town Rep knows me well enough that after testing numerous clubs made a couple simple suggestions.  I didn’t end up purchasing a new Driver.  I just purchased a new shaft.  Went from a Regular flex to a Stiff.  The shaft had a slightly different kick point to help with my launch angle.  I had the shaft length reduced to 44.5 inches.  It’s now only one inch longer than my 3 Wood.  At first I was worried about losing a lot of distance.  I’m not a long hitter to begin with.  In actuality after testing the new set up I hit it just as long.  Truth be told I effectively hit it longer because my trajectory has improved.  I used to be nervous on the Tee.  Dreading the possibility of hitting a wicked slice, or even worse, catching it thin or popping it up, and it goes no where.  My last time testing the new Driver in the simulator I repeatedly made good contact.  Sure I hit the occasional slice but I never made such poor contact that I’d be asking my playing partners for a Mulligan.  It really made me wonder how low my handicap would be if I spent the last two seasons swinging the Driver with the confidence I now feel.  So many tight Fairways i could have taken a shot at, instead of laying up off the Tee and intentionally playing for Bogey.

Don’t be me

  One of my main reasons for creating this website is to educate others with what I’ve learned.  Hopefully saving you from making the same mistakes that I made.  I’m no natural when it comes to Golf, but I have progressed somewhat quicker than most.  With the few tips and insights I’m able to share I hope that you will progress even faster with your game, and maybe you’ll be able to give me a tip of two some day.

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Categories
FANTASY Uncategorized

Quarterback Carousel – Sports Fanatics play Fantasy SF-38

Should I stay or Should I go?

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There are a lot of Free Agent QBs available this off season, and a couple interesting backups that could find themselves as trade bait during the draft.  Last Season was one of the greatest years in NFL history for backup Quarterbacks.  They performed so well that there are teams like the Minnesota Vikings that don’t rightly know who their starter actually is.  Then you have situations where you can argue that a team has two starting Quarterbacks.  The Superbowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles come to mind.  Even though Superbowl MVP Nick Foles has a year left on his contract.  Can you really keep him as a backup who will ride the bench all Season, and significantly reduce his value?  Then you have teams with starting Quarterbacks that just don’t seem to want them.  The Buffalo Bills benched Tyrod Taylor, and all he did was get them to the playoffs for the first time in 17 years.  The New York Giants benched Eli Manning ending his consecutive games started run.  I guess two Superbowl rings only buys you a little patience.  What i find especially amusing are the number of teams that will probably let their current starter leave in Free Agency, and potentially just sign another.

Top Targets

Drew Brees – Drew Brees has been the face of the New Orleans Saints franchise for what feels like forever now.  His current contract has come to an end.  The New Orleans Saints can’t simply franchise tag him because a clause in his last contract prevents it.  So if the Saints want to keep him they’ll probably have to offer him a great two or three year deal.  Even if another team offers him a huge money deal.  I don’t expect Brees to take it.  He has already said that he wants to end his career as a Saint.  I’m sure that’s what he’ll do.

Prediction : Signs with Saints

Kirk Cousins – the Kirk Cousins Washington Redskins fiasco is finally over.  The Redskins have already signed Alex Smith.  So Kirk Cousins will have begun packing his bags.  Over the last few Seasons his numbers have been excellent.  Although there are some who believe that performance without results is misleading.  I prefer to look at what he was able to achieve with so little.  Most people would be hard pressed to tell you who his number 1 Wide Receiver was last Season.  Anyone know who the number 1 Tight End is in Washington?  Whoever it is, they’re probably injured.  Kirk Cousins made the most out of what was available to him.  At times it felt like the Washington Redskins were doing everything in their power to make him fail so they might sign him at a discount.  Well Kirk Cousins didn’t fail, and there will be a huge amount of interest from a few teams to sign him.  The three teams i see making the greatest push are the Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets.  Who he eventually signs with will be about whether he’s after the money, or a Superbowl Championship.

Prediction : Signs with Broncos

Case Keenum – The first of the three Minnesota Vikings Quarterbacks on this list, and definitely the most successful.  Case Keenum proved that he can be a starting Quarterback in the NFL.  His poor performance in the NFC Championship game will give some people pause.  There will be a lot of speculation about what he’s worth in the current Quarterback market.  I’m certain that many General Managers will decide that it’s too much.  Guaranteed that he will be the highest paid of the three Minnesota Vikings Quarterbacks in 2018, but who will pay him?  Well if the Broncos aren’t able to sign Cousins, I can see them make a play for Keenum.  They already have a great Defence, and that’s one of the reasons Keenum had success in Minnesota.  Truth be told though I think helhe end up elsewhere.

Prediction : Signs with the Browns

Sam Bradford – If only he could stay healthy.  Sam Bradford could be getting the kind of attention Kirk Cousins is right now.  When healthy he’s one of the most accurate passers in the NFL.  There are more than a few fans that thought he should be starting in last Season’s playoffs.  He has had such an injury riddled career that any team interested in Sam Bradford needs to also have a quality backup.  It’s this requirement that seriously limits the amount of teams that will be interested.  Among them i see Arizona, Jacksonville, and Buffalo as the most likely to make an offer.  I just don’t expect them to offer very much.  A one year contract, that’s heavily performance incentivized for high end backup money sounds about right.  That’s why I don’t think he will accept any of those offers.

Prediction : Signs with the Vikings

Teddy Bridgewater – The charismatic signal caller that showed great promise before going down with a Season ending injury.  He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings to become their Quarterback of the future.  Now at the end of his rookie contract with only a small sample size of how his recovery effected his abilities.  I expect that he will remain as the Minnesota Vikings Quarterback of the future.  Between him and Bradford they will have two good Quarterbacks that are fully versed in their system.

Prediction : Signs with the Vikings

Josh McCown – Is it just me or does it seem like a lot of NFL Quarterbacks are getting better with age?  Josh McCown had arguably his best Season in the NFL with one of the most talent poor teams.  Throwing to a group of unwanted castoffs from other teams.  Guys you would have no problem picking up off your Fantasy Football League waiver wire.  Josh McCown had almost 3000 yards with 18 Touchdowns against only 9 interceptions, and a 67% completion rate.  Imagine what he might have accomplished with a roster that included a couple star players!  At this point in his career he won’t cost whichever team signs him a lot of cap space.  Given his age I would expect a team that believes that they can win right now to make a play for him.  That list includes Arizona, Buffalo, and Denver.  I’ve already picked Denver to sign Cousins.

Prediction : Signs with the Cardinals

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Categories
GAMING

What’s next? The Gamer in me GL-25

Been there, done that.

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I’ve been a Gamer for what feels like forever now.  Video Games have managed to take up a significant amount of my free time.  From the first generation of home game systems to PS4 and Xbox One, I’ve played them all.  From a competitive stand point Sony leads the way outselling Microsoft by akmoal 2 to 1.  Nintendo has put themselves back on the map with the Nintendo Switch.  The fastest selling handheld game system ever.  Although it’s the newest system on the market there’s nothing particularly ground breaking about the technology that’s in it.  Actually none of the big three manufacturers have really pushed the limits with their current systems.  Probably the most advanced of the three is the addition of PlaystaPlay VR to the PS4.  Of course you can now play virtual reality games on some cellphones.  It’s not as though the Game systems are lagging behind current technology.  They are actually taking full advantage of what’s available.

Therein lies the problem

With sales of current generation Gaming Systems apparently flatlining.  The question that’s being asked more and more often is when the next generation of Games Systems will be released?  In the past when next generation systems were being proposed people got excited.  I remember the feeling of anticipation well because I have been an early adopter of new Systems for quite some time.  The thing is that people had good reason to be excited because the current systems used to be far behind the capabilities of the current technology.  The problem Game system manufacturers face now is that there’s nothing new to offer.  Best possible picture quality available today is 4K/HDR.  Can a current game system reproduce that?  The answer is yes.  Virtual Reality gaming? Check.  Local multiplayer and online multiplayer capabilities? Yep got that too.  Massive storage space to make your game library portable?  Absolutely no problem.  About the only thing a Game system manufacturer could offer the consumer to entice them to buy a new system is access to the newest games.  Limit New releases to being available for the newest system only.  Thus forcing the consumer to having to buy the newest system.  Even though the capabilities of the newer system aren’t actually superior to the previous generation.  That’s a scary thought.  To pull it off they would have to offer marquee titles exclusively through their own development house, or get the independent software developers on board.  Not an easy thing to accomplish, but not impossible.

On the horizon

So what should we really expect to happen?  Well what you should expect is that as newer Audio/Video technology becomes available.  Game System manufacturers will look to release their latest system along with it.  As someone who has worked in the Audio/Video field for many years i can confidently inform you that there isn’t any breakthrough technology on the way.  As far as Video resolution is concerned, 4K is about as good as it gets.  I don’t doubt that 6K, and possibly even 8K screens are on the way.  The problem with that is our eyesight can’t reasonably discern the difference between 4K and 8K.  The pixel density is already so high at 4K that anything more looks the same.  Actually the greatest step forward in Video quality occurred when HDR was introduced.  The thing about HDR is that it really only requires a high quality screen that can reproduce the Contrast and Colours.  As long as the source (digital download or Blu-ray) contains an HDR game.  All the Game system requires is the necessary software, and processing power.  Current generation systems either already have it, or could easily add it through a software update.

Need not Greed

The best we as consumers can hope for is that the Game systems manufacturers continue to invest in their current hardware.  Offering add-ons like Playstation VR, or high quality gaming controllers to increase their revenue.  Maybe even offering major software upgrades as an option for a cost.  The only thing I don’t want is a PS5, or Xbox Two that does exactly what my PS4, or Xbox One does now.

Categories
GOLF Uncategorized

Giga Golf TRX Irons testing – A Beginner’s Opinion

A full month and counting

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I’ve  had the Giga Golf TRX Power Slot Irons with a standard length True Temper Feather Flight Firm shaft for just over a month now.  As a resident of Toronto Ontario Canada, weather has prevented me from hitting them outdoors so all of my testing has been in simulators thus far.  Although this is still a limited sample size in a very controlled environment.  I’ve been able to make a few interesting conclusions.

Distance

I have tested many Super Game Improvement, and Game Improvement Irons over the last few years.  This has provided me with a very good understanding of how far i can effectively hit a 7 Iron.  Worst case scenario is around 138 yards, and my personal best average is 151 yards.  The Giga Golf TRX Irons preformed admirably.  My average distance with the TRX 7 Iron is 145 yards.  Only 6 yards less than my personal best which was achieved with the Srixon Z355 7 Iron.  It’s important to note that the Srixon 355 Irons set averaged out to $125/Iron, and the Giga Golf TRX Irons were only $50/Iron.  Both Irons are 37 inches long, but the TRX 7 Iron has a one degree stronger loft at 30 degrees.  Although peak heights during testing were the same.  6 yards might seem like a lot to some people, but provided your gapping is good the shorter total distance has very little affect on your game.  Overall my distance with the Giga Golf TRX Irons is better than the majority of clubs I’ve tested.

Dispersion

In the grand scheme of things, dispersion is far more significant to me when evaluating Irons.  My set includes 6 Iron down which for me act as my scoring clubs.  I’m not the longest hitter so I leave myself a lot of 6 or 7 Iron approach shots into Greens.  The tighter my shot dispersion is, the closer i am to the Pin on average.  The Giga Golf TRX Irons have really shined in this area.  My previous set of Irons were Super Game Improvement Irons from Adams.  Although they were very easy to hit.  Controlling the shot dispersion with those Irons wasn’t easy.  With the Adams Idea Tech V4 7 Iron I had about an 18 yard dispersion.  With the Giga Golf TRX 7 Iron I have an average total dispersion of only 9 yards.  Reducing my average total dispersion by 50% can be the difference between a Green in Regulation, or landing in a Greenside bunker.  To be honest I haven’t kept detailed records of the shot dispersions of all of the 7 Irons I’ve tested.  I can tell you that the Giga Golf TRX 7 Iron shot dispersion is 3 yards better than what I achieved with the Srixon Z355 7 Iron though.  Whether it’s as a result of the increased distance with the Srixon 7 Iron, or better face impact with the Giga Golf TRX 7 Iron I can’t be sure.  For the time being I’m more than impressed with the Giga Golf TRX 7 Iron performance.

Forgiveness

As i mentioned earlier my previous set of Irons were the Adams Idea Tech V4 Super Game Improvement Irons.  As such they were incredibly forgiving.  Shots made from all over the club face travelled relatively far. My average total distance with the Adams Idea Tech V4 7 Iron was 140 yards.  Impacts out of the toe were only about 4 yards shorter.  Impacts out of the heel were only a touch worse averaging 6 yards shorter.

The Giga Golf TRX 7 Iron isn’t as forgiving.  Shots out of the toe and heel are around 10 yards shorter.  Practically a full club shorter for most golfers.  Again this might sound terrible considering how many companies tout increased forgiveness as a feature.  What you need to understand is that with increased forgiveness comes a decrease in feel.  For the first time I’m able to notice when I’ve made poor contact.  This has led to me developing a more consistent strike as a result.  Although my suspicions haven’t been totally confirmed.  I’m beginning to believe that Super Game Improvement Irons help you score better but don’t actually improve your game. Whereas Game Improvement Irons do exactly what their designation suggests.  They actually do help to improve your game.  I wouldn’t be surprised if after a full season playing with the Giga Golf TRX Irons that my center face strike consistency is significantly better.

Spin

Generally speaking Super Game Improvement Irons and Game Improvement Irons don’t spin at a high rate.  Most manufacturers intentionally reduce the Spin in order to increase total distance.  The only Game Improvement Irons I’ve tested that have affectively kept a high spin rate while offering increased distance are the Wilson C200s.

I was expecting the Giga Golf TRX 7 Iron to have a low spin rate due to it’s relatively strong loft of 30 degrees.  If you have read my previous post on selecting the right Game Improvement Irons you’ll know that anything over 4500 rpm is considered high for me.  I averaged 5200 rpm with the Giga Golf TRX 7 Iron. That’s an impressive result for me.  My only explanation for the high spin results is the combination of lie, offset, and swing weight.  I have a shallow swing path naturally but the TRX Power Slot Irons have a slightly more upright lie angle which has steepened my angle of attack to the ball.  The increased Spin has limited the amount of roll out which is why my total distance is reduced.  I’m sure it contributes to the smaller dispersion as well.

So far so good

It’s far too early to report on product durability so I’ll leave that for another time.  Turf interaction will have to wait for warmer weather so that will come later as well.  For what it’s worth though, if you play a lot of golf in a Simulator I would have a difficult time suggesting anything other than the Giga Golf TRX Power Slot Irons for the money.  They perform as well as anything I’ve tested for a fraction of the price.

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FANTASY

Superbowl 52 analysis – Cobe Life Predictions

(Cobe Life has recently switched to a new Subscription service.  I strongly advise current Subscribers to resubmit their follow request)

The numbers don’t lie, or do they?

New England Patriots vs Philadelphia Eagles

If you were to strictly judge these two teams based on their total potential. The Philadelphia Eagles would win Superbowl 52 rather easily. The Patriots only surpass them in two categories, and one of them is debatable. Obviously Tom Brady is the superior Quarterback so the Pats have the edge there.

Advantage – Patriots

Rob Gronkowski would be considered a better Tight End than Zach Ertz by most. Although the actual numbers aren’t much different. They both caught 8 touchdowns during the regular season. Although Gronk has more receiving yards, Ertz has more receptions. I would argue that they are actually even when you evaluate them on paper. Still to keep things from falling into too much of a grey area. I will give the edge to the Patriots at Tight End.

Advantage – Patriots

Now here’s where things begin to get a little one sided. I’m going to begin at the line of attack and work outwards.
When comparing the two Offensive lines the average fan might assume that the group protecting Brady would be the stronger group. Well you would be wrong. One of the reasons why Nick Foles can step in and have immediate success is the strength of the Eagles offensive line. The Patriots have a very good offensive line as well, and are especially good at protecting their franchise Quarterback. They just aren’t as good at all aspects of the game.

Advantage – Eagles

When comparing the two Defensive lines it becomes far more obvious which team is better. Even the casual fan can see the dominance of the Eagles defensive line. They are numero uno against the run. In comparison the New England Patriots are ranked 31rst overall against the run. Sure they have shown an improvement in their last few games. The stats are a bit skewed though because they were playing from behind against teams that were content trying to run out the clock. When you really analyze the numbers though. There’s no team better than the Philadelphia Eagles at controlling the line of scrimmage.

Advantage – Eagles

When comparing the Linebacker units the official depth charts don’t really tell the full story. Injuries have reduced the overall strength of the Eagles group, and recent acquisition James Harrison has been utilized more than his third string ranking would suggest. If you look at which players are actually performing on the field. The unit that will be making more individual plays should be the New England Patriots. Sorry Steelers fans.

Advantage – Patriots

The Running Back comparison was a lot closer before the Eagles signed Jay Ajayi. Used correctly, and Ajayi could end up being the difference in this game. The Patriots are well aware of what LeGarrette Blount can do in short yardage or goal line situations. If it wasn’t for the amount of attention defences focus on Tom Brady. Their group of Running Backs wouldn’t have the space they require to get meaningful yards. There isn’t a top quality Running Back among them.

Advantage – Eagles

When comparing the cornerback units the first thing that stands out is the two former Bills Players that have made an immediate impact. Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby are a couple of ball hawks that can make plays. They both have capable corners opposite them. Based upon individual talent the edge would go to the Patriots. Although things aren’t so cut and dry when you analyze the schemes they usually employ. I’ll get to that later.

Advantage – Patriots

Testing those cornerbacks will be two of the more underrated Wide Receiver groups in football. Both of these teams place a premium on spreading the ball around, and utilize their Tight Ends, and Running Backs in the passing game more than most. As a result the actual reception, yards, and touchdown numbers for their Wide Receivers are relatively low. That’s not to say that they don’t play an important role though. Brandin Cooks might be the most talented Wide Receiver on the field on Sunday, but his fellow Patriots Wide Receivers leave a lot to be desired. The Eagles have a great group of Wide Receivers that would be a huge advantage in this category if Tom Brady didn’t make the Patriots WRs perform better than expected.

Advantage – Eagles

When comparing the Safety units it’s difficult to ignore scheme, but I will. If you are only looking at the statistics. Especially big play statistics both for, and against. The Eagles safeties led by Malcolm Jenkins is marginally better. I’m not saying that the New England Patriots are outclassed, because they aren’t. The stats are more a result of the complete Defence as a whole.

Advantage – Eagles

On paper vs on the field

So by my calculations the overall Advantage goes to the Eagles by a score of 5 to 4. That’s really that much of an advantage right? Especially when you could argue that Tom Brady should be worth an additional point. Thus making the two teams even. Well here’s why I believe that the Eagles should be seen as strong favourites to win Superbowl 52. The Eagles should control the line of scrimmage throughout the game. By doing so their superior Running Backs should be more productive than the Patriots group. This will force the Patriots to play a pass heavy offence. Having Tom Brady under center makes this an appealing option except when you factor in the Eagles Defensive scheme. The Eagles play a lot of Nickel defense allowing their Safeties to effectively become free Safeties. Brady makes a living off of reading defences, but when there are more zone defenders than receiving options it becomes a gamble. I expect the turnover advantage will be in the Philadelphia Eagles favour, and turnovers lead to Superbowl Championships.

I expect the Philadelphia Eagles to be leading at half-time like many of the Patriots opponents have. Unlike many of those opponents though, I expect the Philadelphia Eagles Offence to keep the pressure on so their Defence doesn’t have to try and win the game on their own.

Advantage – Philadelphia Eagles

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