Well over 25 years ago, former Nashua High School football coach Bob Aylward always had this comment when talking about an upcoming game:

“It’s critical,” he would say.

Hey, it’s the same in the NFL with fans. They think every contest is do or die. In September, even though teams are still trying to establish themselves as well as figure out opponents, fans will jump to conclusions.

It never fails.

Football fans, especially in September, jump to conclusions,especially in the NFL. How many times have the New England Patriots gotten off to slow starts, only to make the Super Bowl?

But while every game is important, it’s one things when fans overreact. It’s another when players do. Consider this from Jacksonville linebacker Myles Jack, in talking about Sunday’s game with the New England Patriots:

“It’s definitely the most important game of my life,” he said, later calling this “the most important week of my life, for sure.”

Yikes. Talk about an overreaction for Week Two. Ridiculous.

The Jaguars are quite the collection of characters. Their coach, Doug Marone, is trying to make everyone believe he doesn’t watch Super Bowls. One of their cornerbacks, Jalen Ramsey, has already started trash talking. And then Jackson with his foolish statement.

Here’s the best way to approach this game, coming from Tom Brady:

“They’ve got an incredible rush, great linebackers, great secondary,” he said the othe day. “It’s going to be very challenging, tough environment,and we’ll see what we’re made of.”

Let’s take a look at this week, after a 3-3-1 less than mediocre Week 1. Really, NFL, why have ties? Play until someone scores.

PATRIOTS 20, JAGUARS 13

Jacksonville’s defense is for real. But its New England counterpart looks somewhat improved, and the guess here is that Jags running back Leonard Fournette (hamstring) won’t play or be himself if he does. That puts everything in the hands of Blake Bortles. Clear advantage, Patriots.

STEELERS 23, CHIEFS 21

Strictly a home field call. The Steelers certainly should have won last week with Ben Roethlisberger throwing for over 300 yards and three TDs, and Kansas City surprised. New QB Pat Mahomes threw for an efficient 257 yards. Steelers will take a close one this time.

DOLPHINS 27, JETS 24

Everyone is ready to anoing Sam Darnold as the second coming of Joe Namath. Hey, the kid will be good. The Dolphins usually play pretty well in the Meadowlands, and what you see in Week 1 doesn’t always translate to Week 2. One thing’s for sure, one of these upstarts will be 2-0. Unless there’s another foolish tie, of course.

COWBOYS 30, GIANTS 14

Sunday Night Football and the G-Men almost never win these games at Dallas in prime time (two years ago it was a late afternoon game). True, the Cowboys have problems, but Eli Manning will throw a key pick and that will be that. The side battle will be who outgains whom between backs Ezekiel Elliott and Saquon Barkley. We say Elliott.

VIKINGS 28, PACKERS 17

No, Aaron Rodgers doesn’t walk on water. In fact, he’ll barely be able to walk for this one, and if he plays, the Vikings will be able to handle him. If he doesn’t play, even better for home team Minnesota.

REDSKINS 30, COLTS 13

Andrew Luck somehow threw for over 300 yards last week after that hit he took. Adrian Peterson somehow re-discovered his ability and rushed for nearly 100, and did it on the road. Another home field call, Colts just aren’t the same outdoors. Hate to see Washington start 2-0,but what can you do.

SAINTS 40, BROWNS 39

Sorry, these are the only two interconference games this week. OK, Who Dats, how the heck did you give up 48 points to Ryan Fitzpatrick last Sunday? At home? Hello? Maybe it won’t be a one-point game, but you’ve got to figure if Drew Brees can get 30 or more points rung up New Orleans can win. Don’t you?

LAST WEEK: 3-3-1

SEASON: 3-3-1

Tom King can be reached at 594-1251 or tking@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow King on Twitter (@Telegraph_TomK).

Newsletter