Tyler Conklin, a pass-catching tight end for the Jets, has been a reliable target for the team over the past two seasons. With a healthy Aaron Rodgers as the quarterback this year, expectations were high for Conklin to have an even more impactful season. However, in the first two games of the season, Conklin only had two receptions for 16 yards, leaving fans wondering about his role in the passing game.
Game 3 against the Patriots proved that it was too early to judge Conklin’s performance based on just two games. He had an outstanding performance, catching five passes for 93 yards and playing a crucial role in the Jets’ 24-3 victory. This game showed that Conklin’s lack of involvement in the passing game was not a long-term issue.
Before the game, Conklin expressed confidence in his abilities and dismissed concerns about his low output in the previous games. He stated, “I’m not worried about that. Those things will come. I’m not worried about who’s getting the ball.” After the game, Conklin reflected on his performance and acknowledged that the opportunities would eventually come. He said, “What was I saying to you the other day? That they would eventually come. Today, they just happened to fly my way a little bit.”
Conklin proved to be Rodgers’ go-to target during the game. He was the outlet on several plays where Rodgers improvised and found the open man. Conklin’s ability to get open and make crucial catches contributed significantly to the team’s success. He caught a 22-yard pass on second-and-17 during the second scoring drive and another 22-yard pass on third-and-9 late in the first half. In the third quarter, he kept a drive alive with an 18-yard catch on third-and-three.
Despite his impressive performance, Conklin has yet to score a touchdown since 2022. He expressed his desire to end his scoring drought and acknowledged that it has been a challenging target to achieve. However, he remains focused on his all-around performance as a tight end, including his contributions in the run game.
Conklin emphasized his commitment to being a well-rounded player and the importance of getting touches in the passing game. He sees these opportunities as a way to build momentum for the rest of the season. Conklin’s ability to contribute both as a pass catcher and a blocker makes him a valuable asset to the Jets’ offense.
Overall, Conklin’s performance in Game 3 showcased his potential and reaffirmed his importance to the team. As the season progresses, it is expected that he will continue to play a significant role in the Jets’ passing game, providing a reliable target for Aaron Rodgers and contributing to the team’s success.