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Rodgers Comeback Aided by This Fan Favorite

Tight end Tyler Conklin has been an underrated asset in Aaron Rodgers's return to form.
Aaron Rodgers and Tyler Conklin of the New York Jets

All eyes are on Aaron Rodgers across the league to see how his comeback with the New York Jets will turn out. Entering this year, every fan was hoping to see a much better offense than what they endured last year. While it’s only three games, the results have been positive thus far. Despite losing the season opener, Aaron Rodgers has the Jets offense operating smoothly. He’s completed over 67% of his passes for 624 yards and five touchdowns with one interception. This return to form for the 40-year-old veteran has been aided by this fan favorite; tight end Tyler Conklin.

Despite early chemistry woes with Garrett Wilson, Conklin has been an asset for Aaron Rodgers. Opponents focusing on Wilson and Lazard have allowed Tyler Conklin to take advantage of weak spots in zone coverage. Conklin’s ability to create separation can be a valuable safety net for Rodgers this year.

Rodgers Comeback Aided by This Fan Favorite

After back-to-back 7-10 season finishes with a top-tier defense, Robert Saleh and the New York Jets want more. The team’s offense required a dire shakeup heading into the year. A retooled offensive line, a talented rookie running back, and wide receiver additions set the stage for a potential breakout. A healthy Aaron Rodgers needed cohesion around him if he was going to guide the offense this year and so far so good. Through the past two games, the Jets have gone 19 drives without an offensive turnover. This is despite Garrett Wilson being trapped in double coverage most of the year.

Garrett Wilson has shown to be a difference maker. So much so, that defensive coordinators specifically target him to minimize his impact. This has affected Allen Lazard, who has benefited from the attention Wilson has been getting. Despite a dreadful first season, Lazard currently leads the team in receiving touchdowns with three. He’s not the only benefactor as tight end Tyler Conklin is starting to reap the rewards.

Tight End Tyler Conklin becoming a safety net

Tyler Conklin is in the midst of his seventh season in the National Football League. Selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Vikings, Conklin became a frequent target of Kirk Cousins in Minnesota. His breakout season came in 2021, finishing with 593 receiving yards on 61 catches along with three touchdowns. He cashed in the following offseason signing with the New York Jets on a three-year deal in March of 2022.

The addition of Conklin proved to be a valuable one. After beating out fellow signee CJ. Uzomah; Conklin won the starting tight end job. Through 58 catches he had 552 receiving yards and three touchdowns while averaging over 9.7 yards-per-catch. He’s been an asset in contested catch scenarios that helped Zach Wilson when needed. Now with a veteran like Rodgers, he’s been placed in good hands.

The first two games showed why Conklin is important to the offense. The Jets struggled to get Conklin involved in both games, finishing with only two targets in both San Francisco and Tennessee. Rodgers primarily targeted Wilson and Lazard in San Fran as the Jets struggled; but started spreading the ball more especially to the backfield duo of Hall and Allen in Tennessee. While New England was without star linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, the Jets exploited the middle of the field against New England, thanks to Conklin.

Creating opportunities

As the New England Patriots were without their quarterback on defense, the Jets took full advantage to set up Conklin for success. Tyler Conklin had a career night, finishing with 93 yards on five catches. He made some valuable catches on second and long that set the Jets up in the red zone. Having a contested catch threat like Conklin makes everyone else’s life easier as well.

Thanks to options like Garrett Wilson and a recovering Mike Williams in the receiving room, Rodgers isn’t limited in spreading the ball knowing he has Hall and Allen in the backfield. With defense focused on Wilson, it can allow Hall and Allen to be featured more knowing Conklin will help block up the field. The threat a duo like Hall and Allen present as receivers out of the backfield can ensure Conklin creates space if needed in short-yardage situations. The more of a threat Conklin appears, the less attention Wilson can attract to make a play when needed.

Next month, the Jets offense will have their hands full. The Minnesota Vikings with Brian Flores’ dominating defense in London. Followed by the Buffalo Bills and a road matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers after that. Three very talented defenses this team can’t take lightly in October. Fortunately, with the growing cohesion on offense, they can be prepared. Featuring Conklin more should hopefully allow Garrett Wilson and Aaron Rodgers to finally show the world what they’re both truly capable of this year.

Main Photo: [Steve Roberts] – USA Today Sports

Michael Zimmelman

Michael Zimmelman

Michael is an NFL editor & writer covering the New York Jets. His articles strive to provide fans with a unique and engaged perspective highlighting the organization as a whole. From player analysis, transactions, coaching retrospectives and more.

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