‘Everybody has a reason to put their best tape out there’ – New York Jets aim to finish on a high

It is safe to say that the season has not gone as planned for the New York Jets, a team whose projected rise to the top came courtesy of the return of Aaron Rodgers from injury. However, rarely in the NFL is all lost, and Jets players and fans would love little more than to upset the apple cart of one of the team’s most heated rivals, the Miami Dolphins.

The Jets and Dolphins clash this Sunday at 6, in a game that will be watched by a group of Jets fans in Dublin who are gathered for the first official watch party the team are holding in Ireland since the Gang Green expanded marketing rights into Ireland. Jets fans will be looking for offensive stars to take responsibility and be counted on the field, and they may have it in tight end Tyler Conklin.

Conklin had a respectable 32 receiving yards last week as the Jets narrowly lost to the Seattle Seahawks, and his experiences in London prove he can be a dangerous weapon in the passing game when he is not dutifully acting as a blocker as part of the unique NFL role that is tight end.

Conklin has belief that the Jets can pick up wins in the tail end of the season.

We’re not in a situation I want to be in, that is the truth,” Conklin told the Irish Independent.

“But as a professional and as a team, I think the big thing is you go out there and play to the best of your ability for yourself, for your team-mates, for your coaches, for the people you’ve gone through this whole process with.”

“And let’s not forget … everybody has a reason to put their best tape out there. Whether it’s contract years or trying to take the next step in their career. So there’s still a ton of stuff to play for with your brothers, as individuals and for your coaches.”

The 3-9 Jets travel to Miami in a bid to upset a 5-7 team on an upward trend since the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from a head injury earlier this season. In this rivalry, winning air superiority will be key in the Florida sunshine, and Conklin could have a big say in that.

“It definitely feels a lot better to be able to touch the ball. Obviously it’s always going to make for a better day than not touching the ball, so I try to control what I can control,” Conklin said of his recent performances.

“Everywhere we go we try to give people the best experience when watching us. We loved that in London, and we’ll take it into this game too. As for me, some days there are more opportunities than others, and we gotta face against that Dolphins defence.

“The main thing that probably sticks out is their pressure. They do a good job of creating pressure, especially on third and seven or so. They got some good players like Jalen Ramsey playing at a high level. They try to pressure you and eat you up and cause turnovers. So, I think the big thing for us is going to be handling the pressure.”

Join the New York Jets at Buskers on the Ball, Dublin, on Sunday, 8th December, as they take on the Miami Dolphins. Pre-game entertainment begins at 4:30pm ahead of kick-off at 6:00pm. Fans (18+) can purchase advance tickets at Universe.com.