SANTA CLARA, Calif. — A sly smile comes to Tyler Conklin’s face when the tight end is asked about the potential for the 2024 Jets.
“In my opinion, it’s scary how good I think we can be,” Conklin told The Post. “Offensively, defensively, as a team, each position group, it’s really kind of scary how good I think we can be. But, obviously, you have to go out there and do it for a whole season and that starts Monday.”
Indeed, the Jets enter Monday’s season opener with the 49ers with huge expectations and pressure.
This team believes it can go to the Super Bowl in February.
With quarterback Aaron Rodgers back from the torn Achilles that cost him last season, an improved offensive line, young stars entering their prime and a defense that was one of the best in the NFL last season, these Jets think Monday night is just the beginning of what should be a fun journey.
But those who follow the Jets know this team has had expectations before and then something happens.
Conklin, who joined the Jets in 2022 as a free agent, said the time for talking about expectations is over. It is time to prove it on the field.
“That’s what it’s been since I’ve got here, a lot of talk,” Conklin said. “My first year, then last year with everything going on and then this year again. Part of it is New York, part of it is how talented we are on paper. It’s exciting to be able to get this first one going. Then people can just talk and we’ll mind our business and go do what we do week in, week out.”
It starts with Rodgers, the 40-year-old four-time MVP.
The Jets acquired Rodgers from the Packers nearly 17 months ago. He has yet to complete a pass for the Jets, going down on the fourth snap of last season.
The Jets have gotten a whole lot of the off-field Rodgers experience with his various controversies and odd stories over the last year — from feuding with Jimmy Kimmel to a potential vice presidential run — but none of the on-field glory that Rodgers can bring.
Rodgers said he expects greatness from himself and so do his teammates, who have marveled at him in practice.
“It’s hard for me to imagine what he was like when he was 29,” Conklin said. “It’s hard for me to imagine he was that much better because of how good he is now. I expect greatness from him.”
