The New England Patriots have had one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL this season, and much of that has been thanks to the addition of Stefon Diggs at wide receiver. Diggs leads the Pats in targets (83), receptions (67), and receiving yards (731).
Despite his immediate impact on New England both on and off the field, the 32-year-old veteran has seen a limited snap count in recent weeks, leading to some frustration from the six-time 1,000 yard receiver.
Diggs played just 26 snaps against Buffalo in week 15, his fewest of the season. In the last three games, he’s lined up for 48 percent of the snaps twice and 50 percent once.
“Just trying to get used to it. It was kind of the same in the beginning of the year, too,” Diggs said to Mark Daniels of MassLive. “I just try to take advantage of the opportunities I do get and when I am out there, be a vessel, be a positive force rather than being any other way. I’m adjusting to it. I just try to do what I’m asked and handle it the best way I can.”
Diggs has obviously matured now in his 10th season in the league. Earlier in his career, he was known for being outspoken, a bit of a wild card. If he is frustrated by this limited snap count, he’s doing a good job of handling in a mature way, at least towards the media.
Diggs Enjoying Full Bill of Health After ACL-Tear Last Season
Diggs’ 2024 season with the Houston Texans was cut short due to an ACL injury. It was speculated that he may have a delayed start to this season with the Patriots due to his recovery, but the veteran managed to overcome the injury in order to start the season on time.
He did play in a limited role to start the season, but he exploded in the first game against Buffalo back in week five, which led to a higher snap count for the next handful of weeks.
Despite his somewhat limited role, Diggs is staying even-keeled.
“I always want to be out there,” Diggs said. “I want to make plays, and I want to play at a high level. We have a lot of skill guys. We’ve got a lot of amazing players. I’m just doing what I can.”
“I’m great. I feel great. I ain’t got no issues. I’ve been feeling pretty good, actually. And we got that bye week, so I feel ready to fly around.”
Patriots Look To Clinch Playoff Spot in Week 16
New England can clinch a playoff spot this weekend for the first time since 2021 with a win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football. Even with a loss, they’ll still clinch if Indianapolis or Houston lose in their respective games.
Furthermore, they can block the path to the postseason for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens with a win. Baltimore at 7-7 is chasing down the 8-6 Steelers for the AFC North title, but a Ravens loss and a Pittsburgh win would make their path to the playoffs close to impossible.
Pats-Ravens kicks off at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, Dec 21.
Patriots’ Stefon Diggs Makes Candid Statement on His Reduced Role