Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs certainly looked like the one who got away from the Buffalo Bills when he posted 146 receiving yards in Sunday’s victory over his former team.
Diggs’ recovery from an ACL tear in Week 8 of the 2024 season has been impressive, but not surprising, to New England quarterback Drake Maye.
“You know what? I think just, by the way he works, the way he loves ball, I’m really not surprised. His mindset from the time we signed him was, ‘I’m going to be ready to go Week 1.’ And he just continues to get better and better, and look better and better out there on the field,” Maye said during he weekly appearance on ‘WEEI Afternoons.’
With 10 catches on 12 targets, Diggs stacked back-to-back games with over 100 receiving yards. His production has unlocked New England’s offense.
“It’s important to have him out there with us,” Maye added.
Diggs has proven himself a precise route-runner through the first five weeks of the season, and Maye praised his ability to freestyle a little bit for a critical sideline throw in the third quarter of Sunday’s 23-20 win.
“He saw me point and, shoot, adjusted his route about as quick as I’ve seen. Made a great catch on the sideline,” Maye said.
Diggs, 31, spent four seasons in Buffalo before a trade sent him to the Houston Texans. Sunday night was his first trip back to Highmark Stadium since the trade. It was clearly an emotional night for the receiver, who delivered a passionate pregame speech to his New England teammates.
The victory, which came in front of a national television audience, can be considered the biggest step forward for a Patriots team since at least 2021. Maye ensured fans the team still hasn’t played their “best ball,” and is looking forward to that this season.