New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has opened up on his lack of playing time last week.
Stefon Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million contract to become the New England Patriots' No. 1 wide receiver last offseason, but you would never know it based on his lack of playing time during the team's loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday.
Diggs played a season-low 26 offensive snaps in Week 15, and afterward, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said that Diggs' lack of burn was only because the Patriots' offense couldn't stay on the field.
Diggs doesn't seem to be buying that.
While discussing his dip in playing time, Diggs maintained a positive attitude, although it seems pretty clear that he knows something is up.
“Just trying to get used to it. It was kind of the same in the beginning of the year, too,” Diggs told reporters. “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.”
The 32-year-old played a season-high 46 snaps back in Week 11. His snap count has dipped each week since then, which is rather peculiar considering he has caught 67 passes for 731 yards and three touchdowns on the season.
New England Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs. Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images.“I always want to be out there,” Diggs added. “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.”
The fact that Diggs is taking such a team-first approach to this is great, but you do have to wonder how long that will last.
Remember: Diggs caused issues both in Minnesota and Buffalo, so perhaps this is still just the honeymoon phase for him in Foxborough.
Plus, the Patriots are 11-3 and are in pole position to win the AFC East division title, so there shouldn't be much for him to complain about.
For what it's worth, Diggs has amassed a grand total of eight catches on 11 targets over the last three games.
We'll see how much the four-time Pro Bowler plays when New England faces the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night.
The Pats can clinch a playoff berth with a win combined with a loss or tie from either the Indianapolis Colts or Houston Texans.