The New England Patriots knew they had to improve Drake Maye's supporting cast ahead of his second season in the league. They pursued several big-name wide receivers, and ultimately rolled the dice on Stefon Diggs.
While that was a risky bet, given his well-known history of burning bridges and the fact that he was coming off a major knee injury, it has worked like a charm so far.
Nevertheless, as good as Diggs has been, he hasn't been on the field as often as he was used to. He's played in a career-low 55 percent of his team's offensive snaps so far.
Stefon Diggs opens up on his fluctuating playing time
Diggs hasn't played in more than 60 percent of the team's offensive snaps in any game this season. Even so, when asked about that, he talked about being the positive veteran influence his team needs him to be:
"Sh*t I don't know, for real, like, just trying to get used to it. I mean, you know, kind of was the same, kind of, in the beginning of the year, too," Diggs told the media, per Doug Kyed. "So, I mean, I just gotta, you know, I just try to take advantage of the opportunities I do get. And when I am out there, be a vessel, be a, you know, be a positive force, rather than, you know, being any other way."
Diggs, once known for his hard-nosed temper and power struggles, is taking the high road now. If anything, he just wants to do what's best for the organization:
"So, you know, I just, I'm adjusting to it. Like, I just try to do what I'm asked, you know, and then, like, you know, handle it the best way I can," Diggs added. "You know, I always want to be out there. I want to make plays and I want to play at a high level. But, you know, we got a lot of skill guys. We got a lot of amazing players. So, you know, I'm just doing what I can."
Diggs' skills have never been doubted, but watching him actually step up and be a positive leader is somewhat surprising.
Also, it's not like his numbers haven't been impressive. He's turned 83 targets into 67 receptions for 731 yards and three touchdowns, making the most of every opportunity he gets and developing a strong chemistry with Drake Maye.
The Patriots control their own destiny and should be one of the top-two seeds in the AFC, and with the team all pushing toward the same goal, everybody will have to buy in and do what's best for the organization.