Sunday night was personal for wide reveiver Stefon Diggs.
After spending four years of his career with the Buffalo Bills, Week 4’s primetime matchup marked Diggs’ first trip back to Buffalo since being
traded following the 2023 season.
In his return, Diggs torched his former team hauling in 10 passes for 146 yards to help power the Patriots’ offense in a 23-20 upset victory.
“I mean, it’s storybook,” quarterback Drake Maye said of Diggs’ performance. “Coming back here, first game, primetime. You could see it all week. He just loves football. He loves the game, and he’s got a lot in the tank left, so it’s good that he’s a Patriot.”
In the wake of the victory, Diggs didn’t shy away from the emotions tied to the night.
“100 percent,” Diggs responded to NBC’s Melissa Stark when asked if the matchup was personal. “Obviously, I love those guys. Still got a good relationship with those guys. Got a lot of respect for ’em. But I love the game of football more. And every time I go out here, I’m trying to prove it — not only to them, but to myself.”
Diggs’ 100-yard performance marked the second straight game eclipsing the century mark — the first time he’s done so since his time in Buffalo. He also became the first Patriots wide receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019 to post back-to-back 100-yard outings.
Clearly locked in from the start, Diggs, who was named a game captain, delivered his trademark fiery pregame speech and remained a vocal presence on the Patriots’ sideline throughout. And while the 31-year-old was no stranger to the noise and energy of Highmark Stadium in a primetime matchup, he seemed to thrive in it.
“Everything. That’s everything to me,” Diggs said of the feeding off the crowd. “I love football and when it gets loud, I mean, it kind of gets quiet for me. I think when it gets super loud, just trying to hone in on my details. I want to win every rep. It doesn’t bother me too much. They love you one day, they hate you the next, they’re gonna love you again. I spent a lot of time here. I respect the dynamic: Used to be here, I’m not here no more, but I guess I miss you too.”
