This year’s New England Patriots are a completely different team compared to what fans saw during the 2024 campaign. Not only do they have better coaching and more talent on both sides of the ball, but they also have great leaders in the locker room, something last year’s team lacked.
One of those leaders has been veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, whose voice has been vital for the younger players. He’s been leading by example all season, recording 29 receptions for 359 yards. Diggs played a key role in the team’s thrilling victory against his former team, bringing in 10 receptions for 146 yards, helping the Patriots go on the road and knock off the Buffalo Bills, 23-20.
Even though Diggs has been scorching hot as of late, his leadership has far exceeded his play on the field, setting the tone for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.
Patriots WR Stefon Diggs Sets the Tone For Upcoming Game
Despite the Patriots having a winning record for the first time since they were 7-6 during the 2022 season, Diggs won’t let New England get too comfortable against the 1-4 Saints. Although the Saints have been one of the worst teams in the league, the veteran is not going to allow his Patriots teammates to take their opponent lightly.
"To be honest, it might be a bigger test than last week, just as far as having success and being able to replicate that process and do it all over again," Diggs stated when discussing New England's Week 6 opponent, via CLNS Media.
Instead, Diggs insists the team flip the page from last week’s victory and put in the work to replicate that outcome against New Orleans. Diggs hit the money on this because every week you have to battle to win, no matter who you’re playing.
Since joining the Patriots in the offseason, Diggs has been the unquestioned leader of this group. His experience playing for multiple playoff teams has been vital to this young team. With the Minnesota Vikings and the Bills, Diggs has played in 14 playoff games and two conference championship games, recording 69 receptions for 909 yards, scoring four touchdowns.
The former Maryland Terrapins standout knows what makes a good team, and his voice has been influential in the Patriots’ success thus far. This type of leadership is what the Patriots have been lacking in past years, and is one of the reasons why they had an 8-26 record the last two seasons.
If the Patriots are going to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2021, Diggs must continue to set the tone for the team with his words, while keeping up his stellar play. Regardless, Patriots fans couldn’t be happier with Diggs and the team’s play thus far and are hopeful it continues with their favorable schedule.