Stefon Diggs might finally found his place to succeed in the playoffs with the New England Patriots

Stefon Diggs has shortly develop into some of the essential items in New England’s return to relevance, and his influence was evident because the Patriots closed the common season taking part in their greatest soccer and secured the AFC East title.

As New England prepares to host the Los Angeles Chargers within the playoffs, Diggs’ presence has added a stage of stability and explosiveness to an offense that appears more and more comfy on the large stage.

Stefon eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the seventh time in his profession throughout Sunday’s win over the Miami Dolphins, reaching the mark on a 34-yard acquire within the third quarter. The play got here on a bottom crosser intersecting with double-post routes on the entrance aspect, an idea that has develop into a staple of the Patriots’ offense this season.

A really spectacular return

Whereas Diggs was flagged for a false begin earlier within the drive and needed to work via site visitors on the catch as Drake Maye positioned the ball on his proper hip to drive an inside flip, the milestone carried added significance. Doing it in his first season again from an ACL harm underscored how central he has been to New England’s offensive resurgence.

Opponents have taken discover. Miami devoted additional consideration to Diggs on key downs, often bracketing him with a deep security or utilizing zone defenders to clog inside throwing lanes on third down. That strategy has develop into widespread over the previous a number of weeks, and it’s unlikely to vary within the postseason. Even with defenses keying on him, Diggs continues to attract protection that opens alternatives for others whereas nonetheless producing at a excessive stage himself.

The Patriots regarded each bit like a playoff workforce of their decisive win over the Dolphins. Though the rating briefly tightened, New England managed the sport and confirmed stability on either side of the ball. The returns of Milton Williams and Will Campbell have been notable boosts, with Williams offering vitality up entrance regardless of just a few early defensive miscues, and Campbell serving to gas a run recreation that wore down Miami.

The Patriots momentum is actual

New England’s general profile stays uncommon, with a greater file on the street than at house, however the momentum heading into the postseason is actual. The upcoming matchup with the Chargers units up as some of the intriguing video games of the Wild Card spherical.

The Patriots might want to generate constant strain on Justin Herbert, whereas Maye has proven he’s able to matching opposing quarterbacks throw for throw when obligatory. In a postseason that feels unusually open, with a number of groups returning to the playoffs after lacking out a yr in the past, the Patriots have emerged as a professional contender within the AFC.

Diggs’ reliability, route-running precision and talent to command defensive consideration have been central to that rise. As New England begins its playoff run, his position because the offense’s point of interest will likely be one of many key storylines to observe.