Stefon Diggs is returning to Orchard Park for the first time since the Buffalo Bills traded him last year, and the former All-Pro receiver knows exactly what to expect.
The New England Patriots receiver spoke to reporters this week about his first game in Buffalo since being traded in March 2024, saying he is already emotional and knows it will be an electric atmosphere. Diggs helped turn the Bills into perennial Super Bowl contenders before his tenure ended with some controversy, but the receiver had only good things to say about the team and its fans ahead of Sunday’s rivalry game.
Stefon Diggs Knows Highmark Stadium Will be Loud
Diggs is having a bounceback season with the Patriots, making 19 receptions for 213 yards through the team’s first four games. He is coming off an injury-shortened season with the Houston Texans and aiming to prove he can still play at an elite level.
Diggs said he expects an emotional return to Buffalo, the place he starred from 2020 to 2024.
âItâs going to be a little bit emotional,” Diggs told reporters on Wednesday, via WKBW. “I try to keep the main thing the main thing, but itâs going to be my first time back there. Itâs going to be a hell of an atmosphere. I was part of that for a long time. I played there before I got there, so Iâm excited.â
Diggs added that his team is in for a challenge, facing the undefeated Bills. The Patriots are in second place in the AFC East at 2-2, looking to make a big statement against the favored Bills on Sunday night.
âThat team has been good year in and year out,â Diggs said of the Bills. âItâs a great fanbase that has always played a key part. The coaching staff has always done a good job, and theyâve always had a sound defense and guys that make plays on offense. Things havenât changed, especially since I have left.”
Bills Leaning on New Approach After Stefon Diggs
Some things have certainly changed in Buffalo, namely the team’s approach on offense. After Diggs was traded to the Texans, the Bills under offensive coordinator Joe Brady adopted an “everybody eats” approach that spread out the ball to a wider group of pass-catchers.
With no more Diggs to dominate targets, quarterback Josh Allen has found success by getting many players involved. That ranges from top receiver Khalil Shakir to the team’s third tight end, rookie Jackson Hawes.
The approach has also helped Allen cut down on turnovers. He has just one interception through four games this season, telling reporters before this week’s win over the New Orleans Saints that he doesn’t have to force targets to players anymore and is free to spread it around.
That has led to fewer forced mistakes, Allen told reporters.
âThat whole âEverybody Eatsâ mentality that Joe [Brady] allowed us to take over has allowed me to be free,â Allen said, via reporter Dan Fetes on X. âNot worry so much about where the ball is going.”
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