New England Patriots - NESN.com
Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught many by surprise when he revealed he fractured his finger a few weeks prior.
“I broke my finger like a couple weeks ago,” Diggs told reporters at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday. “So, I was just telling (Drake Maye), ‘Hey, I love the way you throw the ball.’ I really appreciate it. Just because he has that touch.”
The second-year quarterback was asked about Diggs’ injury and ensuing praise of Maye’s ball-placement ability.
Maye offered a humorous response while ribbing the veteran wideout.
“Stef’s probably dramatic,” Maye said with a smirk. “Every time he gets hit he lays on the ground and acts like he just got hit by an 18-wheeler or something. So he’s — No, he’s awesome.”
Maye downplayed the touch on the ball that Diggs and others have lauded. It’s just him throwing a catchable pass to his wide receivers, he said.
Of note, Maye ranks atop the league in on-target passes this season.
“I think just try to throw a catchable ball,” Maye said. “That goes with being accurate. He’s (Diggs) awesome. He’s got great hands, one of the best hands I’ve seen. He’s effortless catching it. When it gets cold out, he likes catching more with his body. But when the lights are on he’s got one of the best games in the league.
“It’s been fun playing with him,” Maye said.
Part of the reason it was such a surprise to hear about Diggs’ injury? The first-year Patriot has 59 receptions for 659 yards and three touchdowns from Maye. In 11 starts together, the two have formed a very real connection and elevated New England atop the AFC East with a legitimate chance to make a playoff run.
