New England Patriots - NESN.com
Drake Maye and Stefon Diggs formed a prolific connection for the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Maye funneled the passing attack through Diggs, who secured six of seven targets for a season-high 101 yards in a 42-13 rout over the Carolina Panthers. The duo commended each other following the victory.
Diggs loved what he saw from Maye, who completed 14 of 17 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns at home.
“He had a hell of a day,” Diggs said of Maye in his post-game press conference. “He’s a good quarterback. He’s starting to come along, as you can see. He looks sharp out there. I’m just excited for the future.”
Meanwhile, the young quarterback raved about his veteran wide receiver. Maye believes Diggs has regained his explosiveness after returning from a torn ACL.
“He looked a little faster than I thought,” Maye said of Diggs. “He looked pretty fast. I think he’s just getting more and more comfortable. He’s a great player with the ball in his hands. He’s a great leader on this team. He’s great with energy, being positive, and I’m glad he’s a Patriot.”
Diggs entered Week 4 with 112 combined receiving yards through three games. The four-time Pro Bowler hadn’t recorded a play above 16 yards until exploding for a 33-yard catch on Sunday.
During the third quarter’s opening drive, Maye found Diggs for a 22-yard gain on 3rd-and-15. Maye finished that series with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Henry, extending New England’s lead to 35-6.
Diggs is eager to become a steady target for Maye, who’s spread the ball around this season.
“Just being where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there. Being reliable. Trying to build that consistency with Drake,” Diggs said. “I feel like the consistency brings that confidence from the receiver position. Quarterbacks like seeing guys open, and he has a hell of a ball. A very catchable ball, so I just try to do my job.”
They’ll test this simmering connection when Diggs encounters his former team, the Buffalo Bills, next Sunday night.
