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Why Stefon Diggs encouraged Drake Maye to run more in Patriots playoff win: ‘Turn into Michael Vick’
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- Why Stefon Diggs encouraged Drake Maye to run more in Patriots playoff win: ‘Turn into Michael Vick’
FOXBOROUGH — Sunday was a quiet day on the stat sheet for Stefon Diggs.
In New England’s 16-3 Wild Card win over the Chargers, the veteran receiver finished with two catches for 16 yards. However, on the Patriots sideline, Diggs wasn’t calling for more targets.
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In a recent mic’d up clip released by the team, Diggs was actually encouraging Maye to run with the football more.
“Keep being smart, keep using your legs, play what you see,” Diggs told Maye.
On Wednesday in the Patriots locker room, Diggs was asked why as a wide receiver, he was encouraging the quarterback to take off and run more.
“I want the ball, right?” Diggs smirked. “He’s a hell of an athlete. I feel like he makes plays with his legs. I feel like he’s comfortable using his legs. Whatever it takes to help the quarterback settle in, too. You never know. Using your legs (could) make him loosen some other things up. Being a receiver, you never know. It can take the corner’s eyes off you.”
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Ultimately, Diggs said it came down to what the team needed.
“Whatever it takes for us to win the game,” Diggs said. “I don’t care how it comes out. We’re in the (playoffs). I’m going to throw as many blocks as I can. I’m going to tell him that his next play is his best play. He’s a hell of a player. I just want to see him continue to grow. I’m just trying to be an echo of some positive energy. If using his legs is what’s needed, then turn into Michael Vick . I’m with whatever.”
The Patriots are facing win-or-go-home games every week now. Inherently, the spotlight gets brighter, but Diggs, one of the team’s vocal leaders, doesn’t believe there’s more pressure now.
“I don’t really look at pressure that way,” Diggs said. “Pressure comes from people who deal with every-day life stuff. This is a sport that you’ve been playing since you were young. You’re fortunate enough to play it. Of course, it will come with some anxiety at some point. But I feel like this is a game. I don’t forget that this is a game. I love it to death and I’ll do anything for this game, but I think people who have to deal with every-day life (expletive) have a much harder time.”
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