FOXBORO — Stefon Diggs has seen his production dip over the Patriots’ last three games as his playing time has waned.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said Thursday, “There’s no special reason for that.”
Diggs played less than 50% of snaps in Week 12 and 13 wins over the Bengals and Giants. He played exactly 50% of snaps in Sunday’s Week 15 loss to the Bills after a Week 14 bye.
“There’s a lot of guys that got fewer snaps on Sunday because we didn’t earn enough snaps in the game. And so, we look at it, Stef has done a great job and so whether it’s Stef, or TreVeyon (Henderson), who played in the 20s on Sunday — I’d love TreVeyon to play in the 50s — but when you don’t have 50 plays, it’s hard for us to establish that volume for any one player. Look, they all should want to play as many snaps as we have. And, that’s an impossibility because I know we’re using everybody and trying to get contributions from all of them.
“But I think for us, and for me specifically, let’s see if we can establish more rhythm on both the first half, second half, get the play count up into the high 60s or 70s, and now I think the opportunities for every player on the team go up. So, no, there’s no special reason for that.”
Diggs hasn’t registered over 30 receiving yards since going off for over 100 in Week 11 against the Jets.
The veteran receiver said Wednesday that he’s still trying to get used to his fluctuating snaps.
“I just try to take advantage of the opportunities I do get,” Diggs said. “And when I am out there, be a vessel, be a positive force, rather than being any other way.”
Diggs has been a strong leader on offense. Once on pace for another 1,000-yard season, Diggs currently has 67 catches for 731 yards and three touchdowns with three games to go.
