FOXBORO — Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and wide receiver Stefon Diggs disagree on at least one thing.
Diggs called McDaniels “a little bit of a genius” on Wednesday while illustrating how much his offensive coordinator has taught him this season.
“That’s kind of him,” McDaniels said in response Thursday. “It’s untrue, but it’s kind.”
Otherwise, McDaniels and Diggs are getting along swimmingly this season.
Diggs is on pace for his seventh career 1,000-yard season, still only one year removed from surgery to repair a torn ACL, and McDaniels’ offense is the backbone of the Patriots’ 9-2 start.
Diggs has flourished as a leader in the Patriots’ young wide receiver room and has quickly become a fan favorite in New England.
“He’s been a tremendous professional,” McDaniels said. “Great influence on everybody. Comes ready to go. Wants to win. Very competitive. Smart player. He’s tough. Has great savvy. Football makes sense to him. I think he’s been a really good guy for our young players to watch work, watch during the course of the day, how he prepares.
“And then certainly, obviously, his influence on our team. On the practice field. During the course of the game. There’s an energy and an intensity about him that never stops. I appreciate that as a coach because it’s a long season. There’s a lot of ups and downs and a lot things you go through, and there’s some lulls in the action on game day, and it never seems to affect him. So, very consistent with his approach, his demeanor, and his performance. As a coach, I don’t know what else you could ask for from him.”
Diggs signed a three-year, $63.5 million contract over the offseason, so he should be in the team’s plans for the future, as well.
