The connection between Drake Maye and Stefon Diggs took a noticeable step forward at the unofficial quarter pole.
Diggs caught six of the seven passes Maye threw his way during a Week 4 win against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The first-year Patriots receiver, who tore his ACL last October, surpassed 100 receiving yards for the first time since Week 6 of the 2023 campaign.
NFL analyst Steve Palazzolo believes it’s a connection New England will be able to sustain.
“Diggs does bring a lot of answers to the table,” Palazzolo told Patriots insider Phil Perry on the Next Pats Podcast.
Palazzolo highlighted the way Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has deployed Diggs. The veteran pass-catcher played a season-high 63% of offensive snaps in Week 4, seeing more time in the slot after an underwhelming start from DeMario Douglas. His presence and veteran savvy helped Maye attack the middle of the field.
“I love the way Josh McDaniels has used Diggs, putting him um in the slot, running those over routes,” Palazzolo said. “Those were open. Maye hits those extremely well.”
Diggs’ 33-yard reception on fourth-and-3 was another eye-catching development. It’s fair to think that one play — a back-shoulder throw to the sideline that Diggs came back for — symbolizes the growing connection.
“I think that showed a ton from a chemistry perspective,” Palazzolo said. “That back shoulder, that’s the type of thing that you use to beat one-on- ones and beat man coverage. So, I think they have those answers.”
New England does not have talent bursting at the seams in its wide receiver room. However, the collection of pass-catchers is noticeably better than last season. As is the pass protection. Those combined factors, as Palazzolo discussed, have paid dividends for New England’s second-year signal-caller.
“It’s a really good combination and, again, you just see the difference this year versus last year when you don’t have that dependable receiver to go to,” Palazzolo said. “Now you have somebody to go to.”
Also in this episode:
- Is Drake Maye’s level of play sustainable?
- Impressions of Will Campbell after first four games
- College football players to keep an eye on
- Mailbag!
