The New England Patriots' offense is evolving into a fearsome unit that can rip an NFL defense to shreds on any given drive. Keys to that emergence are brilliant young quarterback Drake Maye, who's shattering completion percentage records. Complementing Maye's excellence is Mike Vrabel's best offensive free agent signing, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who's on his way to a 1000-yard receiving season.
Maye is the key, yet the resurgence of the former four-time Pro Bowler Diggs can't be overestimated. He's an NFL star, and his resurgence after undergoing ACL surgery, coupled with his leadership qualities, has fit Mike Vrabel's rebuilt offense perfectly.
Diggs experienced a slower start to the season, as he worked his way back into fitness, though he still consistently made catches. Yet, in both games against Carolina and especially Buffalo in Weeks 4 and 5, he exploded for over 100 yards, making huge contributions to both victories. Diggs could be knocking on Pro Bowl status again, and if he notches a 1000-yard season, he'll deserve it.
Stefon Diggs is headed for another 1000-yard season in his first year with the Patriots
Stefon Diggs has been impressively effective for the soaring Patriots, and the lofty goals he might reach this season would be the first time in five years for a receiver in New England.
#Patriots WR Stefon Diggs is on pace for 95 catches and 1,107 receiving yards this season.
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) October 22, 2025
Diggs would be New England’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019, which was also the last time a Pats pass-catcher had a 90-plus catch season.
Diggs has 39 catches and 456 yards with a healthy 11.7 yards per catch average thus far in seven 2025 games. With a few more games like the Carolina and Buffalo games, he could be knocking on the door of a 100-catch and 1000-plus-yard season to boot. Anyone who witnessed Diggs' explosiveness against the Bills in Buffalo in Week 5 has to feel that reaching both goals is doable.
Stefon Diggs will be key to the Patriots' potential playoff run this season
The Patriots' recent play, after an uneven start marked by turnovers and penalties, has been superb. Under Maye's stewardship, the offense has begun to rock the NFL to its core, and the team is riding a four-game winning streak. With Maye at the helm, there are no limits to what this team can accomplish—none. And Diggs has to play a significant role.
The 31-year-old is the alpha veteran in the receiver room, and it's Diggs, the former Pro Bowler, to whom the young receivers look for inspiration. His leadership has been evident, and leaders have to lead by their play as well as their words. As Diggs has regained his health, he is, and he's regained the swagger required of a No. 1 NFL receiver. It's just what the doctor ordered for this Patriots team.
Thus far, Stefon Diggs has caught 88 percent of the passes thrown his way from Drake Maye. When he's targeted, he catches the ball. Yet, one thing remains eerily missing from his stats thus far, and that's touchdown catches. He has none to his credit thus far.
Earlier this season, quarterback Drake Maye, who's having a Pro Bowl season and is trying to better himself, said he has to get Diggs the ball more. He knows that better than anyone. As Diggs has regained full health, he's playing like a No. 1 receiver, an asset lacking since Julian Edelman retired after the 2020 season. If Maye does what he suggested, expect great things. Diggs is a Pro Bowler, after all.