Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs made a statement return to Orchard Park on Sunday, catching 10 passes for 146 yards to help the New England Patriots pull off a 23-20 upset against the NFL’s last unbeaten team.
After the game, Diggs admitted the matchup carried extra emotion for him, calling the performance “personal” — a remark that quickly sparked debate among Bills fans. Diggs’ time in Buffalo was both productive and turbulent, ending when the team traded him to the Houston Texans before the 2024 season.
“100 Percent” Personal
During a postgame on-field interview, Diggs was asked whether his big night held personal meaning as he faced his former team for the first time since leaving Buffalo.
“100 percent,” Diggs responded.
His comment drew criticism from fans and media who recalled that Diggs had seemingly engineered his own exit. The All-Pro receiver was outspoken about his frustrations with the Bills, often sharing cryptic social media posts and famously being sent home from minicamp in 2023 after a disagreement with coaches.
“Massive eye-roll to Stefon Diggs saying tonight’s game was personal,” wrote Ryan Talbot of Syracuse.com on X. “The guy forced his way out of Buffalo. Unbelievable performance, no doubt, but let’s not act like the Bills moved on from you willingly. That was 100% Diggs.”
Reports following the trade suggested Diggs himself requested to be dealt. Shortly after the Texans acquired him, running back Joe Mixon posted on social media:
“Stefon Diggs, just a few weeks ago you asked and we delivered,” Mixon wrote. “Now let’s go get these rings.”
Diggs Reflects on Win
Diggs was the clear star of a Patriots offense that struggled at times against Buffalo’s defense, repeatedly finding ways to beat the secondary and keep drives alive.
The loss cut short the Bills’ chance to build a commanding lead in the AFC East, dropping them to 4-1 while the Patriots improved to 3-2. Afterward, Diggs said he relished the atmosphere and stage.
“It was lit, prime time,” Diggs told The Associated Press. “It was electrifying. I knew it was going to be a test for us.”
Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye praised Diggs’ performance, calling it a fitting chapter in his career.
“You know this was his storybook,” Maye said. “Coming back here first game, prime time, you could see it all week. He just loves football. He’s got a lot in the tank left, so it’s good he’s a Patriot.”
Bills Suffer More Than a Loss
The Bills may have endured another setback, with linebacker Matt Milano leaving the game due to a pectoral injury — the same issue that had sidelined him for the previous two weeks. The team plans to provide an update after further evaluation early in the week.
Buffalo will now have extra time to regroup, next taking the field on Monday, October 13, against the Atlanta Falcons. The bye week that follows could be crucial for a team already battling through early-season injuries.