Stefon Diggs Transforms Patriots Passing Game with Unique Skills

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Stefon Diggs has made a significant impact in his first seven games with the New England Patriots, yet much of his success comes from little-known skills like showing ‘late hands.’ This technique can be crucial during one-on-one matchups against elite cornerbacks, where even the smallest detail can lead to a completed pass or an interception. ‘It takes time to learn,’ said offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, explaining its complexity.

The idea behind ‘late hands’ is straightforward: as a receiver tracks the ball while being covered, if they raise their hands too early, the defender—focused on the receiver rather than the ball—will react and prepare for the play. Skilled receivers like Diggs often wait to present their hands at the last possible moment. This strategy proved effective last game when he caught all seven targets for 69 yards.

One standout moment came in the third quarter when Diggs caught an 18-yard pass along the sideline, leaving cornerback Darrell Baker off balance. ‘You’ve got different [defensive backs] that play different ways,’ Diggs noted, emphasizing the importance of adaptation in his approach.

Coaches like McDaniels recognize the rarity of Diggs’s skills, recalling how former Patriot Randy Moss mastered this skill. ‘Defensive backs in those contested catch situations are usually taught to mirror the hands of the receiver,’ McDaniels said. ‘Randy was spectacular at it.’

Teammate DeMario Douglas has been learning from Diggs, noting the difficulty of ‘late hands.’ ‘It’s tracking the ball, keeping speed, and knowing where the defender is,’ Douglas explained. This technique requires patience, as instinct often drives receivers to raise their hands early.

Despite the high praise, Diggs remains humble about his abilities. ‘I’m just doing my job,’ he said nonchalantly. ‘I’ve been doing that for a while, so I don’t think too much of it.’

As the Patriots prepare for their upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns, they look to build on their four-game winning streak since overcoming the Panthers in Week 4. Quarterback Drake Maye, who has shown marked improvement this season, is now seen as a vital piece of the team’s future.

Diggs’s contributions—particularly his skill with late hands—represent a broader transformation of the Patriots’ passing attack. ‘Stef did a great job with that on Sunday,’ McDaniels concluded, highlighting how Diggs consistently executes potentially game-changing skills that can elevate the team’s performance.