Stefon Diggs isn’t worried about facing off against his former team when the Buffalo Bills arrive at NRG Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
He wants to lead the Houston Texans to a 4-1 start. That’s the top priority for the four-time Pro Bowl target.
“Block out the noise. A lot of other people are going to feel away or have a lot to say about X,Y, Z, and I don’t mind. I’m not mad at it,” Diggs said Wednesday during the open locker room sessions. “Just trying to go 1-0. Obviously, they’re a good team. They have a lot of guys that can fly around on the defense. But they’re a really good team. So, I look forward to it.”
CJ Stroud on Stefon Diggs & his fit with the Texans thus far:
“I think he got a bad rap. I’m very happy for him. He’s having fun playing the game.” pic.twitter.com/ZD3KNGntsv
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) October 3, 2024
Week 5’s matchup between the Texans and Bills has countless storylines to monitor. C.J. Stroud faces off against Josh Allen for what could be a usual showdown in January. The Texans and Bills both seem to be gunning for second place in the AFC contender category behind Kansas City.
But all sights are one Diggs, who spent the previous four seasons with the Bills as Allen’s top target. Even though the two sides parted ways on what feels like mutual terms, everyone understands what a win would mean for either side in the breakup.
C.J. Stroud on #Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs addition and how well he's fit in on and off the field @stefondiggs @KPRC2 https://t.co/LhiSZcmlwl pic.twitter.com/nbMelw4YS3
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 2, 2024
“We know what type of week this is for Stef,” receiver Nico Collins said Thursday. “It’s another important week for the team to win a home game on our home turf.”
Diggs became one of the league’s top weapons amid his four-year stay with the Bills. He earned a first-team All-Pro nod in 2020. He also became a three-time captain and four-time Pro Bowl selection.
With Allen, Diggs posted the most receptions (445) and receiving yards (5,372) and was tied for the most receiving touchdowns (37) of any quarterback-receiver duo during that stretch. By the time he was traded to Houston in April, Diggs finished fourth in Bills history in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
“The things that he did for me in my career, and the things that he did in a Buffalo Bill uniform won’t be forgotten anytime soon, especially from me,” Allen told reporters earlier this week. “So, that’s how I look at it.”
Diggs, who currently ranks second in both receptions (25) and receiving yards (233), wants to be a part of the team. A constant narrative during his time in Buffalo and Minnesota revolved around his persona of being a “stats guy” over a team player.
Second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud only sees a player who’s helped strengthen a locker room amid struggling moments.
#Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs @diggs 'It's easy to get a bad rap. I've got big shoulders. I can take it' @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/aKqsZ2YQhc
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 2, 2024
“He’s helped me out a ton as you can see, we’re clicking more and more,” Stroud said. “He’s finally having fun playing the game.”
Last week, Diggs scored his first rushing touchdown. He nearly threw a six-point score, but the receiver missed his window, leading to an 8-yard scuffle toward the end zone.
Come Sunday, Diggs has a chance to add another accolade to his trophy case by besting Buffalo. He’s changed teams, but many would agree that he’s also changed perceptions.
“Things usually turn the corner when I get somewhere else,” Diggs said. “There’s usually smiles and a lot of positive stuff. I just take it with a grain of salt. I got big shoulders.”
Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.
