Patriots OC Must Do 2 Things to Help ‘X Factor’ Stefon Diggs

ESPN analyst Ben Solak argues that for Stefon Diggs to become the game-changing wide receiver the New England Patriots need, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels must prioritize two things: shielding Diggs from press coverage and limiting his use on vertical routes. This approach is seen as essential to maximizing the 31-year-old’s impact as the team’s "X factor" for the 2025 season.

Despite Diggs tearing his ACL last season with the Houston Texans, Solak suggests concerns about his decline are overstated. Before the injury, Diggs was averaging 2.0 yards per route run with a 25.3% target rate—both above league average. Though used less downfield, he remained highly effective in short-to-intermediate areas, making him a reliable target in those zones.

McDaniels is expected to use formations and motion to help Diggs avoid physical cornerbacks, a strategy that aligns with the Patriots' offensive system where receivers have traditionally excelled in underneath routes. Diggs’ ability to win in these areas is particularly valuable for second-year quarterback Drake Maye, who tends to struggle with coverages designed to take away deep throws.

Diggs’ versatility fits well within McDaniels' history of utilizing diverse receiver types, from shifty slot players like Julian Edelman to deep threats like Randy Moss. McDaniels can design in-breaking routes similar to those Diggs ran successfully in Houston, where he averaged 15 points per game in that role. This style of play also complements Maye’s tendency to make quicker, shorter throws.

The addition of Diggs, alongside other slot options like DeMario Douglas and Efton Chism III, offers New England more big-play potential after the catch. For Maye, who as a rookie sometimes forced throws too far downfield, Diggs provides a proven safety valve capable of turning short passes into significant gains.