Stefon Diggs explains why it was ‘good’ for Patriots to lose to Bills

FOXBOROUGH — Stefon Diggs — like the remainder of his teammates — ideally would have fielded questions within the Patriots locker room whereas donning “AFC East Champions” t-shirts and hats.

As a substitute, that merch will should be packed away for not less than one other week after New England fell to the Payments, 35-31, on Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium. 

New England can have a number of extra probabilities to clinch its first divisional title since 2019 shifting ahead this season.

Nonetheless, the optics of what performed out at a snowy Gillette Stadium might need raised some degree of concern for Patriots followers bracing for a fruitful playoff run. 

Not solely did New England come up brief at house towards Josh Allen and the Payments, they relinquished what was a 21-0 lead within the second quarter — and a 17-point cushion at halftime — en path to their first loss since Week 3 of the 2025 season. 

The takes doled out by pundits on Monday might not be very forgiving towards New England — be it the Patriots’ favorable schedule or doubts over New England’s true viability as a contender in a wide-open AFC. 

However, Diggs struck a optimistic tone postgame when requested about what New England may take from such a disheartening consequence.

“I imply, it’s been awhile since we misplaced, however I wouldn’t say we forgot in any respect,” Diggs stated of Sunday’s loss. “It’s undoubtedly one thing — you by no means know, we most likely wanted it. Occurring a bit streak, not going to say it’s lots of strain, however you count on to win, as you need to, each week. However you play good groups each week. 

“It’s a brand new week each week, and also you’re making an attempt to go 1-0. You simply can’t ever draw it or see how it’ll be. So, it’s good for us. I form of stated it at first of the 12 months: classes. In case you don’t be taught something from it, clearly a loss, but it surely’s a lesson for positive that you just’re going to must preserve that foot on the gasoline.”

Little went proper for New England within the second half towards Buffalo.

Whereas the Patriots protection coughed up 5 consecutive landing drives orchestrated by Allen and Co., New England’s offense — particularly the passing sport — stalled out down the stretch, stopping an explosive Patriots roster from buying and selling blows with Buffalo in crunch time. 

Given Allen’s standing as one of many high playmakers within the NFL — coupled with the extent of competitors that awaits New England if it does plan on taking part in into late January — Diggs burdened that New England must not take its foot off the gasoline shifting ahead. 

“Sixty minutes. You’ll be able to’t have a lull on the psychological aspect of it and the bodily aspect of it. Whenever you’re taking part in a workforce like that, they play from behind. They’re used to taking part in from behind, preventing again and clawing. They’ve been collectively for some years now, they usually’ve led this division for some time. So, with a purpose to recover from that hump, play 60-minute soccer and execute at a better degree.”

The Patriots might need to confront some arduous truths on Monday once they comb over the tape with the teaching employees.

However Diggs — who completed with three catches for 26 yards within the loss — stated that the Patriots can’t dwell on prior miscues, not with simply three video games left on the regular-season schedule. 

“Don’t be delicate. Go in tomorrow with the mindset of everyone may have completed extra,” Diggs stated. “Everyone may’ve simply gave a bit additional effort, even should you did give the utmost. Simply getting on the identical web page, communication, simply issues like that round this time of the 12 months. 

“We had a bit little bit of climate or no matter you need to costume it up, simply getting into with the proper mindset tomorrow that no matter we did to get right here, we’re not going to alter up. We’re simply going to must go a bit bit tougher, watch a bit bit of additional tape, do some couple additional spins at apply, no matter it takes to get a win. So, making ready the proper manner goes to be one other factor, however we’re not altering.”

 

Conor Ryan is a employees author protecting the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Crimson Sox for Boston.com, a task he has held since 2023.