No one can argue Buffalo Bills star wide receiver Stefon Diggs plays with passion, but he’s going to have to learn to tame it on game days if he wants to stay with the team. His antics during Saturday’s 24-21 preseason win against the Chicago Bears didn’t show promise that Diggs will be able to control his emotions this season.
Television cameras caught Diggs yelling at quarterback Josh Allen during the Bills divisional round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in January. Diggs reportedly was upset following the game. There was reported friction between the Bills staff and Diggs during OTAs this spring, with Diggs being asked to leave a practice early.
Trade rumors followed this summer for the “diva” wide receiver. And while Diggs and his teammates have publicly stated everything is fine between him and the Bills, there will be skepticism pointed at Diggs’ direction until he faces adversity with a cool head.
He failed one test against the Bears. A video posted by @BozoSportsGuy on Twitter showed Diggs visibly upset after being stopped following a reception. Diggs threw his helmet to the ground when he returned to the sideline.
Stefon Diggs throwing his helmet once again on the sidelines
Maybe @stephenasmith was right?A new tantrum being thrown every other week pic.twitter.com/WwyYzugbUJ
— Pablo The Dawg (@BozoSportsGuy) August 26, 2023
It’s important to note that Diggs’ actions there were not in any way directed negatively towards his teammates or the staff. However, how Diggs handled his frustrations should be concerning to Bills fans.
What happens when Allen overthrows Diggs on what would be a for-sure touchdown reception?
Diggs needs to learn how to be more stoic on the field. It’s obvious he’s still letting his emotions get the best of him during games — even preseason ones. The Green Bay Packers had a similar issue with linebacker Quay Walker last season. Walker worked with the Packers staff and did mediation this offseason to help him stay calm this year after being ejected twice in his rookie season.
The pressure will not let up for Diggs when the Bills play their next football game in September against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football.
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