Josh Allen has consistently praised Stefon Diggs, even as the Buffalo Bills prepare to face their former star receiver in Houston on Sunday. He maintains that the two parted on good terms.
A week ago, Allen was careful not to stir up any controversy when discussing the Bills’ early-season success with their new offensive strategy, which emphasizes spreading the ball around. He later clarified that he spoke out after seeing social media comments trying to twist the team’s “everybody eats” motto into a slight against Diggs.
Allen acknowledged the significance of facing Diggs for the first time since his trade to the Texans this offseason and shared his admiration for the receiver. “I have a lot of love for him. I still do,” Allen said. “What he did for my career and for the Bills will always be remembered, especially by me… But as I enter Year 7, I understand the business side of this league, and I’m focused on what we’re doing here.”
Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler, has been a key player for the Texans, recording 25 receptions for 233 yards and two touchdowns so far this season. He also scored his first career rushing touchdown last week against the Jaguars. During his four seasons in Buffalo, he consistently surpassed 1,100 receiving yards, including a career-high 1,535 yards in 2020.
While Diggs reflected positively on his time with the Bills, calling it “amazing,” he emphasized that he is now focused on his future, not the past. “I block out the noise,” he said. “I have a job to do, and I’m focused on getting it done.”
Diggs has contributed to the Texans’ 3-1 start, while Allen and the Bills are also 3-1, looking to rebound after a tough 35-10 loss to the Ravens.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans recognized Diggs’ talent upon his arrival in Houston but has been impressed by his passion for the game. “He loves football, and it shows in his practice and play,” Ryans said.
**BLAME GAME**
Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady expressed regret over a trick play that backfired in the loss to Baltimore. After scoring to close the gap to 21-10, a poorly timed second-and-7 play resulted in a fumble and a Ravens touchdown. “I probably can’t say it on Zoom,” Brady admitted about the call. “There’s no excuses. The timing was off, and it was costly.”
**NICO’S START**
While much of the attention has been on Diggs, another receiver, Nico Collins, has emerged as a star for the Texans. Collins recorded a career-high 12 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown against the Jaguars, leading the NFL with 489 receiving yards.
“He’s a strong, fast, and physical receiver,” Ryans said. “That makes him an easy target for C.J. (Stroud).”
**FEEDING SAMUEL**
In the Bills’ “everybody eats” philosophy, receiver Curtis Samuel has struggled to find consistent opportunities. After a productive season in Carolina in 2020 under Brady, Samuel has only eight catches for 48 yards this season, logging just 68 snaps out of 230 total offensive plays.
“We’d love to get him more involved,” Allen said, noting the status of fellow receiver Khalil Shakir, who is dealing with an ankle injury. “We’ll be calling on his number, and we’re confident in his ability to step up.”
