Drake Maye isn’t rattled by the idea of Stefon Diggs clamping down or expecting a steady stream of targets. As New England gears up for its season opener, Maye made it clear he plans to throw to the open man, with a simple guideline: Diggs will get the ball if he’s open.
I’m going to try to throw to the guys who are open,” Maye said. “If he’s open a lot, then he’ll get the ball a lot.”
That mindset aligns with the way the offense, under Josh McDaniels, wants to operate—trust the reads, prioritize accuracy to uncovered options, and let players make plays when they win one-on-one or against zone. In practice, Diggs’ involvement has been noticeable as the Patriots prepare for the September 7 season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Diggs, who is coming off ACL surgery, is a veteran who can still impact a game if he’s healthy. Maye acknowledged the challenge of translating practice chemistry into real-game production, but he’s confident in the growing connection with Diggs. “Shoot, he’s a phenomenal player. What he can do, how much ball he’s played and how many plays he’s made, I want to just try to give him the football, whether it’s extra work with him, extra work at practice or in the film room or trying to be on the same page,” Maye said. “If Diggs is one-on-one or feels zone coverage, he can do a lot of things well … it’s good for us to use him as much as he’s able to handle.”
Maye has spoken daily about building trust with Diggs, but he’s not alone in a receiving room that’s loaded with established pieces. The Patriots already have Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper at tight end, with DeMario “Pop” Douglas and Kayshon Boutte showing progress from last year. Hollins, a 9-year veteran, has also offered notes on Diggs’ route-running and footwork, even after Diggs missed time earlier in the preseason.
Hollins’ observations reinforce Diggs’ value: he’s one of the best route runners in the building, and his ability to get clean releases and separate can loosen up defenses. Maye’s connection with Diggs sits alongside a broader chemistry with the rest of New England’s pass catchers, which includes Henry, Hooper, Douglas, and Boutte. The addition of explosive rookie TreVeyon Henderson in the backfield also creates more play-making possibilities for Maye.
If Diggs can consistently get open, Maye figures the offense will benefit broadly. That dynamic could draw more attention to Diggs on early downs, potentially opening up opportunities for other receivers and tight ends. The key will be Diggs staying healthy and available, and Maye’s continued read-to-throw accuracy to the open man.
Get open. That’s the expectation Diggs will need to meet come September to keep the offense humming and to let Maye distribute to the room. The Patriots face a test against a Raiders defense that will look to disrupt early timing, but the growing chemistry across Maye, Diggs, and the surrounding weapons offers reason for guarded optimism as Week 1 approaches.