Keeping Stefon Diggs Happy a Mutual Deal for Buffalo Bills
Stefon Diggs is acting just fine. That differs from acting like a diva, which ironically involves little action at all. A summer fielding footballs in suburban Rochester is a promising sign for him doing the same in suburban Buffalo. Still, we ponder if precedent means the latest rumors about his unhappiness with his employer are true even if it means believing Stephen A. Smith.
Trying to get Diggs to avoid causing commotions is more challenging than getting him to get first downs, which is way better than the other way around. Yet it would be nice to not have to fret that asking him to settle down might prompt stirring up.
Not everyone honking is an annoying driver even if the sound remains unpleasant. A left-lane dawdler as slow as Dan Marino deserves the alert. Someone having a fit may have a point. Ken Dorsey doing his job correctly would alleviate much ensuing stress. His refusal to let the best quarterback play more catch with the best receiver is akin to visiting Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and asking about vegan options. Enjoy your beans unless there’s like bacon fat in them.
You may have heard the Bills also extended their head coach. He’s best known as the guy with the defensive background. A team that tries to outpace foes is sticking with a supervisor whose focus is achieving the opposite. We hope Diggs remains happy just like we wish to never rue that he played under an erstwhile defensive coordinator holding that de facto job now.
Every receiver wants the ball every play. In Diggs’s case, he may be right. The best option on the team and perhaps in the league is the sort of player who you throw to frequently even though opponents know it’s happening. Dare them to stop him.
There are only so many chances. That’s even more so in football. Diggs mans an odd position where getting the ball 10 times during one game could be the sort of result that gets cherished in fans’ memories forever. This is the same sport where a defender who averages a single sack per game may enjoy Hall of Fame enshrinement. Succeeding based on a quite limited quantity of opportunities makes the game more dramatic, which suits certain personality types.
Diggs has looked just fine when he’s shown up to practice. Since training camp commenced, he hasn’t refused to compete like Richie Tenenbaum. Healthy attitude and routes are hopefully a precursor to the same when they keep score.
Learning just how to get touchdowns is the best use of August. He may already know, but reviewing steps can’t hurt. Classical music legend Pablo Casals practiced the cello for five hours per day while he was 80 because he thought he was getting better. Does the collective bargaining agreement even permit that much time on the field?
A cathartic outburst might enable tranquility later. Venting can actually be therapeutic as long as it reflects an exception and not rule. Judicious bitching resembles how social media can either be a cesspool of misery or a way to cope with the same.
Check the scoreboard for confirmation that actions are what’s important. Kvetch that this miserable existence is unfair garbage then go out and perform tasks. Flipping out about play call selection is tolerable if accompanied by catching every pass thrown one’s way.
Moping doesn’t affect the score unless it’s accompanied by indifferent arm-folding. Actions are what ultimately matter. Doing what’s right after griping is infinitely superior to talking about how lovely life is then thinking such remarks are sufficient. If you have a flat tire, you’re better off if a motorist stops and rolls his eyes at your inability to change it before helping than a sympathy preener who expresses deep concern that you get a working wheel on there soon before speeding off.
Diggs isn’t a trailblazer for receivers acting like drama queens. Declaring it’s inherent to the position reflects an easy presumption. But not every member of the job category cultivates a reputation of difficulty despite stereotypes. Tell Larry Fitzgerald and Marvin Harrison that players of this type need attention. That said, some members of a glamorous profession do enjoy attention in the same sense Terry Pegula doesn’t enjoy spending his own money on stadiums.
Patterns make tantrums last. We’ll be keeping an eye on him to see if he relapses. The long interregnum is the best time to release the steam valve. Worrying he’ll spout off in the week between games will remain a concern even if he’s smiling for now.
Cultivating resentment is the millionth reason to start the preseason the week after the Super Bowl. We’re all irritated that the offseason is long enough to feel like a sentence, in part because it offers endless opportunities to wonder if Diggs is right about not getting enough targets. It’s nice to share common ground with one of our favorites. Players and fans loathe the same things for the same reasons if you’re looking to humanize superstars.
Winning games is the easiest way to leave behind Jersey Shore-style melodrama. Leave personnel headaches to the Jets and Giants. Throw all the fits you want in the end zone following success at a work task.
Training camp can still be helpful even if camp features players who are already trained. Diggs’s productivity offers reassurance when it doesn’t count. His consistent practicing helps those looking to forget about missing minicamp. Ideally, we’ll be remembering and laughing.
Disputing what the word “mandatory” means is irrelevant if the definer can lead a pass-happy attack in gains. We share the mutual interest of him scoring at will, which happens to be the best way for the Bills to win.
