The Buffalo Bills sit near the top of the 2023 NFL power rankings heading into training camp, but the recent turmoil with star wide receiver Stefon Diggs has added to the questions about the team. In the eyes of quarterback Josh Allen, the blame for all of the talk around Diggs falls on the media.
Minutes away from being eliminated by the Cincinnati Bengals in the playoffs, cameras caught Diggs chirping at Allen and expressing clear frustration with the offense in the season-ending loss. The All-Pro wide receiver then skipped voluntary workouts and wasn’t present at the start of the mandatory minicamp in June.
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Diggs’ sudden absence in mid-June from a practice caused head coach Sean McDermott to tell reporters he was “very concerned” about the superstar not being present for practice. Diggs then made cryptic tweets shortly after, fueling speculation and concern regarding the situation.
During an appearance on Bussin’ with the Boys, Allen stood by his teammate and said his relationship with Diggs is strong. He also blamed the media for the amount of coverage focused on what transpired this spring.
“I love him. That’s my guy. The media has blown this so far out of proportion. We are in minicamp. We’re not playing a game for four months. He doesn’t show up for one day, he’s still there, coach asked him to go home, they’re in talks, they’re trying to resolve some things. They’re still talking about it. Let it go. There’s no reason to continue talking about it.”
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen on the situation with Stefon Diggs
While there is a tendency in June and July for sports coverage to put small things under the microscope, looking for anything to cover during the NFL’s dead period, the Bills and Diggs played a massive role in what transpired.
McDermott’s comments raised questions, especially because he’s a veteran head coach. If a first-year coach expressed concern publicly about their star player’s absence, it would create some headlines but it would also be attributed to a first-year head coach learning to deal with the media.
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Buffalo’s coach has now been doing this for years and his comments during a press conference created more questions. Diggs also added to the uncertainty with is antics on the sideline in January and his posts on social media. While this matter might now be in the rearview mirror for Buffalo, it would be wise for Allen to recognize the part the team played in it.