'There's an energy and a competitive spirit to Stef': Why Diggs has boosted Patriots

"In a celebratory Patriots locker room last Sunday, coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged how veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs recorded his 900th career reception, which led to a cheer from his teammates. Diggs became the 29th NFL player to accomplish the feat, with only four players reaching the mark faster than him in his 153rd game: Keenan Allen (139), Antonio Brown (143) Marvin Harrison (149) and Andre Johnson (150)."

""Everyone knows what I'm chasing," he said. Diggs, who was sitting at his locker, was asked to confirm if that was a reference to a championship ring. He nodded. One of the Patriots' most fiery leaders in their 7-2 start to the season, Diggs leads the team into action Sunday on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET, CBS)."

"He wasn't asked about the milestone after the game, nor did it come up during his weekly Wednesday media Q&A at his locker. So when it was broached with Diggs after the final practice of the week Friday, the 31-year-old flashed a smile (Johnson is one of his all-time favorites) and got straight to the point. Stats are fine, but ..."

In a celebratory Patriots locker room, coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged Stefon Diggs recording his 900th career reception, prompting teammates' cheers. Diggs reached the mark in his 153rd game, with only four players having done so faster. He declined to dwell on the milestone during immediate postgame and midweek media sessions, but smiled when asked after the final practice and emphasized that he is chasing a championship ring. Diggs remains one of the team's most fiery leaders during the Patriots' 7-2 start. He views the upcoming road game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an opportunity to reinforce the team's quality against a respected opponent.

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