All the hype has centered on Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin's mouthwatering individual battle with Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner in Week 4.
However, this matchup could also result in a profitable day at the office for Stefon Diggs.
The Commanders have gotten some nice returns from Diggs over the first three games. He's not the All-Pro-caliber performer of old, but nobody expected him to be. Instead, he is providing relief, security, and an outlet to depend on in critical moments.
Terry McLaurin's matchup with Sauce Gardner can set Stefon Diggs loose for the Commanders
And in all honesty, that's all the Commanders were looking for when they granted his obvious homecoming wish.
McLaurin and Gardner will be a must-watch fight between two of the game's very best. The All-Pro corner likes to shadow the opposition's best, and that is the Ohio State product. That will also take his attention away from Diggs, who can feast against one of the league's most porous pass defenses.
The Colts are giving up 276 yards per game through the air, ranked 30th league-wide. It's somewhat surprising, given the options in their secondary, but it won't have gone unnoticed by offensive coordinator David Blough as part of his strategic planning for the clash.
And Diggs will be crucial to any success that comes Washington's way.
Whether it's Jayden Daniels or Marcus Mariota under center, Diggs' role won't change.
He's a route technician in the short- to intermediate-area of the field. The former Maryland star can make things happen both before and after the catch. Diggs can also spot the soft spots in coverage effectively, and with McLaurin likely to see Gardner on almost every snap, it should free up the four-time Pro Bowler to work.
Stefon Diggs is giving the Commanders precisely what they need through three games
Diggs has played less than 60 percent of snaps through three weeks, but that's not surprising. He joined the franchise late, and the Commanders want to keep him fresh at this relatively late stage of his playing career.
But on international turf, this might be the perfect time to fully unleash Diggs.
The Colts know what Diggs can do — he's been doing it long enough. He's a master of his craft, but if he can get a couple of early receptions to draw the defense closer to the line of scrimmage, that will open things up over the top.
And even if the Colts deploy this strategy, Diggs knows how to make plays in tight windows.
With dynamic tight end Chig Okonkwo potentially returning in some capacity, and Daniels pushing hard to play under center, the offense could lead the charge.
The running game must improve, and the offensive line must meet their end of the bargain. However, if whoever is under center gets enough time to go through their progressions, Diggs will be open.
If this strategy becomes reality, Diggs will deliver.
He's been nothing short of a revelation since joining the Commanders. Any concerns about his diva-like reputation were quashed quickly. Diggs has been the consummate professional, won the locker room over quickly, and shown the sort of leadership that even head coach Dan Quinn couldn't help but notice.
Diggs also has the flair for the big occasion. And with the Commanders staking center stage for an early kickoff in London, there won't be a better time.
Add us as a preferred source on Google