Stefon Diggs didn't cover himself in glory with an ill-advised touchdown celebration using the goalpost, which denied the Washington Commanders a two-point conversion attempt against the Philadelphia Eagles. But the wide receiver's reaction behind the scenes showed just how far he's come as a player.
Head coach Dan Quinn revealed that Diggs addressed the team privately. He apologized and promised to be more self-aware moving forward.
It's a small detail in the grand scheme of things, but it makes a big difference.
Addressing Commanders locker room displayed much-needed maturity from Stefon Diggs
The Diggs who generated a diva-like reputation earlier in his career may not have done the same. Thankfully, he's a lot older and (hopefully) wiser now.
One of the biggest selling points that convinced the Commanders to grant Diggs' homecoming wish was his improving leadership.
Quinn and general manager Adam Peters heard great things about his willingness to lead and mentor during his stops with the Houston Texans and New England Patriots. The Maryland product showed these traits when he joined his new teammates over the summer, quickly winning over the locker room by embracing the culture.
This was a major lapse in judgment; there's no getting away from that. But now, Diggs is experienced enough to hold himself accountable.
While his excuse of forgetting about a rule that came into effect before he was even drafted didn't really wash, it seems as if Diggs was a lot more accepting away from the media.
In the end, that's the main thing.
Aside from this unfortunate incident, it was a decent debut for Diggs overall.
Commanders will be expecting better from Stefon Diggs, and he knows it
There were a couple of timing issues, but Diggs came on strong late in the contest when quarterback Jayden Daniels finally found his groove. Some teething problems were inevitable, but this opening performance also had plenty of positives to build on.
Everyone makes mistakes. Diggs has made his fair share since entering the league. But unlike his previous seasons of petulance and arrogance, the four-time Pro Bowler is a lot more humble these days.
It's exactly the sort of reaction Quinn and other influential figures in the building needed to see.
And now, everyone can move on to the next challenge.
Diggs didn't have to speak up. He could have stood on his media comments and let things blow over. The choice to address his teammates, rather than sweep the matter under the rug, shows strong character and growth.
Two things that have not always been associated with Diggs throughout his prolific career.
Was it ideal? No.
Did it deny the Commanders a crucial chance to tie things up? Undoubtedly.
But that wasn't the only reason for Washington's failures at Lincoln Financial Field.
Diggs knows he should have been more composed. This is the action of an excited rookie, not someone who has scored 75 career touchdowns.
He knows it. And Diggs was man enough to acknowledge it in a way that put his teammates at ease that it wouldn't happen again.
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