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Mike Wallace on Stefon Diggs: ‘He could be better than me’

By Adam Carlson

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Fans of the Minnesota Vikings have been waiting to see rookie wide receiver Stefon Diggs in action.  The exciting young pass catcher that impressed during training camp and preseason was inactive on the team’s roster until Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos when injuries to Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright made a place for him on the roster.

Diggs made the most of his opportunity and showed a real connection with young quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.  Teddy targeted Stefon Diggs ten times during the game, with Diggs hauling in six of those catches for a team leading 87 yards, including a big 25 yard catch for a first down that helped get Minnesota into scoring territory.

Vikings fans aren’t the only ones impressed with Stefon Diggs.  Veteran pass catcher Mike Wallace may be a new addition to Minnesota, but he sees a lot of potential in the rookie wide receiver and had some huge praise to lay on the young man in a recent article on the TwinCities.com Pioneer Press website.

"“He could be better than me,’’ said Wallace, a seven-year veteran. “He’s young. When I came in (with Pittsburgh in 2009), I was playing well as a young guy, but I had one assignment: Beat them deep. Diggs is already running the full route treatment from Day 1.’’"

Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) talks with Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach Scott Turner (left) and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

That’s big praise coming from Mike Wallace, who has played with some of the most talented young pass catchers in the NFL during his time in Pittsburgh.  While a member of the Steelers, he was part of a group called the “Young Money Crew” which featured Mike “Fast Money” Wallace, Antonio “Ca$h Money” Brown and Emmanuel “Easy Money” Sanders.

In fact, when Wallace watches Stefon Diggs, he sees a lot of his former teammate Antonio Brown in him.

"“When I first got here, he reminded me of Antonio. I still stand by that, how quick he is and his motor and the routes he runs and just the way he prepares himself, man. He’s got so much energy and I love that. He can’t sit down. He’s always going full speed.’’"

Antonio Brown is a player that could arguably be called the best wide receiver in football today.  For Diggs to get that kind of compliment says a lot about how much Mike Wallace sees in the young pass catcher and how bright he sees the future is for the rookie out of Maryland.

"“He’s a baller, man. I see it in him, man. He’s a young player, but I’m excited for him. He just has that quick twitch muscle when he gets the ball. He can always do something with it. Great hands. Great route running. He’s a gamer, man. … I have complete confidence in him. He did a great job. He just has got to protect the ball.’’"

Of course, Wallace is right.  Diggs did have two fumbles during the game that Minnesota was able to recover.  However, despite those fumbles, it’s good to see the young man making a big splash in his regular season debut.  If Diggs can continue playing at this level, then the Minnesota Vikings don’t have to rush injured players like Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright into the game and can give them the time to get back to 100%.

The Minnesota Vikings will return to action after their bye week on Sunday, October 18, 2015 when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs from TCF Bank Stadium.  At this time, it’s unknown whether Diggs will be active for that game or not, but fans can keep their fingers crossed for more from this dynamic young player.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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