6 areas where Adam Thielen is better than Stefon Diggs
By Dustin Baker
Area No. 3 – 3rd Down Receptions
This one is crucial and seldom mentioned as a measurable metric. Coincidentally, this is probably the most statistical separation that can be found between Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs.
Since 2016, Adam Thielen has grabbed 94 receptions on 3rd down (60 for first downs). Diggs has caught 78 balls on 3rd down (51 for first downs). For Thielen, he ranks fifth in the business and is topped (in order) by: DeAndre Hopkins (104), Michael Thomas (104), Julio Jones (96), and Jarvis Landry (96). Stefon Diggs ranked 16th in this parameter is barely edged out of the Top 15 by Jamison Crowder (79).
The value of this metric lies in the amount of trust a quarterback granted to his wide receiver. From Sam Bradford to Case Keenum to Teddy Bridgewater, Vikings signal-callers have sought out Adam Thielen more regularly in third-down situations. And he has delivered.