Legend Julian Edelman Steps Up to Defend Stefon Diggs and Explains Why He Loves That the Patriots Are Underdogs to the Bills Ahead of Gillette Showdown
Foxborough, Massachusetts – It wasn’t just Stefon Diggs who reacted strongly to the Patriots being listed as underdogs by Vegas against the Buffalo Bills; even Patriots legend Julian Edelman came out to defend his successor. In the middle of the week leading up to the massive showdown at Gillette, Edelman spoke up to explain why the “underdog” mentality isn’t a negative — it’s part of the Patriots’ DNA, the very thing that produced so many historic victories in the past.
Despite holding an 11–2 record and a ten-game winning streak, the Patriots are still being rated lower than the Bills, a team viewed as a Super Bowl contender from the start of the season. That has surprised the media, but Diggs simply responded with one word: “Good.” And according to Edelman, that’s exactly the reaction of a player who truly understands what the Patriots are about. “Stefon isn’t saying it just to say it. Here, we always play our best when people count us out. That’s what makes us who we are,” Edelman shared.
The former wide receiver emphasized that the greatest Patriots teams all started from a place of league-wide doubt. In his view, Diggs — who has been doubted, labeled difficult, and written off — understands better than anyone how being disrespected creates a special kind of energy.“You can’t teach the underdog mentality. You have to live it. Diggs has lived it his entire career,” Edelman said, fully backing Diggs’ attitude when hearing the Patriots are underdogs.
The context of the matchup only heightens everything. The Patriots beat the Bills 23–20 in Week 5 and now have a chance to solidify their lead in the AFC. Diggs has become the center of attention, but Edelman says that’s only natural when a star knows how to turn doubt into fuel. Teammates say Diggs has been practicing with the most fire he’s shown all season, despite the outside noise.
Edelman wrapped up with a message that made his support for Diggs and the current team crystal clear. “When the whole world doubts you, the Patriots don’t bow — we answer. I see it in Diggs’ eyes, in the way the whole team is preparing. Being underrated isn’t an insult. It’s a challenge, and the Patriots have always known how to answer it.” And for the Patriots, that’s exactly where they belong.
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