In four seasons in Buffalo, Stefon Diggs averaged 111.25 catches, 1,343 yards and 9.25 touchdowns. That's the sort of production the Bills are attempting to replace after trading the four-time Pro Bowler to Houston.
Quarterback Josh Allen admitted Wednesday that Diggs' departure created a hole, but he believes that the sum of the offseason additions at the position can make up for the stat drain.
"I think Stef's a great player, and what he brought to this team was special," Allen said. "So, 'miss' is, I don't know if I'd say 'miss,' he was a guy that was reliable, you could look to. He's going to have the juice each and every day -- I'm sure he's bringing it over there in Houston. So definitely, you can't say that you don't miss that. But I am very happy with what we have going on here and how hard the guys have been working."
Into the void left by Diggs and fellow former Bill Gabe Davis step second-round rookie Keon Coleman, third-year pro Khalil Shakir -- who has reportedly looked excellent during camp -- and veterans like Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins, K.J. Hamler and Chase Claypool. Youngsters like Tyrell Shavers and Justin Shorter are also battling for roster spots.
"I'm very comfortable with the guys that we've brought in," Allen said. "It's no secret, Stef was an All-Pro here. He's got the stats to back it up, each year he had 100-plus catches and 1,000-plus yards. That's a heavy workload for someone to come in and fill those shoes.
"I understand that the guys in that room understand that, but at the same time, the approach that these guys have had of working hard and putting their head down, and when they get the ball, they get the ball, and when they don't, they're doing everything they can to help somebody else get the ball and break them free. So, I guess we'll find out."
The Bills' theory seems to be that the players brought in, as a collective, can fill the gap left by Diggs. The notion leans heavily on Allen. With no obvious go-to target entering Week 1, the QB will be trusted to make the correct read, distribute accurately and make plays when needed.
The biggest question isn't whether Allen and the Bills offense can put up numbers without a Diggs-type player. It can. The most significant issue to be solved once real games start is: In the crucible of a big moment -- say, a third-and-7 with 2:02 left in the fourth quarter with the game in the balance -- who will Allen trust to get open and make a play? It's a question to which no amount of preseason projections or quotes will provide an answer.
