Fleet feet weren't the only reasons behind Stefon Diggs' 62-yard punt return during the Vikings' 14-3 victory over the Steelers in Sunday night's Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.
Yes, it was an outstanding performance by the rookie fifth-round draft pick, especially toward the end, when he zigzagged through defenders and nearly reached the ball across the goal line. But none of that would have happened if not for so many other players executing the scheme designed by special teams coordinator Mike Priefer.
"It was just great blocks," Diggs said. "I tried to set up some great blocks. There were some key blocks down the stretch, and I was just trying to be quick and make plays with my feet."
The first key was former CFL linebacker Brian Peters being alert and intelligent enough to avoid what could have been an illegal block in the back near the point where Diggs caught the ball. Rookie fullback Blake Renaud avoided a similar situation early in the return as well.
Linebacker Josh Kaddu had the key block that enabled Diggs to turn the corner. Linebacker Michael Mauti and cornerback Josh Thomas also had key blocks.
Diggs said it was a good NFL debut overall. But he didn't sound satisfied.
"I made some mistakes that you might not have been able to see," he said. "I just want to get better all around and contribute more."
Diggs made an early pitch to unseat incumbent punt returner Marcus Sherels. Diggs had one fair catch and two returns for 66 yards. Sherels had one return for 24 yards.