FOXBORO — Give credit to Patriots wide receivers coach Todd Downing for getting the best out of his position group and keeping their egos in check.

Third-year pro Kayshon Boutte is in the midst of a career year, veteran Stefon Diggs is having a bounce-back campaign, and most importantly, no one is publicly begging for more targets despite a quarterback who likes to spread the ball around.

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Diggs, who was with the Vikings in 2018 when Downing was a tight ends coach, has enjoyed his time with the long-time offensive assistant.

“Up to this point, probably one of my favorite coaches in my career,” Diggs said. “Demands excellence from you, demands that you finish and demands that you’re an example. Really appreciate him, actually. He’s my type of guy.”

This is Downing’s first season as a wide receivers coach. He’s previously been an offensive coordinator, passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, among various other roles.