Stefon Diggs on Cusp of NFL Record for Most Catches in 3-Game Span

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs enters Sunday's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals 11 catches short of the NFL record for most grabs in a three-game span, per ESPN Stats & Information.

Following star running back Adrian Peterson's meniscus tear in Week 2, the second-year wideout has become a focal point of the Vikings offense. Diggs' efforts have culminated in the past two weeks, as he has accumulated 26 receptions for 244 yards in that span.

With 11 grabs on Sunday, he would pass a group of three wideouts that totaled 36 catches over three games that includes Antonio Brown (2015), Brandon Marshall (2009) and Tom Fears (1950) for that distinction.

The Vikings offense has stagnated a bit since coming off the bye week and the defense—which played a huge role in getting the team off to a 5-0 start—hasn't been as dominant in the last few weeks either. 

There is no sign that Peterson is close to returning yet. With little working for the Vikings in the run game and a solid Arizona Cardinals offense on tap, quarterback Sam Bradford may be forced to sling the ball around again on Sunday.

Diggs would likely be the biggest beneficiary of increased pass attempts. He leads the team by a wide margin in receptions (61) and receiving yards (710), but his 6'0" frame doesn't make him a prime red-zone target. The Maryland product owns just two touchdowns this season, while tight end Kyle Rudolph leads the team with five.

The 2015 NFL draft produced many first-round receivers who have struggled early in their career. Among the early-career disappointments are Kevin White, Nelson Agholor, Breshad Perriman and Phillip Dorsett. Each of the pass-catchers failed to reach 300 yards in his rookie campaign, either due to injury or poor play.

Diggs wasn't taken until the fifth round. It's a selection that may have given the Vikings the steal of the draft at the wide receiver position. Not only did he post 720 receiving yards as a rookie, but he's on pace to easily surpass 1,000 yards in his sophomore campaign.

Diggs also gets a chance to enter the record books early in his career with another impressive performance on Sunday.