It was a treat watching Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs parry, with a wink and sly grin, writers and television cameramen clumsily asking strategic questions about facing Seattle’s vaunted secondary.

“I know they’ve got some good guys on the back end,” the rookie said Wednesday. “I’m always excited for the challenge, no matter who it is, especially guys with good records. You’ve got to love to compete at a high level. I like those kinds of questions.”

Diggs was asked about facing one of the NFL’s best ball hawks, Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman.

“You don’t play faces. You play the jersey number,” he said.

Pressed more about Sherman, Diggs cut the cameraman off with a velvet glove.

“I know exactly what you were getting at,” he said, chuckling.

Diggs’ production has waned in recent weeks.

In his first four games, he averaged 104 receiving yards, with a pair of spectacular touchdowns. The past four, he has not scored and has averaged just 46 yards.

Nevertheless, Diggs has emerged as a late-bloomer contributor on an 8-3 first-place team. Not a bad way to break into the league.

“I came in (with) the right team,” he said. “Guys are jelling at a high level. This is something relatively new to me. But I carry myself the same way whether we’re winning or losing. I’m blessed to be in this situation. That’s why I’m harping on just team (play) and winning. That’s all that really matters really.”

Follow Brian Murphy at twitter.com/murphPPress.