Efton Chism III delivered the defining moment of New England’s win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, hauling in a one-handed 23-yard touchdown that gave the Patriots the victory and thrust the second-year wide receiver into a much larger role.
The 24-year-old had been a little-used special teams contributor before injuries reshaped the Patriots’ receiver rotation. But with A.J. Brown among the wideouts placed on injured reserve, Chism has received a chance to show what he can do on offense.
Chism has played 60 offensive snaps across the past three weeks and has caught four passes for 41 yards in that span. His acrobatic touchdown against Buffalo accounted for 23 of those yards and marked the biggest play of his young NFL career.
From camp standout to game winner
Chism entered the league as an undrafted free agent and appeared in eight games last season, almost entirely on special teams. He caught three passes for 75 yards, with those receptions coming during two late-season lopsided games.
His place on the 53-man roster this year was earned during training camp, when he repeatedly made plays and established himself as a reliable option in the receiver room. His emergence also helped give New England enough confidence to move on from Kayshon Boutte in a trade.
Head coach Mike Vrabel has repeatedly praised Chism’s approach and preparation. Vrabel said this week that continued production when opportunities arrive should lead to additional offensive work for the receiver.
Edelman sees a possible launching point
Former Patriots receiver Julian Edelman said a moment such as Sunday’s catch can change the direction of a player’s career.
“People did not really know Chism before Sunday,” Edelman said on the “Gronk & Jules Show.” “A play like that can potentially start a career. It was great to watch.”
Rob Gronkowski applauded Chism’s performance while cautioning against immediately measuring him against Edelman, one of the most productive playoff receivers in Patriots history.
Gronkowski noted that Chism had entered the Bills game with minus-1 receiving yard for the season, then capitalized when New England needed him. He also pointed to another important catch by Chism and said contributions from unexpected players are what allow a roster to become a complete team.
“That was not Julian Edelman,” Gronkowski said. “That was Efton Chism stepping up in a massive spot.”
Gardner-Johnson questions whether production will continue
Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson took aim at Chism after the game, incorrectly describing the Patriots receiver as a player elevated from the practice squad.
“An elevated player made an incredible catch,” Gardner-Johnson said. “We probably will not hear from him again.”
Chism was not elevated for the game; he made New England’s active 53-man roster out of camp. Whether Sunday’s touchdown becomes a one-game highlight or the beginning of a sustained offensive role will depend on how he handles the opportunities ahead.
