Pats Pulpit
Facing a 4th-and-1 inside the red area, New England Patriots quarterback Ben Wooldridge’s arm was hit as he went to throw. A fluttered ball still ended up in the hands of undrafted wide receiver Efton Chism III, who then shrugged off a defender to find the end zone from 11 yards out.
The play highlighted a key strength of Chism’s game that stood out to his head coach.
“His play strength stood out to me on the sideline,” Mike Vrabel said postgame. “The way he blocks, his ability to catch the ball in traffic — the ball was basically tipped or bobbled coming out of Ben’s hand — and kind of ran through a tackle and ran through contact. Then we threw him a screen. So, those were all positive things. His play strength to me is what stood out.”
Chism went on to lead New England in targets (eight), receptions (six), and receiving yards (50) in his preseason debut, with that play strength leading the way.
“Playing hard. That’s kind of what I pride myself on and the little details. Going out there and doing everything I can to my full abilities. I feel like when I got the ball I got to kind of show that,” Chism said. “I try to show that in the blocking, route running, whatever it is just kind of playing hard.”
The touchdown was not the lone highlight of Chism’s night. Facing a 1st-and-20 on New England’s next offensive drive, a screen to Chism resulted in him avoiding and breaking through several defenders to move the chains, helping set up a touchdown three plays later.
“Knew it was coming to me and knew I had to get vertical to go try and get the first down,” Chism said. “I wanted to just get vertical and let the lineman get out there and block for me and go make things happen.”
Throughout training camp, Chism has proven to be a tough cover with his route running ability for any defensive back aligned across from him.
While he has not yet seen exclusive run with Drake Maye’s offensive unit, that has not stopped Chism from catching the top quarterback’s attention during the entire offseason.
“He’s a baller,” Maye said. “He loves coming to ask me questions about routes and things he loves, talking football. He’s just a football player and you saw it tonight making plays. Glad he got in the end zone and he should have gotten in the end zone again on that screen.
“Just blocking hard, doing all the right things. I think that’s what we’re preaching in the offensive room: keep doing things the right way, keep showing up, and you’re going to get rewarded.”
For Chism, the reward for his performance Friday night and overall camp could mean more time on the field with Maye. But, the receiver is ready to take whatever opportunity comes his way head on.
“It’s been such the biggest blessing an honor to be here...
