Patriots rookie’s first touchdown highlights blowout win

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Patriots rookie’s first touchdown highlights blowout win

Matt Vautour · MassLive

Sun, Dec 28, 2025 ·

3 min read

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Drake Maye’s face broke into a smile when talking about Patriots rookie Efton Chism III ’s first career touchdown in New England’s 42-10 win over the Jets on Sunday.

“Chis getting into the end zone was pretty cool,” Maye said.

On a day with a lot of Patriots’ touchdowns, this one stood out.

Chism III was a big storyline in training camp as the undrafted, undersized FCS All-American out of Washington State had a terrific preseason. But with a deeper and more talented receiving corps around him, the gap between making the roster and making contributions was still wide.

Before Sunday, Chism had only dressed for six games and played mostly special teams. He wasn’t even targeted before facing the Jets.

“I think that’s part of the NFL as a rookie,” he said. “Obviously, everybody wants to play early, wants to contribute as much as they can. I knew my opportunity was going to come and hopefully I’d take advantage of it,” he said. “Ups and downs as a rookie, but it’s definitely been so special to be here.”

But with Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins both out with injuries, the Patriots called on the rookie for more.

Chism’s first career catch could have been a long touchdown. Maye hit him for a 30-yard reception in the first quarter that might have gone longer if Chism hadn’t lost his footing.

“He probably should have gotten in on the first one if he didn’t stumble,” Maye joked.

“I saw the open field and then got excited. The legs weren’t moving as fast as I wanted to and I stumbled a bit,” Chism said laughing and later added, “He threw a great ball. I should have scored for him.

But Chism got another shot early in the third quarter on the Jets’ 10. He outran Jets defensive back Jordan Clark and then dove to haul in the catch.

“Super special, super surreal. You always dream of those moments then it happens. I’m just blessed and thankful to be here,” said Chism, who then thanked just about everyone in the organization.

Mike Vrabel wasn’t surprised.

“Chis has been catching touchdowns on us on Friday the entire year,” Vrabel said.

How do those scout-team scores compare?

“Not even close. I’ll always remember that," Chism said, beaming.

Christian Gonzalez , who has practiced against Chism on those Friday’s echoed his coach.

“We knew he was going to have the opportunity to go out there and get a lot of meaningful snaps,” Gonzalez said. “Knowing how hard he works ... He studies so much. He cares so much. To see him go out there and get his first touchdown was awesome. He’s going to enjoy it. We all enjoyed it. Happy for him.”

Vrabel singled him out earlier this week.

“He’s always prepared. There’s hard workers on this team. I would say none that probably work harder than Efton,” he said. “I’m not going to say that he’s the hardest worker, but you’d be hard pressed to find players that work harder than him, to be prepared, to be ready and take advantage of his opportunity, which it looks, by all accounts, that he’ll get opportunities.”

Chism joined TreVeyon Henderson , Terrell Jennings and Kyle Williams among Patriots to catch their first touchdowns this year.

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