FOXBOROUGH – With Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte out last week against the Jets, Efton Chism III was called upon to step in.
The rookie receiver not only had to hold up his end catching the football, but he also had to pick up some of the slack as a blocker, an aspect of the game Hollins really excelled.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels couldn’t have been more pleased by Chism’s effort across the board.
Of course, he had two catches on two targets for 40 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown pass – his first in the NFL.
Chism also showed well as a blocker, which impressed the coaches.
McDaniels said picking that up a blocking role isn’t as easy as it looks.
“People say just go in there and block the guy. Well, first of all, who am I blocking? When am I blocking ‘em. What shoulder am I blocking him on. Where’s the ball going? …. there’s a lot of little things that go into this,” McDaniels said Thursday. “He’s just shown a strong aptitude and understanding and desire to learn it, even though he hasn’t had a million reps at it since training camp. Getting him the work last week, he showed us he was going to be dependable to do his job in that regard.”
McDaniels said the undrafted rookie, who has quickly become a fan favorite, checked off all of the boxes with his play during the Patriots 42-10 blowout win over the Jets on Sunday.
“I’m really excited and proud of the way he played last week in terms of his toughness, his finish,” McDaniels said. “We talk about the identity so much, and he went out there and embodied it the way he played. I’m really excited for him to get a chance.”