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Is Josh McDaniels Already One of the Biggest Influences on Efton Chism's Career? 1
Efton Chism did not need a huge role to make himself impossible to ignore. The New England Patriots receiver had only three targets across the first two games he played this season before his opportunity finally came against the Buffalo Bills.
Chism finished that game with two catches for 42 yards, including a spectacular one-handed touchdown that gave the Patriots a 29-26 win. Now, Chism has another reason to believe his development is heading in the right direction.
Efton Chism Says Josh McDaniels Has Been A Major Blessing
New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III (86) makes a catch for a touchdown as Buffalo Bills cornerback Davison Igbinosun (21)
New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III (86) makes a catch for a touchdown as Buffalo Bills cornerback Davison Igbinosun (21) Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Chism spoke about his relationship with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on October 8 and made it clear how much he values the opportunity to learn from one of the league’s most experienced offensive minds.
“It’s been awesome, man. I mean, probably one of the biggest blessings in my career so far is being able to work with him, and [Todd Downing], and just our room in general… It’s so beneficial for us just to learn and to see not just a drawing of how he wants to run a play. He’s got evidence and tape of it so we can go and watch… Coach McDaniels is one of the smartest football coaches I’ve been around. Getting to learn from him every day has been a huge blessing and I love him as a coach, so it’s been awesome, man.”
Efton Chism says working with #Patriots OC Josh McDaniels has been a “blessing” for his career:
“It’s been awesome, man. I mean, probably one of the biggest blessings in my career so far is being able to work with him, and [Todd Downing], and just our room in general… It’s so… pic.twitter.com/L9xO6rlHST
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) October 8, 2026
For a young receiver who entered the league as an undrafted free agent, that kind of daily access can matter. Chism is not simply hearing a play explained on a whiteboard. He is getting to see how the concepts have worked on film and understand why McDaniels wants them executed a certain way.
That development has taken place largely in the background. Chism spent much of his rookie season inactive and played only 90 offensive snaps across the eight games in which he dressed. His role remained limited early this season, too, until Mack Hollins left the Bills game with a calf injury.
Chism suddenly had more work, and he made it count. His first catch on the Patriots’ final scoring drive went for 19 yards. Four plays later, Drake Maye trusted him with another difficult throw. Chism reached back with one hand and secured the 23-yard touchdown with 1:50 remaining.
The play was more than a highlight. It showed the trust developing between the quarterback and receiver. Maye has also pointed to the work Chism puts in away from game day.
That relationship could become increasingly important if Chism’s role expands. He finished third among the Patriots receivers in offensive snaps against the Bills with 34, behind Romeo Doubs and DeMario Douglas. Hollins’ injury could create another opening when New England faces the Las Vegas Raiders on October 11.
For Chism, having that kind of coach in his corner while his role grows could be one of the most valuable parts of his early NFL career.