Efton Chism III of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown
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Efton Chism III of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown
Some say preseason doesn’t matter. Welp, good luck telling that to a single fan of the New England Patriots after they watched their team dismantle the Washington Commanders in Gillette Stadium Friday night.
It was a 48-18 win that started with a bang after a big play from our first standout performer.
TreVeyon Henderson Shines
TreVeyon Henderson almost single handedly breathed life back into a dead fanbase. After back to back four win seasons, Pats fans were beginning to grow meek.
Yes all the signings in the offseason were stellar, yes we got our new coach, yes Drake Maye looks like the future of the franchise. But nothing would feel real until they saw it in a game.
Then magic happened. On the opening kick off of 2025, the very first play we have seen the Blue and Red back in action, rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson fields a kick on his own goal line and returns it 100 yards to the house.
The 37th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has been making headlines all camp, with many reports saying he would be a day one contributor, but not even the biggest Henderson fan could’ve predicted this. His breakaway speed and big play ability was a big selling point for Henderson the prospect, and he wasted absolutely no time showing that it does in fact translate.
He was productive on offense as well. The back only logged one carry but he took it for 18 yards, 33 after the penalty was assessed for a facemask tackle. He caught three balls out of the backfield for a total of 12 yards, and most importantly he came out when the ones did.
Efton Chism Strengthens His Roster Argument
One undrafted rookie has been stealing headlines all summer as he attempts to scratch and claw his way onto the Patriots’ 53-man roster. That player is receiver Efton Chism III.
Chism is fighting to earn the final roster spot in a crowded receiver room. It appears that it’s going to come down to him, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, and Kendrick Bourne all fighting for the last two seats in the room.
Bourne did not play tonight, but Polk and Baker did. The two second year receivers combined for a grand total of zero receptions, for zero yards.
Polk received a handoff that went for one yard, but Baker was unable to come away with either of his two targets, one of which came in the end zone. Fellow rookie receiver, Kyle Williams, was also held catchless on four targets.
Chism, on the other hand, pulled in six receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown. He lead the team in catches and yards, while also being the only player to find the end zone via the pass.
Chism was also involved in the return game, getting his hands on one punt for 11 yards.
He certainly made his case a a little bit stronger, but will continue to need to fight for his life to get on this team.
Will Campbell Looked Great
The Pats’ starters did not get too much burn, but for what snaps they did see, the fourth overall selection Will Campbell looked good.
Most impressively it was his pancake block on the edge of the field that sprung Henderson for his 18 yard gain.
Later in the game, he once again mauled a defender in the run game. He put a safety on his backside ten yards down field showing off his speed, his strength, and his tenacity when finishing blocks.
Campbell was beat once on the play that saw Drake Maye fumble, however. He was aligned along side fellow rookie Jared Wilson when a two man stunt confused the pair. Campbell allowed his man to take him to the inside, while Wilson’s man looped around the tackle and brought the quarterback down.
Aside from that, he was credited with three pancakes on 14 snaps played and generally left Pats fans feeling good about the team’s selection.