New England Patriots v Minnesota Vikings - NFL Preseason 2025
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 16: Efton Chism III #86 of the New England Patriots carries the ball to score a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)Getty Images
Drake Maye didn’t get to throw to Efton Chism III during Saturday’s preseason game with the Minnesota Vikings.
Joshua Dobbs was the lucky quarterback.
But that doesn’t mean Chism, who had six catches on six targets for 71 yards and a touchdown during the 20-12 win over the Vikings, hasn’t made an impression on the Patriots starting quarterback.
“He just keeps on showing up. I think that’s the theme for him,” Maye said following the win. “It was throughout camp, throughout joint practices, throughout preseason games. He got in the endzone again tonight. He just keeps showing up like I said.”
Chism, an undrafted free agent out of Washington State, has been the leading receiver in both preseason games to date. He had six catches for 50 yards and a touchdown against the Washington Commanders last week.
Against the Vikings, he did all of his damage in the second quarter, right before the half.
He moved the chains with an 11-yard gain on a third-and-11 play. A 33-yard reception followed before he converted on another third down using extra effort to gain seven yards.
He wasn’t done.
Chism pulled in a 12-yard touchdown pass, making at least five Vikings defenders miss. That was another third down play.
“He knows what to do. He’s staying late with veterans, and asking me, ‘Hey, what are you doing on this route?’'’ Maye said. ”He just wants it. I think that’s the biggest thing he’s showing and it’s paying off."
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