Efton Chism keeps making plays for Patriots and other takeaways from preseason win over Vikings
The New England Patriots closed out their second preseason game with a 24-17 win over the Minnesota Vikings, and once again, wide receiver Efton Chism was at the center of the action. The undrafted rookie has been one of the pleasant surprises of camp, and Saturday night was no exception as he delivered another strong performance that is bound to catch the coaching staff’s attention.
Chism hauled in four receptions for 62 yards, including a key third-down grab that extended a scoring drive. Beyond the box score, his crisp routes and sure hands stood out, making him look more like a polished veteran than a player fighting for a roster spot. Bill Belichick and his staff prize consistency, and through two preseason games, Chism has done nothing but stack reliable reps.
Quarterback Mac Jones played two series and looked sharp, completing six of seven passes and leading a touchdown drive capped by a Rhamondre Stevenson run. Bailey Zappe followed with extended action, showing better pocket awareness than in Week 1 while finding Chism and rookie tight end Jaheim Bell on intermediate throws.
Defensively, New England showed encouraging signs. Rookie cornerback Marcus Jones snagged an interception, while the pass rush, led by Matthew Judon and second-year lineman Keion White, disrupted Minnesota’s backfield rhythm. The Patriots’ depth up front looks to be one of their early strengths.
Special teams also had a moment, with rookie kicker Chad Ryland drilling a 49-yard field goal that had plenty of distance. After last year’s inconsistencies in the kicking game, his reliability could prove vital.
For the Vikings, the absence of several starters limited their rhythm, but rookie quarterback Jaren Hall delivered a late touchdown pass to keep things close. Still, New England controlled most phases and looked the more prepared squad.
The preseason is about evaluation more than results, and the Patriots will be encouraged by the continued emergence of Chism. If he keeps stacking performances like this, he may go from camp underdog to a surprise contributor on the 53-man roster.
