The New England Patriots defeated the Buffalo Bills 29-26 in an early-season divisional contest, with wide receiver Efton Chism III providing the decisive play. The undrafted free agent made a one-handed diving catch in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown with 1:50 remaining in the game.
Following the Patriots’ victory, Bills cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson questioned the significance of the play, characterizing Chism as a practice squad player and suggesting the catch was a fluke that would not be repeated if the play were run again. Gardner-Johnson’s comments drew attention despite his stated intention to avoid creating bulletin board material.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel responded to Gardner-Johnson’s remarks during his weekly radio appearance the following day. Vrabel referenced Gardner-Johnson’s own employment history, noting the cornerback has been on multiple teams throughout his career. The exchange set up a rematch between the two clubs in Week 13.
Chism, in his second professional season after playing college football at Eastern Washington, has appeared in limited action this season due to the injury absence of starting receiver A.J. Brown. Through the game against Buffalo, Chism had four receptions for 41 yards on the season, with the touchdown being his most notable contribution to date. He signed with New England as an undrafted free agent in 2025 and has remained on the active roster since that time.
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