Heading into Week 17, the New England Patriots placed Mack Hollins on injured reserve. Hollins had become a reliable target for Drake Maye in his second season, while also making his mark in the run game, being the Patriots' best run-blocking wide receiver. With the Patriots also down Kayshon Boutte, the Patriots' offense had some questions in an important Week 17 game.
Week 17 went as perfectly as the Patriots could've hoped for, defeating the New York Jets 42-10. Drake Maye dominated from the moment he stepped on the field, finishing 19-21 on passes for 256 yards and five touchdowns, while adding 22 rushing yards on three attempts.
Stefon Diggs led the receivers with six catches, 101 yards, and a touchdown. Without Hollins and Boutte, the Patriots needed help from younger guys, and they delivered. Fortunately, rookie receiver Efton Chism showed up and looked impressive when his number was called.
Seldom-Used Patriots WR Efton Chism Impresses in Week 17
Chism's role going into Week 17 was unknown, though, given the Patriots' loss of Mack Hollins run-blocking, Chism was someone who could fill that void, per Patriots CLNS reporter Taylor Kyles. After having a breakout preseason with the Patriots, Chism was finally going to get the chance to play meaningful snaps.
Early on in the game, Chism caught his first career pass, going for 30 yards on the play. Later on in the game, Chism added to the scoreboard with his first career touchdown reception on the Patriots' first drive of the second half. The final stat line for Chism was two catches for 40 yards and one touchdown.
Though this game wasn't competitive, it was still a great sign to see how well Chism played for the Patriots today. New England will be without Hollins for some time, and Boutte isn't a certainty for next week, so the team will need to rely on the younger guys on the depth chart.
Now sitting at 13-3, New England can clinch the division in Week 17, should the Buffalo Bills lose to the Philadelphia Eagles. If they win, the Patriots' Week 18 showdown with the Miami Dolphins becomes a must-win game for the Patriots. Not only could a Week 18 win give the Patriots the AFC East, if games break in the Patriots' favor, but they could even win the AFC and secure a first-round bye in the playoffs.