Stephen A. Smith criticizes Bills safety
Stephen Anthony Smith, an ESPN sports commentator, criticized Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson following the team’s October 4, 2026, defeat against the New England Patriots. His criticism concerned comments about receiver Efton Chism III.
During ESPN’s First Take on October 5, Smith described Gardner-Johnson’s remarks as classless and called him a sore loser. New England defeated Buffalo 29-26 during Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season.
Gardner-Johnson questions Chism’s catch
C.J. Gardner-Johnson questioned Efton Chism III’s touchdown reception after Buffalo lost to New England on October 4. The Bills’ safety referred to Chism as a practice squad player during his postgame comments.
Gardner-Johnson also suggested that Chism would struggle to repeat the catch against NFL competition. His remarks followed a touchdown that gave New England the lead late in the fourth quarter against Buffalo.
Stephen A. Smith demands more respect
Stephen A. Smith challenged Gardner-Johnson’s comments during ESPN’s First Take following Buffalo’s defeat. The commentator argued that professional football players should recognize opposing athletes’ achievements rather than dismiss their performances after losing games.
Smith specifically defended Efton Chism III, who contributed to New England’s victory with a touchdown reception. His criticism centered on how Gardner-Johnson addressed another NFL player following a disappointing result against a division rival.
Efton Chism III scores winning touchdown
Efton Chism III caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Drake Maye during New England’s October 4, 2026, victory over Buffalo. The one-handed reception came with 1:50 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Patriots completed a successful 2-point conversion when Maye connected with Rhamondre Stevenson after Chism’s touchdown. That sequence gave New England a 29-26 lead, which the team maintained through the final possession.
Efton Chism III records 42 receiving yards
Efton Chism III finished New England’s October 4 victory with 2 receptions for 42 yards and 1 touchdown. His performance included a 23-yard scoring reception that helped the Patriots regain the lead.
Chism also recorded a 19-yard reception during New England’s final touchdown drive. The receiver averaged 21 yards per catch and was targeted 4 times during the Patriots’ victory over Buffalo.
Stephen A. Smith corrects roster claim
Stephen A. Smith disputed Gardner-Johnson’s description of Efton Chism III as a practice squad player. During ESPN’s First Take, Smith explained that the Patriots receiver had earned a place on the active roster.
Chism joined New England as an undrafted free agent in 2025 and made the team’s 53-man roster. The receiver had never spent time on the Patriots’ practice squad when Gardner-Johnson made his remarks.
Buffalo Bills lose unbeaten record
The Buffalo Bills entered their October 4, 2026, matchup against New England with a 3-0 record. Their 29-26 defeat ended Buffalo’s unbeaten start and left the team at 3-1 through Week 4.
New England entered the contest with a 1-2 record after losing 35-6 to Jacksonville on September 27. The Patriots improved to 2-2 following their road victory against Buffalo at Highmark Stadium.
Drake Maye throws 3 touchdown passes
Drake Maye completed 22 of 37 passes for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns against Buffalo on October 4. The Patriots quarterback also threw 1 interception during New England’s road victory.
Maye contributed another 54 yards on 8 rushing attempts against the Bills’ defense. His performance helped New England recover from a difficult previous game and secure its second victory of the 2026 season.
Fun fact: Efton Chism III set an Eastern Washington school record with 120 receptions during the 2024 college football season.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson defends Buffalo
C.J. Gardner-Johnson maintained that Buffalo was the better team despite losing to New England. The Bills’ safety made the claim during his postgame remarks following the October 4 divisional matchup.
New England finished with 405 total offensive yards compared with Buffalo’s 340 yards. The Patriots also recorded 26 first downs against the Bills’ 19, according to the game’s statistical summary.
Stephen A. Smith recognizes NFL experience
Stephen A. Smith criticized Gardner-Johnson’s postgame response after Buffalo’s loss to New England. Smith said the safety’s comments about Efton Chism III were classless and made him sound like a sore loser.
Gardner-Johnson entered the NFL as a 4th-round draft selection by the New Orleans Saints in 2019. Smith’s criticism focused on how the Bills’ safety spoke about Chism after Buffalo’s defeat.
Mike Vrabel defends Patriots receiver
Mike Vrabel defended Efton Chism III after Gardner-Johnson questioned the receiver’s future in the NFL. The New England Patriots head coach praised Chism’s work ethic and his preparation during team practices.
Vrabel said Chism regularly takes practice repetitions and works hard to earn opportunities. The coach also joked about Gardner-Johnson’s experience moving between NFL teams when discussing the safety’s criticism of his receiver.
Efton Chism III responds respectfully
Efton Chism III responded to Gardner-Johnson’s comments while speaking with reporters on October 7, 2026. The Patriots receiver described the Buffalo safety as a great player and expressed respect for the Bills.
Chism also explained that his attention had shifted toward New England’s upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The receiver emphasized returning to work rather than continuing the disagreement following his touchdown catch.
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Patriots prepare for Raiders matchup
The New England Patriots entered Week 5 with a 2-2 record following their victory over Buffalo. New England was scheduled to host the 3-1 Las Vegas Raiders on October 11, 2026, at Gillette Stadium.
Efton Chism III turned his attention toward the Raiders after responding to C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s comments. The Patriots receiver emphasized preparation and making the most of future opportunities following his touchdown against Buffalo.
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Was Stephen A. Smith right to call out C.J. Gardner-Johnson? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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