Rob Gronkowski (AP)

Targets have been compiled by the NFL since the start of the 2009 season, and while it remains an imperfect stat — a badly thrown ball from a quarterback can often go against the record of the receiver as opposed to the quarterback — it remains a good indication of the confidence level a passer might have in his pass catcher. After five weeks, here’s a look at the target breakdown in the New England passing game for the 2011 season:

Danny Woodhead: 6 catches on 8 targets (75 percent)
BenJarvus Green-Ellis: 3 catches on 4 targets (75 percent)
Rob Gronkowski: 22 catches on 31 targets (71 percent)
Aaron Hernandez: 19 catches on 27 targets (70 percent)
Wes Welker: 45 catches on 65 targets (69 percent)
Deion Branch: 23 catches on 34 targets (68 percent)
Stevan Ridley: 2 catches on 3 targets (66 percent)
Chad Ochocinco: 9 catches on 14 targets (64 percent)
Julian Edelman: 3 catches on 6 targets (50 percent)
Matthew Slater: 1 catch on 3 targets (33 percent)
Dane Fletcher: 0 catches on 1 target (0 percent)
TOTAL: 133 catches on 196 targets (68 percent)

By position:
Running back: 11 catches on 15 targets (73 percent)
Tight end: 41 catches on 58 targets (71 percent)
Wide receiver: 81 catches on 122 targets (66 percent)
Other: 0 catches on 1 target (0 percent)