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 six weeks, here’s a look at the target breakdown in the New England passing game for the 2011 season:

BenJarvus Green-Ellis: 4 catches on 5 targets (80 percent)
Rob Gronkowski: 29 catches on 38 targets (76 percent)
Danny Woodhead: 8 catches on 11 targets (73 percent)
Wes Welker: 51 catches on 75 targets (68 percent)
Deion Branch: 26 catches on 39 targets (67 percent)
Aaron Hernandez: 27 catches on 41 targets (66 percent)
Stevan Ridley: 2 catches on 3 targets (66 percent)
Chad Ochocinco: 9 catches on 15 targets (60 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: 160 catches on 237 targets (68 percent)

By position:
Running back: 14 catches on 19 targets (74 percent)
Tight end: 56 catches on 79 targets (71 percent)
Wide receiver: 90 catches on 138 targets (65 percent)
Other: 0 catches on 1 target (0 percent)