Rob Gronkowski

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. Here’s a look at the target breakdown for the New England passing game through one week of the 2012 regular season:

TE Rob Gronkowski: Six catches on six targets
TE Aaron Hernandez: Six catches on seven targets
WR Brandon Lloyd: Five catches on eight targets
WR Wes Welker: Three catches on five targets
RB Stevan Ridley: Two catches on three targets
WR Julian Edelman: One catch on two targets

By position
Tight end: 12 catches on 13 targets
Wide receiver: 9 catches on 15 targets
Running back: 2 catches on 3 targets