IN FOCUS: Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez: Where Did He Line Up on Sunday?
 Hernandez was used in quite a few different ways in New England's offense on Sunday. (FILE:USPresswire) |
One of the biggest discussions coming into this season was with the uncertainty surrounding Wes Welker's future, how could that potentially affect tight end Aaron Hernandez and would he see an increased workload in the offense this season?
Hernandez was targeted the second most on Sunday, with 7 targets for 59 yards along with a touchdown (Brandon Lloyd was targeted the most, with 8 targets, 6 catches, and 69 yards receiving). He played every offensive snap but one, with the tight end not seen on the field on the final offensive play of the game which was a rush by Brandon Bolden, which was a two yard loss before Stephen Gostkowski kicked the final field goal of the day.
As for Welker, he was targeted 5 times with three receptions for 14 yards.
Hernandez was moved around quite a bit in this game, and after taking another look back and focusing in on where the third year tight end lined up, every play has been reviewed and here's how it broke down:
Lined Up in Tight: 34 Snaps
Split Out Wide: 22 Snaps
Lined Up in the Backfield: 9 Snaps
Looking at it by down, here's where he was along with the results:
1ST DOWN:
Split Out Wide: 11 Snaps (1 target, reception, 8 yards)
In Tight: 17 Snaps (0 Targets)
In the Backfield: 4 Snaps (1 target, 1 reception, 4 Yards)
2ND DOWN:
Split Out Wide: 6 Snaps (1 target, 1 catch, 12 yards)
In Tight: 15 Snaps (3 targets, 3 receptions, 35 yards, 1 TD)
In the Backfield: 2 Snaps (0 Targets)
3RD DOWN:
Split Out Wide: 5 Snaps (1 Target)
In Tight: 3 Snaps (0 Targets)
In the Backfield: 3 Snaps (0 targets - 1 carry, 5 yards)
