After spending the evening logging the plays from last night during Tom Brady's record setting performance, I figured I'd share some interesting numbers from the passing game for anyone who was interested.
Looking at the passing game, the Patriots favored the left side of the field, albeit by just one attempt - with Brady throwing to that side on 18 out of his 48 pass attempts.
On those attempts here's how it broke down:
Deion Branch: 6 targets, 5 receptions - 80 yards
Chad Ochocinco: 2 targets, 1 reception - 14 yards
Julian Edelman: 2 targets, 1 reception - 9 yards - Brady was picked on the 2nd target to him
Matthew Slater: 1 target - 0 receptions
Rob Gronkowski: 1 target - 0 receptions
Wes Welker: 6 targets, 6 receptions - 148 yards, 2 TD's
Total: 13-of-18 for 251 yards, 2 TD's (72% completion percentage)
Brady also had just one fewer attempt on the other side, throwing to the right on 17 of his attempts. Here's how those broke down:
Aaron Hernandez: 6 targets, 4 receptions - 74 yards
Chad Ochocinco: 1 target, 0 receptions
Dane Fletcher: 1 target, 0 receptions
Danny Woodhead: 1 target, 1 reception - 6 yards
Deion Branch: 3 targets, 2 receptions - 13 yards
Rob Gronkowski: 3 targets, 3 receptions - 35 yards
Wes Welker: 2 targets, 1 reception - 6 yards
TOTAL: 11-of-17 for 134 yards 1 TD (64% completion percentage)
From there Brady had 12 passes to the middle of the field, and here's how those broke down:
Aaron Hernandez: 4 targets, 3 receptions - 29 yards, 1 TD
BenJarvus Green-Ellis: 1 target, 0 receptions
Rob Gronkowski: 3 targets, 3 receptions - 51 yards
Matthew Slater: 1 target, 1 reception - 46 yards
Wes Welker: 3 targets, 1 receception - 6 yards
TOTAL: 8-of-12 for 132 yards 1 TD (75% completion percentage)
Looking at it based by down, here's how it shaped up:
1st Down Targets & Receptions:
Aaron Hernandez: 5 Targets, 3 receptions, 15 yards, 1 TD
BenJarvus Green-Ellis: 1 Target, 0 receptions
Chad Ochocinco: 2 Targets, 1 reception 14-yards
Danny Woodhead: 1 Target, 1 reception - 6 yards
Deion Branch: 5 Targets, 3 receptions - 43 yards
Matthew Slater: 1 Target, 0 receptions
Rob Gronkowski: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions - 60 yards
Wes Welker: 6 Targets, 4 receptions - 127 yards, 1 TD
TOTAL: 15-of-24, 265-yards, 1 TD (62.5% completion percentage)
2nd Down Targets & Receptions:
Aaron Hernandez: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions - 88 yards
Deion Branch: 1 Target, 1 Reception - 13 yards
Julian Edelman: 2 Targets, 1 Reception - 9 yards (Brady Picked on 2nd Target)
Matthew Slater: 1 Target, 1 Reception - 46 yards
Rob Gronkowski: 2 Targets, 1 Reception - 2 yards
Wes Welker: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions - 31 yards
TOTAL: 11-of-14, 189 yards - 1 INT (78.5% completion percentage)
3rd Down Targets & Receptions:
Aaron Hernandez: 1 Target, 0 receptions
Chad Ochocinco: 1 Target, 0 receptions
Dane Fletcher: 1 Target, 0 receptions
Deion Branch: 3 Targets, 3 receptions - 37-yards
Rob Gronkowski: 2 Targets, 2 receptions - 24 yards, 1 TD
Wes Welker: 2 Targets, 1 reception - 2 yards, 1 TD
TOTAL: 6-of-10 for 63 yards, 2 TD's (60% completion percentage)
- There were no 4th down passing attempts.
*Brady was sacked once last night for a -1 yard loss, which accounts for one attempt and brings the NET Yard passing total to 516 yards.
**Play direction is based on how each play was recorded in the official NFL Gamebook stat records.
More News Headlines:
MORSE: Looking At Patriots Wide Receiver Room and Gabe Jacas Mess
By: Mark MorseThe Patriots' wide receiver room is under review, highlighting AJ Brown, Demario Douglas, and key battles. The Gabe Jacas controversy adds intrigue.
Key Questions Remain After Patriots Mini Camp: Little Margin For Error at Several Positions
By: Ian LogueReviewing Patriots minicamp, key questions remain for 2026 concerning the offensive line, linebacker, receiver depth, tight end, and Drake Maye's role.
Patriots News 06-14, Patriots Wrap Up Spring Workouts
By: Steve BalestrieriPatriots wrap up spring workouts, looking ahead to training camp and the 2026 season. Drake Maye's development, A.J. Brown & Romeo Doubs boost offense.
Patriots Rookie Lomu Reveals “Weird” First Days at Right Tackle
By: Ian LoguePatriots rookie Caleb Lomu details his 'weird' initial adjustment to right tackle after college, now feeling natural with veteran Morgan Moses' help.
Vrabel’s Goal For Christian Barmore in 2026: “Being able to finish”
By: Ian LogueVrabel challenges Christian Barmore to 'finish' plays and increase sacks in 2026. His season management is also detailed.