A look at the snaps played by offensive skill-position players in the Patriots' 38-24 win over the Dolphins, while analyzing what they might mean (as charted in press box, small margin for error):
QB Tom Brady -- 80 of 80
TE Rob Gronkowski -- 75 of 80
WR Wes Welker -- 67 of 80
TE Aaron Hernandez -- 66 of 80
WR Deion Branch -- 62 of 80
RB Danny Woodhead -- 58 of 80
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis -- 22 of 80
TE Dan Gronkowski -- 21 of 80
WR Chad Ochocinco -- 18 of 80
WR Julian Edelman -- 6 of 80
WR Matthew Slater -- 3 of 80
FB Dane Fletcher -- 2 of 80
(Includes defensive offisde penalty, illegal formation penalty, false start penalty, 12 men on the field penalty, false start penalty, encorachment penalty, holding penalty and false start penalty.)
ANALYSIS: The heavy tight end usage is reflected in the high snap totals for Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. The only time Gronkowski came off the field was in a three-receiver set, with Hernandez replacing him. ... With the Patriots running a hurry-up offense, it placed a premium on experience in the system at receiver, because players had to know where to line up and respond quickly. That contributed to Ochocinco's lower play-time total, as Deion Branch and Wes Welker took the majority of reps at receiver. ... Also tied to that approach was the running back rotation. With the Patriots going with the hurry-up, "passing" back Danny Woodhead was the better fit. ... Linebacker Dane Fletcher worked as a lead-blocking fullback twice at the goal-line; one produced a TD, the other an incomplete pass. ... Offensive line-wise, Brian Waters played 69 of 80 snaps at right guard. Not bad for a player who signed eight days before the opening game.
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