"Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics": Who is Targeted

Before I get started let me say that this is an extremely small sample size, and of course could change very quickly. This is mainly just some interesting stats to look at as little can be really understood just yet. This is something to keep an eye on and watch as the season progresses.

Due to a comment by Grimskins, the question came up about where Robert Griffin's pass are going, which got me thinking that it would be an interesting topic to look at. Here is the target and catch break down through two games (55 passes, but just 52 targeted throws):

Wide Receivers: 32 combined targets resulting in 25 receptions (78.1%)

-32 targets represent 61.5% of all targets

-25 catches represent 64.1T% of all catches (39 total catches)

Tight ends: 13 combined targets resulting in 8 receptions (61.5%)

-13 targets represent 25% of all targets

-8 catches represent 20.5% of all catches

Running backs: 7 combined targets for 6 receptions (85.7%)

-7 targets represent 13.5% of all targets

-6 catches represent 15% of all catches

Aldrick Robinson and Fred Davis are tied with nine targets apiece to lead the team. Though Robinson has six catches to Davis's four. Santana Moss and Josh Morgan are next up with seven targets each, both with six receptions. Though Davis does have nine targets that seems a bit misleading, given how much the wide receiver targets have been spread out. And don't forget, though Robinson in playing the Garcon role has nine targets, Garcon has four targets despite only being on the field for a total of five passing attempts against the Saints. Given the number of receiver screens and quick passes, they definitely seem to be the primary targets in this offense.

Obviously it is way too early to make any real comparisons to last season, but tight ends saw just 21% of targeted passes (though that was with Cooley injured and Davis suspended). Running backs also saw 21% of targeted passes last year a number that is well lower this season. Though surprisingly the TE targets appear to be about the same (obviously slightly up right now), the tight ends seem to be less of a focal point than last season (had he played all 16 games Davis was on pace to lead the team in targets).

Again this breakdown is mainly for fun right now, but it is something to watch throughout the rest of the season. How do you feel about the distribution of the ball so far, and what if any changes do you predict throughout the season?

Check out Fanspeak.com, for Steve Shoup's additional Redskins coverage. Also check out his 2012 NFL Preview Guide