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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- A look at snaps played by offensive skill-position players in the Patriots' 24-20 loss to the Giants, while analyzing what it might mean (as charted in press box, small margin for error): TE Rob Gronkowski -- 74 of 78
WR Wes Welker -- 69 of 78
WR Deion Branch -- 65 of 78
TE Aaron Hernandez -- 59 of 78
RB Danny Woodhead -- 42 of 78
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis -- 29 of 78
TE Nate Solder -- 23 of 78
WR Chad Ochocinco -- 18 of 78
WR Julian Edelman -- 4 of 78
RB Stevan Ridley -- 4 of 78
FB Ryan Wendell -- 3 of 78 (False start penalty included; 12-men-in-huddle not included.) ANALYSIS: Chad Ochocinco's 18 snaps were an increase from what he's played recently, although not by too much. This is how his snap counts have progressed this year: 18, 17, 60, 18, 32, 7, 11, 18. His presence might have been more notable, however, because he had more balls thrown in his direction (5 targets, 0 catches). ... Rookie running back Stevan Ridley was on for two snaps apiece on two first-half series' and that was it, while fellow rookie running back Shane Vereen dressed but did not play. If the Patriots' coaching staff is looking for ways to shake things up, perhaps the rookies will get more opportunities in the coming weeks. Ridley had been generating some momentum after a strong performance Oct. 2 in Oakland; however, he's played just 25 snaps over the next four games. ... With Kevin Faulk inactive, and the Patriots leaning toward the pass, Danny Woodhead led all running backs in snaps played. ... Rookie OT Nate Solder was utilized as a second/third tight end over Dan Gronkowski (no offensive snaps), and at one point split out wide before motioning back to the line. ... Tight end Rob Gronkowski hardly leaves the field and continues to contribute in both areas -- as a pass-catcher and effective blocker.
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