New England Patriots snap counts analysis entering Week 2

Week 1 Patriots snap counts: Tight ends

Here is a listing of tight end snaps counts from Week 1:

Martellus Bennett – 69 snaps (97 percent)

A.J. Derby – 20 snaps (28 percent)

Two names are missing from this list that we had expected to be there: Rob Gronkowski and Clay Harbor. The absence of Gronk pressed Bennett into a greater role, and the veteran delivered. His stat line of 14 yards on three catches may not sound all that impressive, but Bennett made his mark setting the edge run blocking throughout the game. Harbor was a healthy scratch.

With Gronk’s Week 2 status up in the air (and most likely remaining that way until the last second), we’re going to proceed under the impression that he won’t play against the Dolphins, which will render Bennett and Derby all that much more valuable. Don’t expect the Pats to hold out Harbor for a second week in a row.

Week 2 predictions

Bennett – 60 snaps

Derby – 33 snaps

Harbor – 12 snaps

Next: Offensive line