ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

Steve Smith may feel like he’s no longer an asset to the Carolina Panthers. But the numbers show the Panthers are trying to get him the ball.

ESPN’s Stats & Information just sent out a large packet of statistics related to how often wide receivers have been targeted and there’s a lot of interesting stuff on the NFC South.

Smith still is one of the league’s most targeted receivers. He’s been targeted 55 times. Only seven receivers have been targeted more than him.

Most targeted WRs through Week 7 Player Team Targets Andre Johnson Texans 67 Randy Moss Patriots 67 Steve Smith Giants 64 Chad Ochocinco Bengals 63 Larry Fitzgerald Cardinals 62 Wes Welker Patriots 61 Reggie Wayne Colts 57 Hines Ward Steelers 55 Santonio Holmes Steelers 55 Steve Smith Panthers 55

Smith also is one of the most targeted receivers on deep balls (passes of more than 20 yards), although he’s caught only three of those.

Most targeted WRs passes of 20+ yards Player Team Targets Receptions Yards TD Ted Ginn Dolphins 13 2 74 1 Vincent Jackson Chargers 12 6 254 1 Donald Driver Packers 12 5 156 1 Steve Smith Panthers 12 3 98 0 Mohamed Massaquoi Browns 12 4 126 0 Terrell Owens Bills 12 2 82 1

We’ll move away from the Panthers now and on to New Orleans receiver Marques Colston, who has been productive on deep balls and in the red zone. First, here’s where Colston stands among league leaders in deep passes.

Best catch percentage on passes of 20+ yards, minimum 5 targets Player Team Targets Receptions TD Catch% Marques Colston Saints 6 4 1 67 Jabar Gaffney Broncos 6 4 0 67 Steve Smith Giants 10 6 1 60 Torry Holt Jaguars 5 3 0 60 Miles Austin Cowboys 7 4 2 57 Earl Bennett Bears 7 4 0 57

Next, we move to some red zone numbers, where Colston has been very productive.

Most targeted WR in red zone, 2009 season Player Targets Receptions Catch% Larry Fitzgerald 11 5 45 Chad Ochocinco 9 6 67 Randy Moss 9 4 44 Marques Colston 8 6 75 Wes Welker 8 5 63 Nate Washington 8 7 88 Austin Collie 8 5 63 Calvin Johnson 8 2 25