Elise Amendola/Associated Press

As the New England Patriots' offensive line fires off the snap, Tom Brady holds the ball out for everyone to see, waiting for his running back to pluck it from his grasp. In one deft motion, however, Brady retracts the ball, flips his hips and finds acres of space in which to throw the ball; the linebackers having vacated their coverage responsibilities to pursue the run.

The play-action pass strikes again.

When Rob Gronkowski and Tim Wright give a blocking look after the snap, opposing defenders have a "Sophie's Choice" of what to do next. They can steel themselves for the oncoming block, anchoring to try and stay in position to make a tackle. Conversely, they can play it soft, looking for play action.

Choose the wrong—or even right at times—option and the minutemen in Gillette Stadium will be readying their muskets. They nearly ran out of ammunition against the Chicago Bears.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Gronkowski (2.83, first) and Wright (2.04, sixth) are two of only seven tight ends to average over two yards per route run. Together, they have caught an astounding 72.1 percent of balls thrown their way, per PFF.

Play action is a big reason why. Here are two plays from the 51-23 victory over the Bears that highlights the advantages of using play action in "11", "12" or even "23" personnel.

With just over 11 minutes remaining in the second quarter, the Patriots are in "11" personnel with Gronkowski at the "Y" on the left side of the formation. The Bears counter with a nickel look.

Brady fakes to Shane Vereen and two Chicago linebackers take the bait. Their drop zones are vacant as Gronkowski runs a skinny post for an easy 16-yard gain. Without the play action, Gronkowski is running into double or perhaps triple coverage if he doesn't change his route.

Later in the same drive, New England is lined up at the 1-yard line. After multiple short-yardage runs at the edge of the end zone had resulted in an abject lack of touchdowns, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels decided that play action would come to the rescue.

With New England in "23" personnel and James Develin in as a fullback, the Chicago Bears are thinking run. They counter with a heavy goal-line defense.

Wright and Gronkowski both show block out of their "YY" wing on the right side of the formation but quickly shirk their faux blocking duties and cut to the left in a "levels" look. Brady has both of his stud tight end opens. Wright gets to finish the drive in this instance, although Gronkowski would finish with three touchdowns of his own.

As the New England offense continues to improve and evolve, look for the tight ends and play action to be the backbone of the attack.