play-action pass

noun

play-ac·​tion pass

: a pass play in football in which the quarterback fakes a handoff before passing the ball

called also play-action

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

And where most rushers hesitate against a play-action pass, Watt is rarely fooled. —cleveland, 7 Jan. 2023

And people are playing more to stop us from rushing, more running the ball and play-action pass or screens. —Dallas News, 24 Dec. 2022

The drive started with a two-yard run by Barkley for some breathing room followed by a play-action pass that had Jones rolling left. —Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2022

Going for it on fourth-and-1 from the Houston 1-yard line on the first drive of the third quarter was a good decision, but after nine straight runs, a play-action pass might’ve been a better choice. —Dallas News, 11 Dec. 2022

Detroit’s play-action pass froze Vikings safety Camryn Bynum and Williams ran right by him for the long touchdown reception. —Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2022

Against the Jaguars, the Lions relied on their offensive staple, the play-action pass, and Jared Goff (31-of-41 passing for 340 yards with two touchdowns) continued to play efficiently in the back half of the season. —Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2022

Six plays later, the run-heavy Trojans went to the air, as Cole Burton found Eli Aston on a play-action pass for a 12-yard touchdown, putting East Central up 21-14 with 9:10 left. —Akeem Glaspie, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Nov. 2022

With Sylvan Hills on its 30-yard line, Marion defensive lineman Garrett Dickerson stripped the ball from quarterback Gavin Tiner on a play-action pass. —Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above