1. The linebackers and safeties forget to watch the linemen, and watch the backfield. This isn't exactly dumb, because it's easy to take a bad angle on a runningback if you're paying too much attention to the linemen.
2. The linemen take one hard step forward, but not enough to get downfield, and then pass set.
One thing to remember about the NFL is that every single step matters. A linebacker doesn't have to run into the line and tackle the runningback for play-action to be effective. All he has to do is take one or two steps towards the line of scrimmage when he should be moving backwards and you can complete a pass over him.
Spot on. It's about deception and freezing a defender for a split second. Players at this level are very well matched physically and very few players can simply out run or overpower someone. You need to deceive defenders to get yourself that 1/2 step of space to gain an extra yard or two.
1. The linebackers and safeties forget to watch the linemen, and watch the backfield. This isn't exactly dumb, because it's easy to take a bad angle on a runningback if you're paying too much attention to the linemen.
2. The linemen take one hard step forward, but not enough to get downfield, and then pass set.
One thing to remember about the NFL is that every single step matters. A linebacker doesn't have to run into the line and tackle the runningback for play-action to be effective. All he has to do is take one or two steps towards the line of scrimmage when he should be moving backwards and you can complete a pass over him.