Play action
A pass preceded by a fake handoff, meant to trick the defense.
On a play action, the quarterback fakes handing the ball to a running back, just like a normal run play, before dropping back to throw. The goal is to pull linebackers and safeties closer to the line of scrimmage, opening space behind them.
How well a play action works depends directly on how credible the team's running game is: if the run is a real threat, the defense reacts instinctively, and the window for a deep pass opens up. If the team doesn't run well, the defense reads through the fake more easily.
It's one of the most-used modern offensive weapons, especially for deep passes to wide receivers or tight ends.