Others have said it, but yes this is the way the play is designed. If you put too much velocity the receiver has a smaller window for reaction and positioning. The idea is he runs "onto" the ball. The 2nd problem with velocity at close quarters is the pass bouncing off the hands or shoulder-pad of the receiver. The danger of a lineman intercepting when they are not looking for a pass in that range, and to be honest, are probably not as good at catching balls as a wide receiver, is slim. So I think it is a play that looks more dangerous then it is. And look, not to be glib, it did go for a lot of yards. I am more concerned with another play of ours called the "mad scramble and throw off the front-foot into a crowd play." I think the opposition has seen it enough now. Let's take it out of the play book.
