I somewhat understand needing to throw the ball short of the markers if the defense is playing back. But in a scenario like that, the defense is just going to suck down on the player that catches the ball, so I think you need to add a lateral to give yourself a better chance of getting the first down.

They should have done that against Coastal Carolina in 2020. Not saying it would have worked, but I think you have a higher probability of making it.