backfield

American  

[bak-feeld] / ˈbækˌfild /

noun

Football.

1. (used with a plural verb) the members of the team who, on offense, are stationed behind the linemen and, on defense, behind the linebackers.

2. their positions considered as a unit.

3. the area where the backs play.

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backfield British  

/ ˈbækˌfiːld /

noun

1. (sometimes functioning as plural) the quarterback and running backs in a team

2. the area behind the line of scrimmage from which the backfield begin each play

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Etymology

Origin of backfield

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; back ¹ + field

Example Sentences

Over the course of New England’s first four possessions, Maye was brought down in the backfield three times.

From The Wall Street Journal

Smith-Njigba has given opposing defensive coaches nightmares all season as he can be deployed anywhere -- his explosive runs come from out wide, in the slot, or even the backfield.

From Barron's

The play was a quarterback draw, calling for Mendoza to pause for a beat in the backfield, let the defense flow around him and then run straight into the teeth of the opposition.

From The Wall Street Journal

Battered, bruised and well beaten, Smith had coughed up a horrendous blooper for Sale's sixth try, failing to gather a routine backfield ball to allow a chasing Raffi Quirke to dot down.

From BBC

King Miller had been stellar in the five weeks since being thrust into the lead role in USC’s backfield.

From Los Angeles Times