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broken play

American  

noun

Football.
  1. an improvised offensive play that results when the originally planned play has failed to be executed properly.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The broken play highlighted a 13-play, 99-yard drive that Nico Collins finished with a 13-yard touchdown catch.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2025

Four plays later, Salter turned a broken play into a 35-yard touchdown run.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2023

“It’s frustrating for sure,” Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. said after allowing the go-ahead basket on a broken play.

From Washington Times • Dec. 19, 2022

Disaster nearly struck on USC’s first drive, as a third-down snap slipped through Williams’ hands, forcing the quarterback to flee the pocket amid the chaos of a broken play.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 2, 2022

Shortly afterward, a broken play by the Nordiques led to his 50th goal.

From Washington Post • Apr. 15, 2022

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