downfield

[doun-feeld]

adverb

Football.

1. past the line of scrimmage and at or toward the goal line of the defensive team.

   He sent his receivers downfield. Downfield blocking is important on passes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of downfield¹

First recorded in 1940–45; down ¹ + field

Example Sentences

The Commanders carried that momentum into the third quarter when, with a combination of receptions and runs by Croskey-Merritt, they worked their way downfield for the go-ahead touchdown.

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The Rams looked as if they would gain momentum when they moved downfield on the first possession of the second half.

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But he did make his share of eye-popping passes downfield, including hitting Lemon in the corner of the end zone for that 19-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown.

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Seattle’s offense is starting to click, and the Seahawks’ ability to throw downfield should give them the edge on the road.

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Raiders quarterback Geno Smith simply didn’t have time to get the ball deep downfield.

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