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

He had three completions in the NFC title game that traveled more than 20 yards downfield, and he could have even more in the Super Bowl.

From Washington Post

That capped a five-yard, 75-yard drive in which Alabama again moved downfield with little apparent obstruction from Ohio State defenders.

From Washington Post

Landry took it the rest of the way, with the help of a solid block downfield by wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones.

From Washington Post

If you’re going to lead a fourth-quarter comeback, you probably need to do it with a QB who can push the ball downfield successfully.

From FiveThirtyEight

There are so many things that Fields isn’t supposed to be — a Heisman finalist, an accurate downfield passer.

From Washington Post

The protection will last as long as Winston can still fling the ball 50 yards downfield to a streaking wide receiver.

From The Daily Beast

Slowly but steadily Stichweh moved Army downfield, relying primarily on runs by himself and his three backs.

From The Daily Beast

The question is: What priority enterprises should you set in motion or move further downfield?

From The Daily Beast