first down

noun

Football.

1. the first of four consecutive plays during which an offensive team must advance the ball at least ten yards to retain possession of it.

2. a gain of ten or more yards by an offensive team that entitles it to continued possession for a new series of downs.

Example Sentences

“He made critical plays — I mean, we’re not just talking he got some first down or something, he made critical, impact, explosive plays that changed that game and for that to happen for him, it couldn’t have happened to a better person.”

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He blocked a field-goal attempt that led to a touchdown, picked up yards for a huge first down and made plenty of tackles in a 13-10 Mission League victory over Gardena Serra.

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Except he somehow escaped, deked another would-be tackler and then dragged yet another one over the line to gain a critical first down.

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When it was all set and done, Mayfield picked up 27 yards after contact, on a play that the NFL’s modeling gave only a 3.7% chance of gaining a first down.

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With the Bruins lined up to punt early in the second quarter, Cole Martin took the snap and ran for 20 yards and a first down.

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