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

Then, on a mad-dash scramble to his right, Maiava threw up a downfield prayer to Duce Robinson, who came back to the ball for a miraculous reception.

From Los Angeles Times

“He has some very, very impressive throws for a true freshman. He does a great job seeing the field. When he scrambles to extend plays, his eyes are always downfield.”

From Los Angeles Times

He was spun down late after his pass was well downfield.

From Los Angeles Times

“That’s our whole emphasis and point of the offense, to be able to push the ball downfield and understand taking our shots and being smart with the ball.”

From Los Angeles Times

The pair put it away shortly after that, as Moss found Lemon sprinting free downfield and hit him for a 40-yard touchdown.

From Los Angeles Times