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

If defenses blitz the quarterback hoping to force a turnover or safety, it could open up holes for an offense to exploit, leading to more first downs.

From FiveThirtyEight

“Especially once we got the lead, it was about first downs and grinding it out and not having a mistake,” Rivera said, praising Smith’s second half and a defense that allowed just 25 yards after Burrow exited.

From Washington Post

We ran the ball effectively, we took what was given us, we got first downs.

From Washington Post

In Week 2, New York Jets wideout Santonio Holmes bobbled and dropped what would have been a first-down pass.

From The Daily Beast

Tom worked his way feet-first down through the opening, and then disappeared, and after him went Dick.

From Project Gutenberg

We snatched him up, lugged him aft, and pitched him head-first down the cabin companion.

From Project Gutenberg

Bruno replied, gliding head-first down the stem of the fox-glove, for the Story was evidently close to its end.

From Project Gutenberg

He reversed the revolver in his hand and swiftly crashed it butt-first down upon the American's forehead.

From Project Gutenberg

Yale's-ball-in-mid-field-Hornung-takes-ball-around-left-end-making-it- first-down-Tinfoil-drops-back-for-a-try-at-a-field-goal.

From Project Gutenberg