backfield
Americannoun
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(used with a plural verb) the members of the team who, on offense, are stationed behind the linemen and, on defense, behind the linebackers.
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their positions considered as a unit.
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the area where the backs play.
noun
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(sometimes functioning as plural) the quarterback and running backs in a team
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the area behind the line of scrimmage from which the backfield begin each play
Etymology
Origin of backfield
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Reed said the “sky is the limit” for the four-star freshman, who could play any number of positions in Patterson’s defensive backfield.
From Los Angeles Times
Scotland and Ireland both fielded the backfield barrage, with catchers trumping England in the air and their energised team-mates well positioned to scoop up any loose-ball from spills.
From BBC
Ellis Genge, being asked to do a job that is not really his, fluffed a loose backfield ball to hand over a third try.
From BBC
Over the course of New England’s first four possessions, Maye was brought down in the backfield three times.
Smith-Njigba has given opposing defensive coaches nightmares all season as he can be deployed anywhere -- his explosive runs come from out wide, in the slot, or even the backfield.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
