backfield

noun

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back·field | \ ˈbak-ˌfēld

Definition of backfield

: the football players whose positions are behind the line of scrimmage also : the positions themselves

Examples of backfield in a Sentence

a tackle made in the backfield The team has a strong backfield.

Recent Examples on the Web Gus Edwards has emerged as an unexpected threat out of the backfield the past two weeks, with four catches on four targets for 73 yards. — Childs Walker, baltimoresun.com, "Ravens vs. Bengals scouting report for Week 17: Who has the edge?," 1 Jan. 2021 Thompson needed a while to find his place with UNT in the Mean Green’s defensive backfield after arriving. — Brett Vito, Denton Record-Chronicle, "Answering call in key spot led Thompson to starting role at UNT," 17 Dec. 2020 With Johnson and Robinson finding their form out of the backfield and Ossai playing out of his mind defensively, the Longhorns will hold on for their third straight victory. — Marcus Krum, Dallas News, "Texas prediction: Will Longhorns continue win streak without RB Keaontay Ingram?," 5 Nov. 2020 Pittsburgh lived in Cleveland’s backfield all game and Baker Mayfield, who was banged up, was at a disadvantage almost every time the ball was snapped. — Tim Bielik, cleveland, "Browns showed vs. Steelers they’re not ready for playoff football, at least not yet: This Week in the Cleveland Browns," 19 Oct. 2020 When playing well, Bell is a skilled receiver out of the backfield and more productive than Miller as a pass catcher. — Brad Biggs, chicagotribune.com, "Le’Veon Bell is available and the Chicago Bears can’t run the ball — so it’s a natural match, right? Not so fast.," 14 Oct. 2020 South Carolina also has the ability to get into the backfield and disrupt plays, which tends to bother Bo Nix. — Christopher Smith, al, "Barring better health, Auburn shouldn’t be favored by 3.5 at South Carolina," 13 Oct. 2020 This game will be YAC heaven for the 49ers, against a depleted Eagles’ defensive backfield. — Scott Ostler, SFChronicle.com, "49ers’ questions: Does Kittle love Mullens more than Garoppolo?," 4 Oct. 2020 Coming around to the sideline, running through the backfield and the front of the defense, nobody noticed Pfeifer slipping in behind them. — Cameron Teague Robinson, The Courier-Journal, "After a strong debut, Braden Smith could be another dynamic weapon at U of L's disposal," 17 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'backfield.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.