backfield

[ bak-feeld ]

/ ˈbækˌfild /

(used with a plural verb) the members of the team who, on offense, are stationed behind the linemen and, on defense, behind the linebackers.

their positions considered as a unit.

the area where the backs play.

Origin of backfield

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; back¹ + field

A hulking defender breaks into the backfield and takes him down with a vicious clothesline tackle.

Two New Films Preach Our Nation’s Corrosive Gridiron Gospel |Steve Almond |September 20, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Tim Otis had a remarkably good day and was undeniably the best man in the backfield for the home team.

Left Guard Gilbert |Ralph Henry Barbour
Time was called for some reason, and we noticed that the backfield men were clustered about Crowther, our quarterback.

Football Days |William H. Edwards
"Two in the line and two in the backfield is good," jeered Tim.

Left Guard Gilbert |Ralph Henry Barbour

Then—it is a fake-kick; the backfield lines up in the kick formation, but the ball is passed to Butch, at your right.

T. Haviland Hicks Senior |J. Raymond Elderdice
Harvard follows Charlie Daly's backfield play; improved upon somewhat, of course, according to conditions.

Football Days |William H. Edwards

backfield

/ (ˈbækˌfiːld) /

the backfield (sometimes functioning as plural) the quarterback and running backs in a team

the area behind the line of scrimmage from which the backfield begin each play