The NFL consists of several terms that might not resonate well with casual fans. In fact, despite having a fair idea, a regular fan might also sometimes miss out on the intricate details that a rule might include. One such word is ‘Down’, which will be the center of interest in this article. Read along to know everything related to ‘Down’.
What Is Down In The NFL?
Like other sports, football has multiple stoppages during a game. In simple words, these stoppages are known as Downs in the NFL. Downs are the number of chances that the offense gets to extend its drive. Usually, the team on the offense gets 4 downs to get to the 10-yard mark. Now, if the onrushing team can successfully move the ball past 10 yards, they are awarded 4 more downs to extend further in the game.
This will go down as one of Geno Smith's best plays. How in the heck did he escape that sack?
— Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) November 26, 2024
And then deliver that dart between three oncoming defenders in coverage off platform? pic.twitter.com/kkQqgcBwyE
On the contrary, failing to get to the 10-yard mark within 4 downs will lead to the team in possession to give up the ball. The opponent team will pick the ball from here and in turn, start the process all over again.
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How Long Does A Play Last?
A play in the NFL usually lasts for 6 seconds. In case of a foul or a player being tackled, the referee will instantly blow the whistle to indicate a change of down. The down marker is usually placed on the sidelines, with the number 1 marked on it. Two more markers, which are 10-yards in length, are held by the referees. These referees are known as the ‘chain gang’ in the NFL.
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As stated earlier, the team on the offense will get a total of 4 downs to advance. However, oftentimes, things do not go as expected. Failing to proceed even on the 4th down, the offensive team usually attempts to punt and kick the ball in order to gain some valuable yards. This cycle continues throughout the entire game until one team either scores a field goal or a touchdown. In case of a touchdown, the offensive team is granted 6 points. They also try to take in 2 bonus points by kicking the ball into the goal.
How To Defend A Down?
While the team on the offense gets the first shot at a down, it is equally important for the defensive team to try and stop the movement. The opposition would always want to position their defense in such a manner that the opposition would find it difficult to get past the downs.
But in order to stop the incoming team, a defense must be very cautious with its approach. It must make sure not to commit a foul. A foul instantly penalizes the team, giving the offensive team free yards.
Now, the process of down might look quite simple. However, due to the incredible defensive qualities of the NFL athletes, most teams keep their plan B ready. This is when the offensive teams tend to throw the ball to the wide receiver instead.
How Many Types Of Downs Are There?
There are several types of downs in an NFL game.
- First Down: It is simply the first opportunity the offensive team gets to move the ball in a game.
- Down By Contact: In this case, if the carrier of the ball slips due to a defensive player pushing the athlete, the play is known as a down by contact.
- Turnover on Downs: If an offensive team fails to get to the 10-yard range, the down is transferred to the opponent. This is known as Turnover on Downs.
- Base Downs: When a team gets to the first and second downs, it is known as a Base Down.
- Possession Downs: This is a term used to describe the 3rd and 4th downs resulting from a scrimmage play and not from an attempted field goal or a punt.
Thus, with all the details of what a Down is covered, the fans will surely find it interesting to scour through all the information provided.
