How to Use first down in a Sentence

first down

noun

• The pass was completed for a first down.
• They have first down on the 20-yard line.
• Griffin takes the snap and runs ahead to the 16-yard line for a first down.
  — oregonlive, 12 Nov. 2022
• Pacheco’s two runs picked up a first down and sealed the game.
  — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2024
• The Rams held the Big Blue to just two first downs in the first half, and that set the tone for the rest of the game.
  — Chris Vogt, The Enquirer, 19 Aug. 2023
• The offense picked up the first down in that case and then put the game away.
  — Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2022
• If there’s blue (or red) light on the ball, first down.
  — Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Feb. 2022
• The Chiefs go three and out, failing to log a first down.
  — Jason Abbruzzese, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024
• The fourth-down tackle left the Ravens 4 yards shy of the first down with one minute left to play.
  — Scott Patsko, cleveland, 12 Dec. 2021
• Jack Sullivan takes the snap and goes five yards for the first down.
  — Matthew Glenesk, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Jan. 2023
• Sam Ehlinger tries to dive for a first down, but comes up just short.
  — Scott Horner, The Indianapolis Star, 31 Oct. 2022
• The penalty gave the Chiefs a first down, all but sealed the game’s outcome and set up Olsen.
  — Josh Peter, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2023
• But Coan and the Irish couldn’t even get one first down and the Cowboys were able to hang on for the win.
  — Tom Noie, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Jan. 2022
• But Coan and the Irish couldn't even get one first down and the Cowboys were able to hang on for the win.
  — David Brandt, ajc, 1 Jan. 2022
• Jack Colletto checks in, takes the snap and picks up the first down.
  — oregonlive, 22 Oct. 2022
• Jones tried one sneak on first down that went for two yards.
  — Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2022
• The call backfired, as Bigsby was stuffed in the backfield and short of the first down.
  — Tom Green | [e-mail], al, 24 Sep. 2022
• One of them is that the Gators converted just one first down in the first half.
  — Joseph Goodman | [e-mail], al, 23 Nov. 2022
• Seattle led by 22 points at the time and needed a first down to run out the clock.
  — Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2022
• On third-and-9 from midfield, the Chiefs needed a first down to run out the clock.
  — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Jan. 2024
• The Texans have not gained a first down and 13 total yards.
  — Scott Horner, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Sep. 2022
• Drive fizzled when missed wide open Javonte Williams for first down in the flat.
  — Sarah Kelly, The Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2024
• It’s the fourth time this season Brissett has used the QB sneak for a first down.
  — Terry Pluto, cleveland, 22 Sep. 2022
• After one first down, the Broncos will get the ball for the first time to start the second half.
  — Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2024
• Then the Raiders gashed the Chargers defense for a first down to put them in field-goal range?
  — Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2022
• Hurts lined up for a sneak and was shoved forward just far enough for a first down.
  — Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2023
• Mayden keeps it, runs left, cuts upfield and has the first down.
  — Ndaschel, oregonlive, 16 Sep. 2023
• Acker used his speed to give the Badgers a first down at the Gophers 13.
  — Mark Stewart, Journal Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2022
• Nix missed tight end Adam Trautman for a likely first down on third-and-10, too, on the opening march.
  — Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2024
• On first down, after surveying the field, Winston tried to check down to his tight end Jordan Akins.
  — Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024

Last Updated: 24 Dec 2024