In or into the area of the field where the offensive team is moving. For example, a receiver is downfield when he is beyond the line of scrimmage. Downfield movement by a receiver may result in a first down if it reaches the end zone without a penalty; otherwise, the ball is dead. Downfield coverage means that an opponent's wide receiver is being covered by more than one defensive player. The safety must stay with his man, while the other defenders try to stop the downfield pass. If the receiver gets downfield past the secondary, he has achieved his goal for this play. The name comes from the fact that these players are usually farther away from their own end zone when they make their downfield moves. They are trying to get outside the pattern of the quarterback or inside the 5-yard line before they can be reached by the goalkeeper. If you want to be accurate on offense, it helps to know the meaning of common football terms.