Rushing first downs per game
In the sport of American football, an offensive team earns a “first down” when they move the ball a specified distance (typically 10 yards) from where they started their set of four plays (known as “downs”). The attacking team receives a fresh set of four downs after achieving a first down, allowing them to continue their march toward the end zone.
The term “rushing first downs per game” refers to the average number of first downs a team earns by running the ball (as opposed to passing it) in a single game. “Passing first downs per game” refers to the number of first downs a team achieves by passing the ball. With this statistic’s help, one can evaluate how successful a team’s running game is. It is a good indication that a team is moving the ball effectively on the ground and keeping drives alive through their running plays if they have many rushing first downs per game.
In conclusion:
- The term “rushing” is used to describe plays in which the ball is moved forward by running with it rather than by tossing it.
- “First downs” are important milestones when the ball is advanced a predetermined distance, often 10 yards.
- The phrase “per game” refers to the typical number of occurrences of this event in a single game.
Therefore, “rushing first downs per game” indicates how often a team employs their running game to move the chains and continue their offensive drive effectively. This gives an idea of how often a club uses its running game.