athletics vs downfield

athletics is a noun but downfield is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
athletics	Yes	No	No	No
downfield	No	Yes	No	Yes

athletics (noun)	downfield (noun)
an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
participation in sports events as an extracurricular activity
a contest between athletes

athletics (adjective)	downfield (adjective)
	located at, or relatively closer to, the defending team's end of the playing field

athletics (adverb)	downfield (adverb)
	in the direction of the defending team's end of the playing field