In response to that, I guess I'd have to say - and I hope this isn't overstepping, or... condescending? - that's definitely not my intention but I wonder if it might come off that way, but I hope not - thank you.
With 1-Down, sort of, one might say, like this clue (or maybe I should say this pair of clues? Not sure how best to phrase this), anyway, something like that
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Across
1A
With 1-Down, sort of, one might say, like this clue (or maybe I should say this pair of clues? Not sure how best to phrase this), anyway, something like that
6A
"Save me ___": request from one running late
7A
Gustavo's "gesundheit"
8A
Congressional metonym, with "the"
9A
Gridiron units, for short
Down
1D
See 1-Across, I guess, if that's helpful
2D
"___ what ___!": declaration from one who's not 1-Across1-Down