Ghost to the post", referring to a deep pattern by Casper down the field and then angling to the goal post. On NFL's Greatest Games, Madden explained Casper's job on the play was normally to draw away the opposing team's safeties so the receivers could make a catch, but Flores had noticed the safeties had been playing closer to the line of scrimmage than usual, which is what prompted Flores to tell Stabler to look for Casper downfield. Casper himself claimed that although it was one of the team's most effective plays, he did not recall ever catching a pass on it all season. In what football fans now refer to as "The Ghost to the Post", Casper ran a deep post pattern, and Stabler threw a high, arching pass that looked well over thrown and behind Casper. It was Casper's memorable change of direction, chase, and athletic over-the-head catch that became the signature moment for the game. Casper went down at the 14 yard line, setting up an Errol Mann field goal, with 29 seconds left, that tied the game and sent the game to overtime. Just 43 seconds into the second overtime, Stabler hit Casper on another 10-yard touchdown pass that ended what was then the third-longest game in NFL history 37–31. Officials Referee: Dick Jorgensen (#60) Umpire: Al Conway (#27) Head Linesman: Walt Peters (#44) Line Judge: Jack Fette (#39) Back Judge: Pat Knight (#73) Field Judge: Bill O'Brien (#83) Significance of the game To this date, the game is still the fifth-longest in pro football history. The game marked the last playoff appearance for the Baltimore-based Colts. The Raiders would go on to lose the AFC Championship Game that year to the Broncos 20–17. NFL Films has released a film of the game as one of the most memorable in NFL history. Hall of Fame coach John Madden has called the moment one of the most memorable of his coaching career. Dave Casper has been named one of the best Tight Ends in NFL History and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and this catch is cited as the most memorable in his career. References External links Oakland Raiders Hall of Fame entry for Dave Casper Pro Football Hall of Fame entry for Dave Casper 1977 in sports in Maryland 1977 National Football League season American football incidents Baltimore Colts postseason December