Ted Hendricks blocked a third-quarter Baltimore punt, setting up a 10-yard Stabler-to-Casper touchdown pass, which made the score 21–17 in favor of the Raiders.

With 2:55 left on the clock in the 4th quarter, prior to taking possession of the ball following a Baltimore punt, Madden excitedly spoke on the sidelines with his quarterback.

Following an incomplete pass on the next play, and with 2:17 remaining, Raiders' offensive coordinator Tom Flores called for a 2nd down pass designed to go to one of the two wide receivers running "in" patterns, but told Stabler to "take a peek at the 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.

It was Casper's memorable change of direction, chase, and athletic over-the-head catch that became the signature moment for the game.

[6] 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.