By Darin The Definition of Playoff Grit
On Christmas Eve, 1977, the Baltimore Colts hosted the Oakland Raiders in a highly anticipated AFC Divisional Playoff game that would descend into a legendary double-overtime marathon. Both teams were fighting for supremacy, but this game became less about strategy and more about sheer, brutal endurance. What transpired was a defining moment for the Raiders franchise, centered on one of the most remarkable receptions in NFL history.
The game was a defensive slugfest until the final quarter. With the score tied 31-31 and time winding down, the contest went into overtime. After a tense, scoreless first overtime period, the Raiders got the ball back deep in their own territory.
Then came the legendary play known as “Ghost to the Post.”
Facing a crucial third-and-long from the Raiders’ 24-yard line, quarterback Ken Stabler launched a desperation bomb downfield. The pass was intended for wide receiver Dave Casper, nicknamed “The Ghost,” who was streaking toward the goal line. Casper out-jumped two Colts defenders and hauled in the 42-yard pass, landing just short of the Baltimore 30-yard line. This incredible catch put the Raiders in scoring position.
Three plays later, Errol Mann kicked a 37-yard field goal, ending the longest game in NFL history up to that point. The 37-31 victory for the Raiders was a testament to their resilience, but the game is immortalized by Casper’s supernatural reception, securing the “Ghost to the Post” moniker. The play not only secured a crucial victory but also became a symbol of the Raiders’ ‘Commitment to Excellence.’
Article from Dec 25, 1977 The Star-Ledger (Newark, New Jersey)
A Play for the Ages
The “Ghost to the Post” game is an enduring piece of NFL lore, showcasing the drama and physicality of playoff football. Dave Casper’s epic grab ensured the Raiders advanced, delivering one of the most heartbreaking Christmas Eve losses in Colts history and cementing a crucial piece of Raiders legend.
