The pass play begins with the team lined up with three receivers on one side of the line, the secondary target will motion into the center of the field, and back to the other side, usually throwing the cornerback off balance. That receiver will run an outside slant, an uncharacteristic patter in the NFL, that works with momentum of the receiver to create quick separation. Meanwhile the two other receivers head down the field with the option of going inside or outside on the cornerback.

This is not a typical play by any means, but when run can be done so extremely effectively. The 49ers used the play at the perfect time in the game, evidence of that was the long touchdown to Owens. What makes it work is the initial motion in the pattern. The second receiver must sell that he is going across the field to shift the deep safety, he then must make an aggressive cut and run a pattern that is not too popular in the 49ers offense. This change of pace is usually enough to shake opposing defenses.