A packet classifier within a network adapter detects an application packet header belonging to a packet in a data stream associated with an application that uses a network protocol, such as TCP/IP, SNA or IPX. Offsets included within the application header are identified and a plurality of registers is loaded with the identified offsets. Each of a plurality direct data placement patterns are masked with contents of the loaded registers. Each direct data placement pattern is associated with an application packet header and includes a corresponding I/O context. Additionally, each direct data placement pattern includes a corresponding connection path for direct placement of a payload corresponding to the detected application header in a memory that is utilized by the application.