[AvengerRam]

In the category of "most clutch defensive play" of all time, you have to look to the Super Bowl and, in doing so, there are only three candidates:

1. "The Tackle" (Super Bowl XXXIV): Mike Jones stops Kevin Dyson at the 1 yard line on final play to prevent the Titans from tying the Rams.

2. Butler Interception (Super Bowl XLIX): Malcolm Butler intercepts Russell Wilson at the goal line to preserve Patriots' lead and win the game.

3. "The Shackle"* (Super Bowl LVI): Aaron Donald gets to Joe Burrow and prompts errant throw on 4th down to clinch game for Rams. (*Yes, that's what I'm calling it!)

Why was "The Shackle" number 1?

Well, all three were fabulous and exceedingly timely defensive plays that preserved or clinched victory. But, in the case of the first two, the defenders (Smith, Butler) were in the right place at the right time, as the plays came to them, and made great plays.

In the case of "The Shackle," Donald was the one guy the Bengals knew they had to stop, and their blocking scheme was designed to have two layers to keep him from the QB. He nonetheless beat both blockers and got to Burrow to end the game.

To me, that's as good as it gets.

[Gareth]

As much as I love the Rams and hate the patriots, Butler is the clear winner.

Both of the huge Rams plays prevented probable overtime. The Butler play turned defeat into victory.

[AvengerRam]

As much as I love the Rams and hate the patriots, Butler is the clear winner.

Both of the huge Rams plays prevented probable overtime. The Butler play turned defeat into victory.

Its obviously subjective but, from my standpoint, Butler took advantage of a bad play call and a bad decision on Wilson's part. That doesn't make the play any less clutch but, as I said above, the amazing thing about Donald's play was that everyone in that building and watching the game on TV knew that he was the one guy you would not want to allow to beat you in that situation, and he just couldn't be stopped.

Its also nice to know that 2 of three 3 candidates were Rams plays!

[Gareth]

Its obviously subjective but, from my standpoint, Butler took advantage of a bad play call and a bad decision on Wilson's part. That doesn't make the play any less clutch but, as I said above, the amazing thing about Donald's play was that everyone in that building and watching the game on TV knew that he was the one guy you would not want to allow to beat you in that situation, and he just couldn't be stopped.

Its also nice to know that 2 of three 3 candidates were Rams plays!

I really agree with your last sentence. Also, if you want to give an edge to Donald, for him it was really the last TWO plays.

[safer]

I gotta go with Butler too.
As an old corner, I can tell you he had to jump the shit out of that short route to make that play. It was a total ballsy play on his part.
Don't forget the Pats took him out of the game about 1 minute before because he had allowed a deep corner route down to about the six. NO pressure, then, huh?
Not even close to me--and I love AD!!!

[CanuckRightWinger]

Re: The Butler Play

The Pope, Leader Of Holy Roman Catholic Church, in March of 2015 assembles the World Media at Vatican City for a worldwide Press Conference....

THE POPE: I am announcing today the appointment of Pete Carroll, the Seattle Seahawks Coach, as my new Deputy Pope of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, effective immediately.

WORLD MEDIA: (totally incredulous by way of the Pope's surprise announcement & searching for relevance, reality, etc. etc. so after an awkward pause, a bold New York City veteran reporter guy steps up to the microphone)
NYC REPORTER GUY: Pope.....I am not sure, but is Pete Carroll even Catholic??!!

THE POPE: I am not sure either.....but the Catholic Cardinals just approved Pete Carroll's Deputy Pope annual salary of 20 million US dollars.

NYC REPORTER GUY: You're NOT sure if Pete Carroll is Catholic???!!!
AND YOU ARE PAYING HIM $20 MIL TO BE DEPUTY POPE???!!!
Then how can you possibly justify Pete Carroll's appointment to be Deputy Pope???!!!!
What possible qualifications can a NFL Head Coach have to be named Deputy Pope??!!!

THE POPE: WELL, EVENTS LAST MONTH REVEALED THAT PETE CARROLL IS THE ONLY MAN IN THE PAST 2000 YEARS WHO HAS BEEN ABLE TO GET 100 MILLION HUMANS TO JUMP UP AND YELL "JESUS CHRIST" ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!!!

[Kid Charlamagne]

It’s hard to compare, given the situation and the fact they had just got stuffed, the Bengals are probably throwing, then it’s just a question if can you slow down the rush long enough, and the answer was no.
Belichek and NE studied the hag offense and butler knew the formation and guessed the play and made a great reaction.
Mike Jones changes the defense at the last second when Dyson goes in motion, McNair thinks Dyson on a lb is a mismatch but Jones has it sniffed out perfectly.
Butler’s play saved the game, if he doesn’t make it they lose, so I make it #1. If Jones misses the tackle an exhausted Ram D has to play ot, it’s #2. If the Bengals get a first down they have 3 more shots to get into fg range to send it to ot. My #3.

[ramsman34]

The Tackle is #1 for me. So much rode on that play. And the fact that an ILB peeled off his zone assignment to snatch a much quicker player on the fastest developing inside route there is, AND make the sure tackle…securing the Cinderella ending to the Cinderella season and the FIRST Super Bowl win in Rams history. He wasn’t EXPECTED to make a play. Donald was counted upon to do so. Granted he did and frankly, you could couple that play with how he ended the NFCC game essentially the same way, and that buoys your argument. But, the elation I felt in 99 was just a bit greater than back in Feb.

[Hacksaw]

I'm with @ramsman34 on this one. Goal line. Team was gassed. Do or die. Tennessee had a good play on and the ball in ther star recievers hands. Jones tackle, doesn't get much better than that.

Also agree with @AvengerRam that it was Seahag dumbshittery that allowed Butler to make that play. And the early contact not getting called.

Not trying to diminish the last 2 plays by Aaron Donald but I gotta go with "The Tackle".

[snackdaddy]

I suppose if you want the most clutch defensive play ever, maybe the Butler INT is it. But Donald making the game clinching play in consecutive games? In a similar fashion? No one has ever done that.