ARLINGTON, Texas — Brandon Carr found a way to silence thousands of Terrible Towel-waving Pittsburgh fans at Cowboys Stadium and send the Dallas crowd home happy.

The Cowboys cornerback intercepted a Ben Roethlisberger pass in overtime, returned it 36 yards to the 1, and Dan Bailey kicked a 21-yard field goal for a 27-24 win over the Steelers on Sunday.

Bailey's kick – 1:24 into OT – won a game for the second straight week since Dallas practice squad linebacker Jerry Brown was killed in a one-car accident that led to manslaughter charges against teammate Josh Brent.

The win pulled the Cowboys (8-6) into a three-way tie for first place in the NFC East with the Giants and Redskins with two games left in the season. Dallas has won five of its last six.

"Those are the plays you dream about in the backyard, making the game-winning interception or touchdown," Carr said.

Carr, who said he was anticipating Roethlisberger's throw to Mike Wallace because Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley was his coach in Kansas City, made a diving catch and jumped up along the Pittsburgh sideline. Legions of black-and-gold clad fans on that side of the stadium watched as Carr ran it back and was stopped inches short of the goal line.

The winning kick came after Tony Romo, who broke the 25,000-yard passing milestone earlier in the game, took a knee to put Bailey in better position.

Bailey beat Cincinnati 20-19 last week with a 40-yarder as time expired, just a day after the accident that killed Brown.

The Steelers (7-7) lost for the fourth time in five games and trail AFC North rival Cincinnati by a game for the second wild card spot. They host the Bengals next week. Roethlisberger is 0-2 since returning from a three-game absence with shoulder and rib injuries.

"There won't be any quit from us, especially from me," Roethlisberger said. "This one is going to sting real bad. It will hopefully make me and make us better."

The defining play came from a Dallas defense playing without six injured starters, the latest being Carr's playing partner on the other side, first-round pick Morris Claiborne. The rookie was sidelined after sustaining a concussion against the Bengals.

"I really can't explain it. It's something destined about this team," defensive end Jason Hatcher said. "You look back there and you don't know nobody back there behind you."

The score was tied 24-all in the final two minutes of regulation. Pittsburgh quickly moved to its 46 after a completion by Roethlisberger and a roughing-the-passer penalty against DeMarcus Ware.

But Sean Lissemore and Anthony Spencer sacked Roethlisberger on consecutive plays to give the Cowboys the ball back.

"Everyone has seen Ben do that in the fourth quarter multiple times," Dallas defensive end Marcus Spears said. "We knew we had to go back there and affect him in the pocket and at least try to get in his way. Fortunately, those turned into some sacks for us."

Dallas, playing with Brent watching from the sideline and Brown's No. 53 jersey draped on their bench and his number on a helmet decal, couldn't do anything in the final minute.

The drive stalled at the Steelers 43, and Bailey lined up for a 61-yard field goal attempt with 32 seconds left. But the Cowboys called timeout and punted instead. Roethlisberger took a knee, sending the game to overtime.

Roethlisberger was sacked four times and finished 24 of 40 for 339 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

"We're still in the same situation we started in before we came," said Wallace, who had 95 yards receiving, including a 60-yarder to set up a touchdown. "We know we win these last two games, we're still in the tournament."

Earlier in the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh was driving for a go-ahead score when Ware and Spencer sacked Roethlisberger at the Dallas 40, forcing a punt with three minutes left. The Cowboys opted to punt at the two-minute warning after a third-down pass to Dwayne Harris was less than a yard short of the first down.

Roethlisberger put the Steelers ahead 24-17 with a 7-yard scoring pass to Antonio Brown, and Brown was about to put Pittsburgh in control with a long punt return.

But Brown fumbled when Victor Butler reached out and knocked the ball loose at the end of a 22-yard return. DeMarco Murray, who had 81 yards on 14 carries, then went in on a 3-yard run.

"There was about five or six guys, all in black and yellow," Butler said. "And I see the punter and me and the long snapper and I figure I am probably the best tackler out of the three. It was time to make a play."

Dez Bryant extended his touchdown streak to six games while playing with a broken left index finger, a 24-yard score that put Romo over 25,000 yards for his career and gave Dallas a 10-0 lead.

Roethlisberger pulled the Steelers even at 10 before halftime. He stepped away from pressure and used a couple of pump fakes to keep pass rushers away before finding Heath Miller wide open along the sideline on a 30-yard score.

"We still have a chance to right our wrongs here with two games left," Miller said. "We're just going to keep chipping away at it."

NOTES: The first Dallas touchdown was the first scoring connection from Romo to Jason Witten this season. ... Steelers CB DeMarcus Van Dyke injured a shoulder on Pittsburgh's first punt less than two minutes into the game and didn't return. ... Dallas rookie TE James Hanna had two career catches for two key grabs on the Cowboys' first touchdown drive. ... The Grambling State band spelled out "JB" in honor of Brown at halftime. ... Cowboys LB Ernie Sims sustained a concussion in the first half and didn't return. ... Attendance was 95,595, a season high at Cowboys Stadium.

___

Online: and

Links:


  • Colin Kaepernick, Randy Moss

    San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss (84) celebrates his touchdown catch from quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

  • DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant

    Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) celebrates his touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers with Dez Bryant (88) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

  • Patrick Willis, Donte Whitner, Dashon Goldson, Aaron Hernandez

    San Francisco 49ers safeties Donte Whitner (31) and Dashon Goldson, right rear, react in the third quarter of an NFL football game as New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (81) lies on the turf in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. At left is 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52). (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

  • Greg Hardy, Sione Fua

    Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) celebrates after sacking San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers as teammate Sione Fua, left, looks on during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

  • Matthew Stafford, Sam Acho

    Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford (9) gets off a pass as Arizona Cardinals' Sam Acho (94) applies pressure during the second half in an NFL football game on Sunday Dec. 16, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 38-10. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

  • Mike Tomlin

    Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walks the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

  • Kirk Cousins, Leonard Hankerson

    Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (12) congratulates wide receiver Leonard Hankerson after a 54-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

  • Deion Branch

    San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown, right, breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch (84) in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

  • Knowshon Moreno

    Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno leaps into the air to celebrate his touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

  • Kirk Cousins

    Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins looks for an open receiver in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

  • Tony Gonzalez, Julio Jones

    Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) celebrates with wide receiver Julio Jones (11) after Jones scored a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Rich Addicks)

  • San Francisco 49ers fans celebrate their team's 41-34 win over the New England Patriots in an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Monday, Dec. 17, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

  • Jamarca Sanford, Steven Jackson

    St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson, left, runs for an 8-yard gain as Minnesota Vikings strong safety Jamarca Sanford gives chase during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

  • Greg Toler, Kerry Rhodes

    Arizona Cardinals' Greg Toler (28) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions as teammate Kerry Rhodes (25) follows during the second half in an NFL football game on Sunday Dec. 16, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 38-10. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

  • Aaron Hernandez

    A sticker showing a black ribbon to honor the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown, Conn., is affixed to the helmet of New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

  • Julio Jones

    Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) makes a touchdown catch against New York Giants cornerback Jayron Hosley (28) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Rich Addicks)

  • Eli Manning

    New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

  • Joe Flacco

    Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco walks off the field with his head down during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

  • Evan Royster

    Washington Redskins running back Evan Royster (22) breaks away on a 4-yard touchdown run against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

  • Philip Rivers

    San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers warms up before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

  • Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson

    St. Louis Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola, right, is congratulated by teammate Brandon Gibson after catching a 6-yard touchdown pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

  • Mark Ingram, E.J. Biggers

    New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (28) carries as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback E.J. Biggers (31) tries to tackle in the first half of an NFL football game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

  • Steven Jackson

    St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson runs up the middle for a 9-yard gain during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in St. Louis. The gain put Jackson over 10,000 yards in his career. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

  • Chris Hope, Victor Cruz (

    Atlanta Falcons strong safety Chris Hope (24) hits New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Rich Addicks)

  • Owen Daniels, Joe Lefeged, Ricardo Mathews

    Houston Texans tight end Owen Daniels, bottom, loses his helmet as he is tackled by a group of Indianapolis Colts, including Joe Lefeged (35) and Ricardo Mathews, top right, in the third quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

  • Mike Williams, Jabari Greer

    Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) reaches for a pass in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (33) in the first half of an NFL football game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

  • Mark Ingram, Mason Foste

    New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (28) carries as Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Mason Foster (59) and strong safety Mark Barron (24) cover in the first half of an NFL football game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

  • Stephen Burton, Janoris Jenkins

    Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stephen Burton, left, is sent flying by St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins after catching a pass for a 5-yard gain during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

  • Joel Dreessen, Ed Reed

    Denver Broncos tight end Joel Dreessen pulls in a pass under pressure from Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed during the second half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

  • Knowshon Moreno

    Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno runs in to the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

  • Vick Ballard, Glover Quin, Darryl Sharpton

    Indianapolis Colts running back Vick Ballard (33) rushes for a gain as Houston Texans' Glover Quin (29) and Darryl Sharpton (51) pursue in the third quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

  • Andrew Luck

    Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) reacts after throwing a touchdown pass to Dwayne Allen in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

  • James Jones, Jermichael Finley

    Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) celebrates his touchdown reception with teammate Jermichael Finley (88) in the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

  • Blair Walsh, Chris Kluwe

    Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) and teammate Chris Kluwe watch as Walsh's 53-yard field goal is good during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

  • Leonard Hankerson

    Washington Redskins wide receiver Leonard Hankerson (85) runs free to the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown catch against the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

  • Aaron Rodgers, Mike McCarthy

    DELETES REFERENCE TO BEARS WINNING -- Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) talks with head coach Mike McCarthy in the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago. Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

  • Adrian Peterson, Kendall Langford

    Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, left, runs for a 13-yard gain as St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Kendall Langford defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

  • Reggie Bush, Russell Allen

    Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) runs as Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Russell Allen (50) holds on to his leg during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Miami. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

  • Alfred Morris

    Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris celebrates after scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run against the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Cleveland, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

  • Eric Decker, Cary Williams

    Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker pulls in a touchdown pass as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Cary Williams looks on during the second half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

  • Michael Crabtree

    San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) spikes the ball over the goal post after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

  • Randall Cobb, D.J. Moore

    Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) is tackled by Chicago Bears cornerback D.J. Moore (30) in the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

  • Eli Manning

    New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) speaks to Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

  • Bryan Braman, Johnathan Joseph

    Houston Texans linebacker Bryan Braman (50) celebrates with Johnathan Joseph, left, after blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

  • Kevin Williams, Sam Bradford

    St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, right, and Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams reach for a ball fumbled by Bradford during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in St. Louis. The Vikings' Chad Greenway recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

  • Lance Moore

    New Orleans Saints wide receiver Lance Moore (16) pulls in a touchdown pass as Tampa Bay Buccaneers free safety Ahmad Black (43) covers in the first half of an NFL football game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

  • Bryan Braman

    Houston Texans linebacker Bryan Braman (50) celebrates on the bench after blocking a punt and returning it for a touchdown in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

  • Jared Allen, Everson Griffen

    Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen, right, is congratulated by teammate Jared Allen after intercepting a pass and running it back 29 yards for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

  • Matt Ryan

    Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) works during the first half of an NFL football game against New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)

  • Adrian Peterson

    Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) breaks free for an 82-yard touchdown run during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

  • Tom Brady

    New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) walks toward the sideline in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)