Carr makes biggest play in Cowboys' win

Carr makes biggest play in Cowboys' win

Published Dec. 17, 2012 8:26 a.m. ET

ARLINGTON, Texas – Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr made the most important play Sunday at Cowboys Stadium as he recorded his second interception in as many weeks. But unlike the one he had against the Cincinnati Bengals, this turnover was caused in overtime, setting up a 27-24 Cowboys victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Carr played off wide receiver Mike Wallace with the Steelers facing second-and-3 from their own 27. As Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger turned and threw short to Wallace, Carr jumped the route and made a diving grab near the 37-yard line. Since he was never touched, Carr stood up and returned his third pick of the season down to the 1-yard line. Dan Bailey kicked the game-winning field goal two plays later.

"It was just reaction and instinct," Carr said. "He threw it behind him and I laid out for it and caught it."

Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears compared the timely interception to a buzzer-beater in basketball.

"That guy studies the game and understands it," the veteran lineman said. "There is no doubt in my mind that he knew that was coming. That's why they gave him the big bucks to make plays, and he's making them."

Carr, who played in Kansas City the previous four seasons, signed a five-year, $50.1 million contract with the Cowboys in March. Dallas improved to 3-0 in games when Carr records an interception. He also picked-off a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10.

"Brandon is an outstanding football player and I think he has confidence enough to make that play and it certainly was the difference-making play in the game," Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. "We're lucky to have him."

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