Big Ben leads Steelers to 27-20 win over Falcons

ATLANTA -- Ben Roethlisberger threw for 360 yards, William Gay returned an interception for a touchdown, and the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 27-20 Sunday.

The Steelers (9-5) remained a half-game behind Cincinnati in the AFC North with their second straight win. The Falcons (5-9) ensured themselves of a losing season and slipped out of first place in the NFC South.

Pittsburgh led 13-0 after Gay picked off Matt Ryan's pass over the middle on the first play of the second quarter, returning it 52 yards. The Steelers extended the lead to 27-13 with Le'Veon Bell's 1-yard run in the opening minute of the fourth period.

The Falcons made a game of it, pulling within a touchdown on Ryan's 4-yard pass to Roddy White. But the Steelers clinched the victory with their final possession, converting three times on third down.