The Pittsburgh Steeler defense came up with a pair of fourth-quarter interceptions to seal the victory against divisional rival Cincinnati on Sunday. William Gay intercepted rookie Andy Dalton’s pass with 2:27 to go Sunday, to give the Steelers the lead in the AFC North division.

The Steeler defense has recently suffered from injuries to key players and are just now starting to get turnovers again, a trend they hope to continue.

“I think we’re getting by,” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “We’re doing enough things offensively and defensively to win, but I still don’t think we’re playing to our full potential. So as long as we’re winning games, that’s all that matters. Hopefully when we do hit it full-stride and we’re actually playing really well, then who knows where we’ll go.”

Pittsburgh (7-3) moved back into first place in the AFC North when Baltimore lost in Seattle later Sunday, leaving the Ravens and Bengals tied at 6-3. Cincinnati goes to Baltimore next Sunday, with the winner moving into a first-place tie with idle Pittsburgh.

The Steelers have managed to stay near the top despite injuries to their defense, particularly at linebacker. LaMarr Woodley missed his second consecutive game on Sunday. James Harrison and James Farrior also have missed time, forcing a repeated shuffle at the spot. Safety Troy Polamalu played despite sore ribs that kept him out of practice all week.

With so many playmakers hurt, the Steelers have only force four turnovers this season...two fumbles, two interceptions. The Cincinnati offense managed to avoid any costly turnovers until the fourth quarter. The Steelers are 13-1 all time against rookie quarterbacks.

“We’re a great defense because of the way we play,” safety Ryan Clark said. “Turnovers tend to come in spurts. That’s what separates teams from being a great defense. Today, we were able to help us win it.”

Roethlisberger led two early drives to put the Steelers ahead 14-0 early in the game. Rashard Mendenhall’s 9-yard run put the Steelers’ up 24-17 late in the third quarter, leaving it to the defense to finish it off.

First, linebacker Lawrence Timmons picked off a deflected pass, ending a drive at the Pittsburgh 33. Gay then pulled off the clincher, stepping in front of Jerome Simpson for an interception at the 19-yard line with 2:27 left.

“It was two big plays that helped change the game,” Farrior said. “It was awesome. I’m especially proud of William Gay. You guys and even some of our fans really got on him this week.”

Gay let Torrey Smith get behind him for a 26-yard touchdown catch with 8 seconds left in Baltimore’s 23-20 win at Pittsburgh last Sunday, giving him a lot of unwanted attention.

Dalton handled most of what Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau threw at him until the end. He had two more touchdown passes, giving him 14 overall— the most by a rookie quarterback in his first nine games since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. He wasn’t sacked even though the Steelers blitzed him every way they could.

“I felt like we had a really good grasp on what they were doing,” said Dalton, who was 15 of 30 for 170 yards. “Even with all the movements and shifts that they were doing, I still thought we had a good feel.”

Roethlisberger was 21 of 33 for 245 yards with one touchdown and a deflected interception. He was sacked five times, matching his season high.

Game Notes: Pittsburgh has won eight of their last nine games in Cincinnati. … Roethlisberger is 7-1 in his career in Cincinnati. The Steeler defense is 13-1 when facing rookie quarterbacks.