Sanders, Monk Lead 23-17 Redskin Win

Ricky Sanders and Art Monk each caught touchdown passes Friday night as the Washington Redskins scored a 23-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the exhibition opener for both teams.

With Washington leading, 16-14, early in the second half, Sanders slipped behind Harvey Clayton and grabbed a 14-yard pass from Doug Williams to cap a 77-yard, 9-play drive.

Pittsburgh, plagued by three third-quarter fumbles, could manage only a Gary Anderson field goal in the second half.

The Steelers did drive to the Washington 48 in the final minutes, but an illegal-motion penalty wiped out a first-down pass from Steve Bono to Danzell Lee, and Pittsburgh did not threaten again.

Monte Coleman ended the Steelers’ final drive by sacking Bono at midfield with 1:38 left.

Monk’s touchdown, on a 54-yard pass from starting quarterback Jay Schroeder, gave Washington a 13-7 advantage in the second quarter.

Pittsburgh regained the lead on a 77-yard touchdown pass from Bubby Brister to Charles Lockett, but the Steelers’ offense sputtered the rest of the way.

Schroeder completed 11 of 17 passes for 160 yards while playing only the first half.

Pittsburgh starting quarterback Mark Malone played the first quarter and completed 4 of 6 passes. Brister connected on 7 of 10 for 137 yards.

Steve Cox gave Washington the lead for good by kicking a 56-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to make it 16-14.