The first game of the post-Theismann years looked promising, if not easy, for the Schroeder-led Redskins. Both offenses came to life in the first half. The Redskins opened up a 14-3 lead in the first quarter behind a Riggins TD and a Schroeder-to-Didier TD pass. But the Steelers scored two TDs in the second quarter that Washington could only match with FGs, and the Skins clung to a 20-17 lead at halftime.

A long drive culminating in another Riggins TD gave the Redskins enough of a lead to pull away with the game in the third quarter. The two teams could only manage FGs in the fourth, and Washington came away on top for Schroeder's second win.