Standig Room Only: A show about the Washington Football Team and D.C. sports

Ben talks about the cuts made by the Commanders to reach the initial 53-man roster and signs off from the Standig Room Only Feed. Subscribe to the "Last Man Standig" feed"!!! Apple -- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/last-man-standig/id1760952448 Spotify -- https://open.spotify.com/show/2IFrK4Mk3BFLBumbYJNs7t

The Athletic's Ben Standig shares his insight and projections for the Washington Commanders' initial 53-player roster following the preseason finale. Mike Smeltz joins to discuss how many quarterbacks stick around, summer standouts that will stay, which familiar names are on shaky ground and potential moves. Also thoughts on Josh Harris's comments about the stadium search and overdue upgrades at the current home.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about a significant day for the Washington Commanders. Jahan Dotson is out, and a new kicker arrives in separate trades. Ben also talks Dotson, Jayden Daniels, the 2024 QB class, NFC East and more with The Athletic's Derrik Klassen. Plus, new insight into Mike Sainristil's role.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is discussing Jayden Daniels officially being named the Week 1 QB starter, injury updates, and 53-player roster projections.

Ben recaps the Commanders joint practice with the Dolphins, shares some notes on Kliff Kingsbury's offense and the #2 WR discussion that came to a head in Dan Quinn's press conference on Thursday.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about the Commanders' increasingly unsettled WR room, the signing of Martavis Bryant and a fake Jahan Dotson trade idea. Also, OL injury updates, Jayden Daniels, a kicking change and more camp notes ahead of this week's joint practice and preseason game at the Dolphins.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is ready to buzz the tower as he recaps Jayden Daniels's preseason debut with fellow maverick Scott Jackson (Commanders radio broadcast). The Commanders' rookie quarterback shines as a passer, runner -- and play-caller in one notable series against the Jets. Dan Quinn's postgame reaction, OL injuries, Jamin Davis, RB room, returners and Emmanuel Forbes also discussed.

The Athletic's Ben Standig shares his takeaways from Thursday's rain-soaked joint practice with the Commanders and Jets. Outsized expectations for 2024 meets reality? Jayden Daniels gain experience. OL concerns grow. Pass coverage. Dyami and Tremayne. Kickers. Preseason next.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for the second episode of the new "Last Man Standig" podcast (subscribe to the new feed!!!) after a busy day for the Washington Commanders. Jayden Daniels will officially start the preseason opener, there's a new unofficial depth chart, and the Jets joint practice is on deck. All of that and more was discussed with Mitch Tischler (Monumental Sports) live from the sidelines during Tuesday's practice. Plus, there were roster moves made, the Brandon Aiyuk league-wide trade rumors heated up, and coordinators Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Whitt Jr. met with the media.

The Athletic's Ben Standig talks about Jayden Daniels' growth and more from Commanders camp with Bram Weinstein and starting guard Nick Allegretti. But first... SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT: There's a new feed and name coming for this podcast. Subscribe to the new "Last Man Standig" podcast wherever you listen to podcasts to hear Ben's insight and conversations with great guests about all things Commanders!!! The current feed will end after the preseason games. More details in the episode, along with Ben and Bram discussing the latest from camp ahead of the first joint practice, plus a 1-on-1 with the entertaining Allegretti on camp life, the OL and Olympic wrestling.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here with the latest from Commanders training camp: Notes from recent practices on Jayden Daniels, Benjamin St-Juste, tackle rotation (2:05) 1-on-1 interview with rookie TE Ben Sinnott (15:12) Position by position look at the defense: end, cornerback rotations in flux? (20:59)

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about the Commanders' first training camp practice with pads via a position-by-position deep dive into what's happening with the offense. Jayden Daniels and the QB room. Austin Ekeler is showing a burst. Quiet receivers. Brandon Coleman and the tackles. Plus, thoughts on Mike Sainristil and the returner options (2:35). Then analytics guru Aaron Schatz enters for his insight into Kliff Kingsbury's offense, the roster strengths and weaknesses (42:03).

The Athletic's Ben Standig talks about Commanders' training camp and more with David Aldridge. Their assessment of Jayden Daniels, what the exciting quarterback means for the D.C. sports scene, and the organization investing in little but big elements to help the team thrive. They also talked about hope and new concerns with the U.S. men's basketball team—David will cover the Paris Olympics for The Athletic—and recap of Wiz(ards) kids' time at the NBA Summer League. Ben opens with camp notes on Daniels and rookie tackle Brandon Coleman getting first-team reps.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is ready to rumble -- or at least discuss the start of Commanders training camp with Nicki Jhabvala (Washington Post). After Ben opens with notes on a slimmer Jonathan Allen and physical changes inside the building, Nicki enters. They begin with takeaways from Tuesday's news conference involving Dan Quinn and Adam Peters and the challenges with covering all the organizational newness. Practice topics include Jayden Daniels in the red zone, starters, leg tattoos, plus way-too-early predictions.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is ready to preview the start of training camp this week with Terry McLaurin and his colleague, Mike Smeltz. Ben opens with thoughts on 49ers' WR -Jayden Daniels' college teammate - Brandon Aiyuk, requesting a trade and Jason Wright's departure. Then Ben heard from the Commanders' top receiver, McLaurin, on building chemistry with new teammates and his latest charitable project within the DMV. Then Ben and Mike preview the training camp, including the positivity of Daniels' potential and the first anniversary of the franchise sale.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is back from Vegas and talking about Commanders football, real and fantasy: *Why Washington hired former Panthers GM Scott Fitterer (3:20) *There's a market survey in the field asking (me and others) about where the new stadium should go and team name options (6:30) *Fantasy Football legend John Hansen joins Ben to chat about Washington's 2024 season, the fantasy draft day plan for Jayden Daniels and the Commanders' other playmakers. Plus, fantasy studs, sleepers, and roster-building strategies. (24:10 *Lastly, Ben shares his impressions from NBA Summer League on the Wizards three first-round picks (1:16:02)

The Athletic's Ben Standig is back talking Commanders with Brian Mitchell (106.7 The Fan). Who better to discuss the NFL's new kick return rules and how Washington can attack the changes than arguably the greatest kick returner in league history? The guys also share thoughts on those spring practices, the new organizational vibes, Austin Ekeler's usage, the most interesting position group, and Doug Williams rejoining the front office.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is back to break down the Commanders' defense. In part two of his chat with film analyst Mark Bullock, the guys discuss the unit's potential growth under the new coaching staff and how the scheme aids Emmanuel Forbes. Which defensive backs play the most? Edge rusher options. Johnny Newton. More. ICYMI, Ben and Mark talked all about the offense in part one.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about the Commanders and analytics with ESPN's Seth Walder -- and fresh changes made in the department. Ben opens with a reaction to Eugene Shen's departure after only eight months as SVP of Football Strategy, Doug Williams rejoining the front office, and other moves announced on Tuesday. Then Seth enters with a look at Shen/the analytics group, the Commanders' transactional offseason, Jayden Daniels, if Washington made the proper choice with Montez Sweat, and why the receivers struggled to get open last season.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is back for a deep dive on the Commanders roster with film analyst Mark Bullock. Part one focuses on the offense. The best of Jayden Daniels and the sacks discussion. Puncher's chance at left tackle with Cornelius Lucas and Brandon Coleman? Ben Sinnott's versatility. WR room depth. The backfield roles. Chris Rodriguez fit. More.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here with more on the Commanders' minicamp and offseason practices. After talking about all things offense in the prior episode, part two dives into the defense with Mitch Tischler (Monumental Sports). Who sticks on the defensive line? Is Jamin Davis a linebacker or edge rusher -- and on the roster bubble? Jeremy Chinn's versatility means what for the safeties and back-7? Also, what we learned from Washington's behind-the-scenes of the NFL draft video.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking about Jayden Daniels and the Commanders' three-day minicamp with Mitch Tischler (Monumental Sports). In part one, the position-by-position review focuses on the offense, starting with Daniels' maturity, mile markers, and the quarterback "competition." Curiosity with running back usage on offense and special teams. Are Dyami Brown and Cole Turner ready to push beyond being summertime teases? What do the guys like about the line and thoughts on the tackle options?

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking about the Commanders with some basketball mixed in. There is no better guest for that combo than Joe House (The Ringer). Ben opens with a commentary on the biggest disconnect with the Caitlin Clark debates via Washington and Jayden Daniels's arrival (2:20). Then Ben and Joe chat about the positive vibes around the Commanders (27:55). 2024 hopes through the prism of the Vegas win total line. Singing from the same song sheet. Josh Harris making moves. Gonna go to home games or wait for new digs. Then, thoughts on the state of the Wizards with a new head coach and the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft (50:30)

The Athletic' Ben Standig discussed a chatty but focused Washington Commanders OTA practice with Nicki Jhabvala (Washington Post). Coordinator Joe Whitt's passion and energy had the defense taking center stage on the field and at the podium. What Whitt chose to say about his schematic and lineup plans. Ben and Nicki also banter about why digging up the old-school practice field artificial turf is much more than about appearances, Jayden Daniels' development, and Dan Quinn's comments on releasing Brandon McManus. Ben also talks about the LB room.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking Washington Commanders with Entertainment Weekly's Editorial director -- and lifelong fan -- dalton Ross. Ben opens with a breakdown of Washington's kicker situation now that the organization has released Brandon McManus. Then Dalton enters for a wide-ranging chat. The franchise overhaul, 2024 patience, Jayden Daniels, Jahan Dotson, RFK nostalgia, how they deal with negative reader comments, team name and more.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking about what the Commanders' ownership said about the team name's future—and what he heard. How the stadium plan offers a potential timeline should the Harrisses seek a change. Another joint practice, observing Jayden Daniels and an optimistic update about the delayed U.S. Senate vote on the RFK site (2:35). Then Ben welcomes Neil Stratton (Inside The League) for insight into Washington's new-look front office and scouting department and the process that led to the changes (27:22)

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for a solo episode about the Washington Commanders roster during this break in the schedule. How many are you keeping at each position? Three quarterbacks (Sam Hartman) or six corners? Room for John Ridgeway, Braeden Daniels, and all Day-three picks? Enough viable 2024 wide receivers to keep six? Thoughts on Bobby Wagner, Efe Obada and more. Breaking news: Commanders kicker Brandon McManus faces allegations of sexual assault during a flight last season with the Jaguars, according to a civil suit filed in Duval County Court. Details at the end of the episode.

The Athletic' Ben Standig survived a scorching day at Commanders OTA to discuss Jayden Daniels, Jonathan Allen and coaches experimenting with Al Galdi (Al Galdi podcast). Ben opens the episode with how Bobby Wagner's leadership is already showing and the rise of no-huddle snaps. Then Al joins to consider whether the hold-up in the Senate really matters with putting a stadium at the RFK Site, how Daniels is impressing the veterans and Allen's 180-degree mood change. Also, Emmanuel Forbes, Jamin Davis, the safety tandem, and more.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about who are the five best players on the Commanders' roster, what all the front office activity shows about the organizational mindset, whether Jayden Daniels needs to be named starter already, and more with David Harrison (SI Fan Nation). Who we're tracking at Wednesday's OTA. Joint practice in Miami. You get the drill.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for part two of his chat with Kevin Sheehan (Team 980) and Grant Paulsen (106.7 The Fan). Ben opens the episode with comings, goings and targets with Washington's front office and scouting department. Are more changes coming? Then more with Kevin and Grant on Jayden Daniels' progression, main roster concerns, defensive growth, Johnny Newton and whether fans are cool if 2024 is about rebuilding.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here on schedule release night with guests Kevin Sheehan (Team 980) and Grant Paulsen (106.7 The Fan). In part one, the fellas tackled numerous Commanders' topics, including the aforementioned 2024 schedule, drafting Jayden Daniels, and how the new regime handled retooling the roster over the past four months. They also discussed what they're most excited to watch going forward in the non-Daniels division.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here after a soggy day in Ashburn for the start of the Washington Commanders' OTA sessions. Takeaways include Kliff Kinsgbury's approach, Bobby Wagner's impact, Luke McCaffrey's role, and rugged running backs (1:35). Then Ben welcomes ESPN's Molly McGrath for a behind-the-scenes look at draft night from the first person to interview Jayden Daniels after his selection. Molly's fascinating insight includes observations of the QB before and after the big moment, the backstage stage scene, and what happened when the Falcons shockingly took Michael Penix Jr. (25:30).

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking rookie mini-camp and this week's Senate hearing on the RFK site plus all things Commanders with Al Galdi ("The Al Galdi podcast). Ben opens with takeaways on two days of watching Jayden Daniels and Dan Quinn's comments on the QB and Washington's OT options (2:20). Then a shift to what's coming up on Capitol Hill and the coincidence with Wednesday's hearing on the RFK site and the t-shirt Quinn wore on Saturday (19:10). Then Al joins for go-with-the-flow kind of banter about the Commanders (25:22)

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking about the Washington Commanders with NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport and second-round rookie cornerback Mike Sainristill. After Ben opens with some brief notes, Ian joins the chat (7:10) to discuss how the league views Washington's new regime, whether draft sources saw QB Jayden Daniels closer to Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. They also talked about Adam Peters, what the tight-lipped offseason looked like from a national reporter's seat, and Ian's involvement with a group aiming to limit social media traps for younger kids. Then Ben welcomes in Sainristill, the No. 50 overall pick in last month's draft (30:45). We learn about the Michigan alum through Dane Brugler's pre-draft evaluation in "The Beast." Sainristil's first-generation upbringing in Boston, strengths (ball-tracking, leadership), weaknesses (limited size) and rookie talent show options.

The Athletic's Ben Standig puts a bow on the Commanders' draft cycle and looks forward with roster and season-long expectations with guests Mike Smeltz (The Athletic) and Trevor Sikkema (PFF). Ben and Mike open the show (1:05) with thoughts on roster winners and losers following the draft. Using Johnny Newton with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. They also got into Cornelius Lucas, WR and CB depth, and tied in breaking Lakers' news with the importance of NFL coaching. Then Trevor enters (54:10) for thoughts on the Jayden Daniels pick, the OT scenario and whether Washington's offseason should have folks thinking about a winning record in 2024.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is back talking Commanders' draft, roster -- and jersey retirements with Fred Smoot and Hall of Famer Darrell Green. Ben opens the show on draft grades and specific free-agent offensive tackle/line help available to monitor (2:20). Then Fred joins for a detailed and high-energy analysis on Jayden Daniels, how the secondary fits together and benefits from second-round pick Mike Sainristil -- and the new staff; Brandon Coleman and the LT spot (18:45). Then a chat with Washington legend Green on his learning the organization would retire his career, and a Lenny appearance.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about what the Washington Commanders pulled off over three days of the NFL draft with the Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala. Ben begins the show by talking about where he gives the Commanders high marks that has little to do with the players drafted. Then Nicki enters (30:10) for thoughts on the selections, starting with QB Jayden Daniels. Best value pick and most surprising. The offensive tackle debate: Curious or crisis? QB and CB depth chart. (They spoke before former the OT market thinned out a bit more when ex-Jet OT signed with the Eagles. The Commanders didn't show interest, per source.)

The Athletic's Ben Standig talks about Jayden Daniels and day one of the NFL draft with David Harrison (SI/Locked on Commanders). What Adam Peters had to say about why he and his staff fell for the QB. Daniels on Peters, coming to Washington happily. day Day targets and priorities. Six QBs selected in first 12 picks is bonkers.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is wrapping up the pre-draft coverage with Commanders analyst Logan Paulsen. Ben begins with a dissertation on groupthink, everyone naming Jayden Daniels as the No. 2 pick and folks unwisely dismissing J.J. McCarthy's candidacy. Then Logan enters (27:45). More on McCarthy (Logan would pick him at 2), Drake Maye, and why we'll both probably land on Daniels. Is this draft for Washington more about '24 or '25? Trading up or back at 36. Logan's TE to watch. More. Ben wraps up the episode with non-Commanders' mock draft notes (1:00.10)

The Athletic's Ben Standig is back talking with VSIN's Tim Murray about the Commanders and the NFL draft. Ben opens the episode with a reaction to the recent kerfuffle about Washington's choice at 2 and why he's not assuming Jayden Daniels is the pick (even though he keeps picking the LSU star). Then Tim enters (18:40) for some draft talk through the prism of the betting world. Do the latest odds reveal anything about the Commanders' plan? How many QBs and tackles in round one? Top 5 trades? Fate for Brock Bowers, Byron Murphy, Michael Penix, and others.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for the Standig Room Only 2024 NFL first-round mock draft. Ben, Evan Silva (Establish The Run), and Danny Heifitz (The Ringer) alternate all 32 selections while sharing how they see each pick. There are conversations about the Commanders at 2, Drake Maye, whether Michael Penix goes in the first round, GM Aaron Rodgers, offensive tackles, and more. Trades were in play. One happened. No, not with two even before Commanders GM Adam Peters said on Thursday that Washington would use the No. 2 pick. Ben opens the show with thoughts from the press conference as Peters and assistant GM Lance Newmark talked about next week's draft and more.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is back talking about the NFL draft, Jayden Daniels's development -- and why teams are often so lousy with draft strategy. After opening with notes on Josh Harris' new batch of organizational upgrades, Ben welcomes in Vikings beat writer Alec Lewis (10:45). Alec researched the best practices in drafting for NFL teams an reasons why many choose not to follow them. Think trade down with some "Trust the Process." Also, how using virtual reality helped Jayden Daniels soar at LSU and whether Minnesota trades into the top 5. Then, Greg Cosell from NFL Films shares his evaluations (42:20) of Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy and how they fit with Washington. Edge rushers (Austin Booker), offensive tackles (Patrick Paul), and tight end (Jared Wiley) were also discussed. Also, the one free-agent signing Greg loves for Washington.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking about the NFL draft with The Athletic's senior analyst Dane Brugler. Ben opens the episode running through his view of the teams choosing in the top 15, including the best bets for trades. Then it's Dane time (18:10). On J.J. McCarthys' rise even as someone touting the Michigan QB. The number one required element for quarterbacks. What matters with marrying a QB to Kliff Kingsbury's offense? Trading up for an offensive tackle. Day 2 options at Edge, OT, CB.

The Athletic's Ben Standig follows up the 1-on-1 with Adam Schefter in the prior episode with more Commanders and NFL draft talk. Ben and Al Galdi (The Al Galdi podcast) discuss the QB talk at 2, what we should discuss beyond 2, and a reflection on how much the trial of the late O.J. Simpson impacted our news coverage to this day (8:35). Then 49ers insider Matt Barrows (The Athletic) with insight into how Commanders GM Adam Peters ran point for San Francisco's draft. Takeaways from Peters' many finds, the Trey Lance miss and more.

The Athletic's Ben Standig talks Commanders and The NFL draft with ESPN's NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Ben opens the episode discussing the upcoming "30" visits for Daniels and Maye in Ashburn before welcoming in the NFL's go-to newsbreaker (8:35). They discuss what "signs" point them to Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick—for now. Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy buzz. Aggregation annoyance. Adam's friends question his NFL information. They also revisit the Ben Johnson/Commanders coaching search drama and what that scenario revealed about the flow of news and information. Ben wraps up the episode with quarterback and offensive line tidbits from The Athletic's draft guide, "The Beast," via Dane Brugler (33:10)

The Athletic's Ben Standig is back for another round of Commanders' pre-draft talk -- with charts! Ben opens (1:00) with some show notes and Terry McLaurin's thoughts before playing some recent Q&A audio from Washington's top receiver (12:45). Then the chat shifts to those cool statistical charts seen all over social media. They're insightful, but with so many, how can we know which ones offer the most evaluation context? @fball_insights shares the data that best helps explain this class of quarterbacks, receivers, offensive tackles, and edge rushers (15:50) along with Jahan Dotson. Lastly, as "Curb" says goodbye, Ben begins a (hopefully not preachy) "Airing of Grievances" segment, specifically on the discourse for Commanders' rumor mill, fake LeBron-Wizards transactions, the real Stefon Diggs trade and Caitlin Clark (1:05:08).

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking -- wait or it -- quarterbacks with NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms. The former NFL quarterback is never shy about offering an opinion, and Chris came out firing with pros/cons, rankings/tiers, and specific insight on his top six passers, starting with Caleb Williams. As prospects, Jayden Daniels or C.J. Stroud? Who is the QB you want in the fourth quarter on 3-and-7? The J.J. McCarthy hype, the Drake Maye polarization and Michael Penix's underrated qualities. Plus, quick notes on some possible second-round targets. Ben opens the show with notes on his Commanders-only mock draft 2.0 and from the local beat's chat today on all the organizational changes with several holdover players, including Terry McLaurin and Daron Payne.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking Commanders with Sheil Kapadia (The Ringer). Ben opens with his current assessment of the QB-at-2 buzz and where the other eight draft picks slot into the depth chart. Then Sheil joins to analyze Washington's voluminous free agent moves, the apparent roster plan, Marcus Mariota, and Frankie Luvu. Also, Sheil's Josh Harris assessment as a 76ers fan, the Eagles' off-season/moving on from Brian Johnson and curious league-wide signings.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is still discussing this busy time for the Commanders. This time with Yahoo Sports senior NFL reporter Jori Epstein. Ben opens with thoughts on Drake Maye's pro day and the Commanders signing a veteran receiver. Then Jori enters to share insight from years of covering Washington head coach Dan Quinn at Dallas. His creativity with personnel and obsession with "superpowers." Also, what to make of the rumor mill buzz on the draft quarterbacks, pro day hype, and analysis of new rule changes, including banning hip-drop tackless and radical new kickoff plan.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is so fired up to talk Commanders that he has two episodes coming back-to-back. In part one, Ben opens with thoughts on Jayden Daniels' pro day and an updated interpretation of how often Dan Quinn likely uses 5 or 6 defensive backs and, in turn, Jamin Davis. Then you'll hear Jim Harbaugh and Antonio Pierce from the league meetings talking about the quarterbacks they coached in college, J.J. McCarthy and Daniels. Finally, with the Wizards and Capitals remaining in D.C., WUSA's Eric Flack joins to ponder what this means for a new Commanders stadium.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is live from the NFL owners' meeting in Orlando, which is where the Washington Commanders' top three figures spent time answering questions from local and national media members. Ben and JP Finlay (106.7 The Fan) recapped all three sessions from Adam Peters and Dan Quinn on the QB search, plans at two, and free agency to Josh Harris' updates on the stadium search. Then The Athletic's Vikings insider, Alec Lewis, and Ben ponder Minnesota trading up into the top-4 picks for a quarterback and which passers are in play. Ben also discusses his new first-round mock draft, J.J. McCarthy buzz, and more.