
Standig Room Only: A show about the Washington Commanders and D.C. sports
Each week The Athletic's Ben Standig brings you the latest stories surrounding the Washington Commanders and other sports around the D.C. area. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Sep 11, 2023 • 40min
Survive and celebrate
The Athletic's Ben Standig and Michael Phillips (Richmond's 910 The Fan) explored all angles of the Washington Commanders' 20-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals before a sell-out crowd filled with alums and famous people. Ben opens with thoughts on the scene and the return of Champ Bailey and Robert Griffin III. Then Michael joins to discuss the offense's rough outing, Sam Howell's performance, Montez Sweat taking names and the concerns remaining concerning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 8, 2023 • 33min
Magic and the Cardinals
Ben Standig gets everyone ready for the Washington Commanders' Week 1 home game against Arizona by hearing from The Athletic's Doug Haller and ... Magic Johnson. Hear part of the Q&A with Magic and reporters on Thursday about his expected emotions in the opener as a new owner and what he told the players this week in Ashburn. Then Ben and Doug preview Sunday's opener. What is going on with the Cardinals? Is there a world where they pull off the upset? Also, status for Terry McLaurin, Chase Young and Dax Milne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 4, 2023 • 58min
The most important football jargon for Commanders in 2023
The Athletic's Ben Standig welcomes in Commanders analyst and former NFL tight end Logan Paulsen to preview the upcoming season. Specifically, Ben assigned Logan to choose five schemes or concepts or football nerd terms that he sees as pertinent to Washington's season. Logan's Lessons (or Paulsen's Playbook?) includes insight into creating horizontal displacement and passing vs. run efficiency. All of which led to conversations about Eric Bieniemy and Sam Howell, who is the team's best defensive back, special teams kick coverage and tons more. Get ready to get smarter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 3, 2023 • 1h 16min
Dawn of a new day
The Athletic's Ben Standig is putting a bow on the offseason and looking toward the 2023 season with Denton Day (The Team 980). Ben opens the show with his report on Chase Young's playing status, Game 1 sellout, and insight into parts one (league) and two (Commanders) of his fifth annual NFL Agent survey. Then Ben and Denton share where they feel more optimistic about the team since the start of camp. Also, the remaining frets, overlooked and most indispensable players, Terry McLaurin, and another round of random lines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 31, 2023 • 24min
Changes with roster, not the old name
The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about the Commanders' finalizing their 53-player roster (Phidarian Mathis to IR), forming a practice squad (Jake Fromm and Kaz Allen staying) and Jason Wright's name change comments. Plus, a positive Logan Thomas update, adding LB Jabril Cox, and Ben talks about his two-part NFL agent survey (Part 2, focused on the Commanders, drops Thursday). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 28, 2023 • 49min
Matthew Berry talks Fantasy Football, Commanders
The Athletic's Ben Standig and NBC Sports' Matthew Berry preview Fantasy Football drafts, Sam Howell and the Commanders. Ben opens the show with Washington's initial roster moves -- Braeden Daniels to season-ending IR, releasing Jaret Patterson -- and what's coming ahead of Tuesday's deadline. Then Ben and Matthew discuss fantasy prospects for Howell, Washington's offensive playmakers, and non-Commanders (Joe Burrow/QBs, Amon Ra-St. Brown/WRs, RB strategy, no. 1 pick options). Also, Matthew on what scares him about Ron Rivera this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 27, 2023 • 1h 2min
Commanders' final 53 projection with Grant Paulsen
The Athletic's Ben Standig and Grant Paulsen (106.7 The Fan) are making their final 53-player roster projections following the Commanders' third preseason game. The fellas go position by position with a detailed and smart conversation about not just who makes the squad but why. Is the entire draft class safe? Room for Dax Milne or Kazmeir Allen? Mitchell Tinsley's big showing Saturday night put him on the roster? Four running backs, seven receivers or 10 OL? What about Jake Fromm, Jaret Patterson, and Alex Armah? Plus some notes from the 21-19 win over the Bengals and a Chase Young non-update. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 25, 2023 • 55min
David Aldridge talks Josh Harris, Joe Gibbs, Sam Howell
The Athletic's Ben Standig welcomes The Athletic's David Aldridge to discuss DA's interview with Commanders managing partner Josh Harris and three-time Super Bowl-winning coach Joe Gibbs. Ben discusses the latest injury updates on Terry McLaurin (iffy for Week 1?) and Chase Young, and dives into roster battles to watch before Saturday's preseason finale against the Bengals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 23, 2023 • 1h
Toe Talk and Handshake Humor
The Athletic's Ben Standig is back to talk about all parts of the Commanders' wild preseason win over the Ravens with Michael Phillips. Sam Howell shined. Terry McLaurin's toe injury update. Josh Harris having fun in the MNF booth. Setting the lines on the stadium locations. Local media talk -- with breaking news, Camaron Cheeseman's long-snapping concerns and Michael shares his work scenario. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 17, 2023 • 56min
Ravens practice recap: Two days taught us what?
The Athletic's Ben Standig is powering through despite his hurtin' voice to share insight from the Commanders' two joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens. For the Washington side, Ben and Matt Paras (Washington Times) discuss eventual QB1 Sam Howell, team strengths (and concerns), rookie Andre Jones, McLaurin vs. Dotson, and the Ravens' immaculate facility. Then for full practice context, The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec on how Baltimore fared against Washington compared to their training camp norm, Emmanuel Forbes vs. the Ravens receivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.