
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

Jun 3, 2022 • 1h 10min
Kurt Warner talks quarterbacks; Commanders, Chase, Congress
The Athletic's Ben Standig is back for a new episode on all things Commanders with Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner and the Associated Press's Steve Whyno.Ben opens the show with OTA thoughts on Jahan Dotson and an 11th defender candidate. Then he shares a portion of his 1-on-1 with Warner (9:44). The Super Bowl champion shared candid thoughts to the world on Carson Wentz's struggles with the Colts pre-trade and cited Sam Howell as his most intriguing pre-draft QB not named Kenny Pickett. Ben wanted to hear more. From there, Ben and Steve hash out the week's headlines including Chase Young's return and recovery timeline, Congress wants to meet with Dan Snyder and Roger Goodell, and whether D.C. remains a viable stadium option (16:53). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 31, 2022 • 1h 20min
Stranger Things
The Athletic's Ben Standig dives into a new week tackling Commanders' questions and stadium conundrums with Nicki Jhabvala (Washington Post) and Eric Flack (WUSA).After some brief opening remarks, Ben welcomes Nicki back to the pod for a series of questions themed around Ben watching "Stranger Things" and "Top Gun: Maverick" over the weekend. Stranger if Carson Wentz is a one-and-done with Washington or stays past 2023? Who becomes Terry McLaurin's wingman this season? You get the gist. Curtis Samuel, Jack Del Rio and others discussed.Then Ben and Eric discuss this week's vote in the Virginia House of Delegates on a stadium funding bill (46:01). Three months ago the legislation had widespread support. Now the financial terms have shrunk and there are real concerns over the passage at any figure. They also get into the latest with Maryland and the District. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 2022 • 50min
Logan Paulsen talks Carson Wentz's comfort, Commanders' rookies
The Athletic's Ben Standig is ready to talk Carson Wentz, defensive communication, roster sleepers and more with Commanders analyst and former NFL tight end Logan Paulsen.Ben opens the show with notes on next week's stadium funding bill vote in Virginia and takes another look at the Daron Payne situation. Then Logan enters the chat (12:35). They discuss the start of OTA. How did Wentz look in his new situation? Not just with passes, but the mental game. Cole Turner stood out to the former TE as did other specific rookies including on UDFA. Is that defensive communication improving? Fun chat with Logan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 25, 2022 • 1h 2min
Commanders OTA and stuff: McLaurin, Payne, Wentz, stadium
The Athletic's Ben Standig is back from a rainy -- and newsy -- Day 1 of OTA and ready to talk all things Commanders with Matthew Paras (Washington Times).Ben opens the show with his reporting on defensive tackle Daron Payne skipping team drills because of frustration over lagging contract extension talks, plus some other OTA notes.Then Matt joins for a full breakdown of practice (10:15), including no-shows Terry McLaurin, Chase Young and Montez Sweat; Carson Wentz's presence; RB by committee; rotation surprises; deep roster sleepers, and more. They also get into Monday's news on the Commanders' curious stadium site search deep into Virginia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 23, 2022 • 1h 40min
Commanders OTA countdown: Why do folks insist on ruining Carson Wentz's contract?
The Athletic's Ben Standig is back from vacation and ready to take on Commanders OTA this week with guests Brad Spielberger (PFF) and Chris Russell (Team 980).Ben opens the episode with some vacation details that intersected with his day job and reacted to a report about NFL owners growing tired of Dan Snyder. Then Brad joins (10:20) a ranting Ben for a lively discussion on what everyone has wrong about Carson Wentz's contract and Washington's salary cap scenario in connection with ownership and lack of spending.The Wentz talk continues with Chris (43:10), but the fellas also get into pure football talk. What can we expect from a Scott Turner offense with a QB capable of making all the throws? Did it make any sense for Washington even to consider signing James Bradberry? Plenty more Commanders/OTA topics as well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 18, 2022 • 57min
All the other Commanders topics
The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for a bonus episode on all things Commanders this week. Guests: The Athletic's Mike Smeltz and Aaron Suttles (Alabama insider).Ben and Mike open the show reacting to news that free agent CB James Bradberry signed with the Eagles and what Ben unearthed on those curious Jack Del Rio comments about the secondary. They also discuss various Commanders' topics receiving less attention entering OTA, including Montez Sweat's recovery and next contract, Daron Payne's motivation, Sam Cosmi's upside, Cam Sims's usage. Also, thoughts on the linebacker room ... and two kickers! Plus, a brief interlude on the Wizards landing the 10th pick in the NBA Draft lottery.Then Aaron swings by (39:10) and shares his insight as a long-time Alabama beat writer on two players he covered last season, DT Phidarian Mathis and RB Brian Robinson. Aaron sees one as a steal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 16, 2022 • 1h 3min
Doc Walker diagnoses Commanders' roster, chances; NBA Draft lottery preview
The Athletic's Ben Standig is ready to jump into Commanders and NBA Draft lottery talk. Guests: Commanders analyst Doc Walker and The Athletic's college basketball insider Eammon Brennan.Ben opens with some roster notes, including potential additions this week. Then Doc arrives with his usual high-energy and no-nonsense insight (7:24). They discuss Washington's post-draft roster and Doc's thoughts on the defense that largely remained intact despite last season's struggles. Also paying Terry McLaurin and the coaching staff.With the NBA Draft lottery on Tuesday, Eammon stops by (23:29) to educate everyone on the possible prospects for the Wizards. Washington could land a top-4 pick but likely selects 10-12. Want Chet Holmgren? Any point guards out there? They also pondered what on earth is going on with Georgetown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 13, 2022 • 47min
Taking command of Washington's schedule
The Athletic's Ben Standig is ready to break down the Washington Commanders' 2022 schedule. Guest: Brian McNally (NBC Sports Washington). The fellas go through all 18 weeks, including the Carson Wentz revenge tour, two national TV games, NFC East dates and the opener against the Jaguars. What's the toughest stretch? The game they cannot afford to lose? Final record prediction? Fun episode here for everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 11, 2022 • 1h 21min
Carson Wentz and the QB multiverse
The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking Carson Wentz, NFL quarterbacks Jamin Davis and all things Commanders. Guest: The Ringer's Danny Heifetz.Ben opens the episode talking Davis, who has gone completely under the radar this offseason in discussions about Washington's potential. Where can this unit go if the 2021 first-round pick improves off a frustrating rookie season -- and what happens if Davis doesn't with the lack of LB depth?Then Danny enters (13:10). The fellas use Danny's fun new article about QB and team relationships as a way to get into Wentz and other quarterback situations including Dak Prescott, Justin Fields and Kenny Pickett. Has Washington done enough to help the new guy? How did the Colts extract what they did from the Commanders and does the trade compensation ultimately matter? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 9, 2022 • 44min
Commanders rookie camp, what Jack Del Rio said, Dan Snyder's money
The Athletic's Ben Standig is back to talk Commanders rookie mini-camp, what Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio had to say about this roster, and Dan Snyder's finances possibly affecting roster moves. Guest: Michael Phillips, Richmond Times-Dispatch.Ben opens the episode with some notes on the rookie camp, including names to track. That's newbies -- and one holdover who participated. Meanwhile, Del Rio's interview on the team website about the secondary requires some decoding.Then Ben and Michael chop it up from Ashburn after the practice session with thoughts on first-round pick Jahan Dotson, quarterback Sam Howell, and others. They also discussed the linebacker need, what Rivera said about Cole Holcomb -- and whether Snyder's finances factor into Washington's largely quiet transactional offseason following the Carson Wentz trade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.