
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

Feb 11, 2022 • 1h 51min
Dan Snyder vs the NFL; Russell Wilson reality; Wizards trade talk
The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for a mega-jammed episode on the Washington Commanders and Washington Wizards.*Ben opens the show with The Ringer's Joe House discussing the investigation into the Commanders organization including whether the NFL's latest salvo suggests a rift between the two sides.*The Athletic's Seahawks insider Michael-Shawn Dugar on the latest with Russell Wilson and whether the QB is really a trade option. Insert eyes emoji. (16:40)*Former Washington employee Rachel Engleson on the latest from Dan Snyder and Roger Goodell, testifying before Congress and coping with intimate parts of her life in the public eye (46:20)*More from Ben and Joe House, this time on the Wizards blowing up the team. Goodbye Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans, hello Kristaps Porzingis. Good moves or status quo? (113:21) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 8, 2022 • 1h 23min
Russell Wilson buzz; Scouts on rookie QB class; Commanders Stadium to DC?
The Athletic's Ben Standig is back from the Senior Bowl for a new episode talking rookie quarterbacks, Russell Wilson, the next stadium site, and the freefalling Wizards.*Ben opens the show by spilling the tea on what scouts are saying about the quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft following Senior Bowl week. Thoughts on Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, Desmond Ridder and the others in Mobile*What league sources are saying about Russell Wilson's future, and whether Washington is a factor (20:58)*Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi on QB Kenny Pickett (27:54)*Commanders Stadium in D.C. talk with WAMU political reporter Martin Austermule (45:33)*What on earth is happening with the Wizards? (71:30) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 3, 2022 • 1h 4min
The Commanders are in the house; Senior Bowl notes
The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for thoughts on the Washington Commanders and a recap from the site of the Senior Bowl. After opening the show with some thoughts on the new-name and the latest news involving organizational culture, Ben welcomes in Tarik El-Bashir for initial reactions to the new name and the process that they reported on for over a year (10:45). Then it's Ben and Chris Burke from the Senior Bowl where Washington's pursuit of a quarterback continues (49:43) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 31, 2022 • 44min
Football storylines for a Washington team changing its name this week
The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for a new episode following the NFL's championship games with Matt Paras (Washington Times). The fellas discuss the games and ponder whether the Super Bowl-bound Rams' bold moves last offseason might spark Washington to act this cycle; if Jimmy Garoppolo's showing scared them off should the 49ers QB become available; also Daron Payne's future, Derek Carr, how Washington could emulate the Bengals, and more (3:40). Then Ben closes the show with Senior Bowl thoughts and a little Wizards talk. (33:45) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 27, 2022 • 1h 39min
WFT notebook; QB options; Talkin' Terps
The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for a jammed-packed episode of the podcast with colleagues Nick Kosmider (Broncos) and Brendan Quinn (college basketball insider).*Ben opens the show sharing nuggets from his notebook including the latest on the coaching staff, the running back room, quarterback options and what the coaching hires around the league mean for Washington. Also an update on Congress looking into the Washington organization (4:20)*Then Nick Kosmider joins Ben for a look at the QB landscape across the league from two reporters who cover teams desperate for help. Thought on trade targets, free agents, draft options and more (16:55).*Lastly, Ben discussed a great deep dive into the Maryland men's basketball program with the story's author, Brendan Quinn, including various internal/external pros and cons, and possible coaching candidates(53:45) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 24, 2022 • 40min
How far is Washington from competing with those NFL heavyweights?
The Athletic's Ben Standig tackles the Washington Football Team's offseason and those riveting NFL playoff games with the Associated Press' Steve Whyno.*Ben opens the show by emptying out his notebook on what league executives and sources are saying about the QB market, vets and prospects. Notes on Jimmy Garappolo, Mitch Trubisky, Malik Willis, Sam Howell and more (Check out his new article on The Athletic for a deeper dive).*Also what Ben is hearing about Washington's hopes for Antonio Gibson and what that could mean for free-agent J.D. McKissic. (15:05)*Then Steve joins the pod to talk about that amazing Patrick Mahomes-Josh Allen showdown, more on Garappolo, whether Washington can build up its roster to help a non-starry QB and more (18:10) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 21, 2022 • 1h 12min
Jim Nagy talks Senior Bowl; Jammin' with Citizen Cope
The Athletic's Ben Standig talks NFL Draft with Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy and catches up with singer and D.C. native Citizen Cope.*Ben opens the episode and then welcomes in Jim Nagy to preview the Senior Bowl (6:01). They discuss the quarterback prospects set to attend including Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis and Sam Howell. Which of the passers best suits Ron Rivera's stated criteria? Jim also provides insight into the top prospects, local names and others expected in Mobile.*Then it's Citizen Cope whose tour hits his native D.C. on Jan. 27 at the Anthem. The fellas discuss the anticipated new name for the Washington Football Team - Cope participated in The Athletic's name-change simulation panel last year -- Maryland Football, his tour and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 17, 2022 • 1h 43min
Jay Gruden talks QB search, NFL playoffs, Cowboys, name change
The Athletic's Ben Standig catches up with former Washington head coach Jay Gruden about the NFL playoffs and Washington's QB options, and branding expert Allen Adamson on the name change process.*Ben opens the show with some podcast notes and shares the reaction to his recent story on Dan Snyder eventually returning to his usual role.*Then Jay Gruden is back on the podcast for a lively and insightful conversation (11:24). Topics include:The wild 49ers-Cowboys conclusion -- and what Gruden saw from the coaching/execution perspectiveThe most impressive part/player of the opening five NFL playoff gamesWhether Jimmy Garappolo and Derek Carr are potential answers or just QB teasesHow QB-needy teams prepare for the offseason searchBrandon Scherff's likely exit and how Washington hasn't maximized roster assets enough going back yearsWhy assistant coaches can be trickier to handle than playersWhether Sean McVay is part of the Gruden or Shanahan coaching treeJay revisits his recent name-change comments, ponders his employment future and explains why he keeps talking with the local mediaThen branding expert Allen Adamson (Metaforce) joins Ben (118:04) to discuss Washington's name change, how the two collaborated on The Athletic's name-change simulation project last year, and Allen's favorite among the rumored names. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 13, 2022 • 54min
What do we really think about the Washington Football Team now?
The Athletic's Ben Standig is here to effectively put a bow on the Washington Football Team's 2021 season by asking questions and sharing thoughts. Joining that process: The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala. Topics include:*Did Ron Rivera hint at the most likely QB plan this offseason?*The subtle issue with Brandon Scherff's likely exit is...?*Why were so many of the season's issues on defense?*Biggest reason for optimism beyond Terry McLaurin and Jon Allen?*Also Chase Young, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Taylor Heinicke, staff changes and more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 11, 2022 • 47min
Train-ing Day: Washington Football Team exit interviews
The Athletic's Ben Standig is coming to you... from his home office after Monday's exit interview day in Ashburn but also from an Amtrak train headed back from New Jersey after the Washington Football Team's win over the Giants.*Ben opens the show with his thoughts on what the likes of Brandon Scherff, Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Chase Young, and some of the other 30-odd players to chat with reporters had to say Monday, Plus thoughts on the potential roster and coaching changes.*Then Matt Paras (Washington Times) and Sam Fortier (Washington Post) join Ben on that train back to D.C. What player symbolized the 2021 season? Top need besides QB? How will they address QB? Also name change, Antonio Gibson, the lowly Giants and more (21:15) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.