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

The Athletic's Ben Standig discusses Commanders' future (coaching search?) and present (player evaluations) with the Miami Herald's Daniel Oyefusi and the Washington Post's Sam Fortier. Ben and Daniel begin with whether Dolphins' coach Mike McDaniel represents the new era head coach Washington should target if Ron Rivera is gone. What about Miami OC Frank Smith? Biggest concerns for Sunday? Then Sam enters for thoughts on the Commanders' roster, what matters over the remaining games and whether anyone here is Pro Bowl viable.

The Athletic's Ben Standig and former Washington head coach Jay Gruden begin the process of looking forward -- and for meaning in the Commanders' final five regular-season games beyond QB Sam Howell. Speaking of Howell, what happens to him if Washington finishes with a top-5 draft pick? They also discuss the timing of Jack Del Rio's firing, meddlesome owners (and why Josh Harris doesn't appear like one), current building blocks, blitzing Jamin Davis, and more. Ben also shares the latest on Emmanuel Forbes' status and Ron Rivera's plan as the new defensive play-caller.

The Athletic's Ben Standig and Grant Paulsen (106.7 The Fan) join forces to discuss a seismic 24 hours in Washington Commanders land. First came a 45-10 Thanksgiving day loss to the Cowboys. Then, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer were fired. We know why the latter occurred -- dreadful defense this season -- but how did Washington get here? What now with Rivera? How do we look back at Del Rio's four seasons? Has any part of the roster overachieved? Lots to discuss.

The Athletic's Ben Standig and guests Al Galdi and Doc Walker consider the state of the 4-7 Washington Commanders, what led to this low moment and where things go from here. Ben opens with updates from Ashburn and considers the secondary's struggles. Then Al enters to discuss how the season has fallen short, which changes perhaps accelerated the dip, Sam Howell and more. From there, Doc offers thoughts on how Washington can return to glory, playmakers need to make more plays, and whether an "interim" coach Eric Bieniemy is worth exploring (Some rougher audio in the Doc interview. Apologies!)

The Athletic's Ben Standig talks about Washsington's latest low point with the Voice of the Commanders, Bram Weinstein. They really lost to a Giants team that started inexperienced Tommy DeVito, whom the defense sacked nine times. Committing six turnovers didn't help. Neither did Washington's lack of a baseline strength to fall back upon. Now what? Time for significant changes? Are there even young players to use more over the final six games? As to no hot water post-game for showers, that's a stinker.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is diving into all the Sam Howell thoughts with Commanders' film analyst Mark Bullock. Mark's season-long assessment of the QB. Are the fellas ready to claim they see Howell as the long-term answer? They also ponder how the final games might shape off-season plans for helping the defense. Ben also shares the latest injury updates, and Josh Harris speaks about stadium homework.

The Athletic's Ben Standig dashes through his recap of the Commanders' 29-26 last-second loss at the Seahawks on Sunday. After another sterling effort, Sam Howell remains the best part of Washington's season. Is that good enough for now? The pass rush and run-pass balance could use some tweaking for sure. Thoughts on the running back as pass catchers, BSJ, the playoff picture and plenty more.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about all things Sam Howell with Jay Gruden, and previewing Sunday's (must-win?) game at Seattle. Ben opens with notes on why the Seahawks' red-zone offense, the Commanders' pass rush, slowing down edge rusher Boye Mafe and Howell's demeanor are keys for Week 10. Curtis Samuel playing? Then Jay enters for a mid-season look at Howell's unique/positive traits, Eric Bieniemy's guidance, and next steps.

The Athletic's Ben Standig and podcast star Al Galdi explore what's coming up for the Washington Commanders. Yes, we must discuss playoff chances and why this week's game at Seattle is legitimately pivotal. The reality of Sam Howell as 2024 QB1. Intrigue with Emmanuel Forbes as a match-up with D. K. Metcalf looms. Stats for Jon Allen and Daron Payne. Those Chase Young comments from San Francisco, and much more.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is solo to discuss a total team effort by the Washington Commanders in their 20-17 win over the New England Patriots. Is Sam Howell the QB answer? More data is required, but he keeps piling up impressive outings, leading Jonathan Allen postgame to proclaim he is that guy. Plenty of others helped in the first game after those trades, including Emmanuel Forbess and all active members of the rookie class. More on the kids, the OL, the concerns and whether we should start talking playoffs.