Ben Standig
@benstandig.bsky.social
Commanders/NFL reporter | "Last Man Standig" Substack and podcast | @team980 | Prior - The Athletic | Armed with hoops opinions | Rockin' & Rollin' & whatnot
Pinned
Ben Standig
@benstandig.bsky.social
· Jul 22
I did a thing. New home for my written Commanders coverage. I'm excited for everyone to join the adventure. First up, the mission statement for "Last Man Standig."
The Commanders have coordinators, but the 2026 staff isn't set. What I'm hearing about potential comings and goings.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
The Commanders’ staff build isn’t finished
New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is in place, but assistant roles, outside interest and league-wide movement remain in play.
open.substack.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:30 PM
The Commanders have coordinators, but the 2026 staff isn't set. What I'm hearing about potential comings and goings.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
Commanders defensive pass-game coordinator Jason Simmons is interviewing with the Steelers for their defensive coordinator role, source confirms (@JFowlerESPN 1st)
Simmons was a secondary coach on Mike McCarthy's Green Bay staff. He also played his first four NFL seasons with Pittsburgh.
Simmons was a secondary coach on Mike McCarthy's Green Bay staff. He also played his first four NFL seasons with Pittsburgh.
January 28, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Commanders defensive pass-game coordinator Jason Simmons is interviewing with the Steelers for their defensive coordinator role, source confirms (@JFowlerESPN 1st)
Simmons was a secondary coach on Mike McCarthy's Green Bay staff. He also played his first four NFL seasons with Pittsburgh.
Simmons was a secondary coach on Mike McCarthy's Green Bay staff. He also played his first four NFL seasons with Pittsburgh.
Daron Payne on the possibility his time with the Commanders was ending:
“I mean, I’m a hell of a football player. I’m sure I’ll have a job next year somewhere.”
Details on why that somewhere, despite viable cap cut rationale, is likely staying put.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
“I mean, I’m a hell of a football player. I’m sure I’ll have a job next year somewhere.”
Details on why that somewhere, despite viable cap cut rationale, is likely staying put.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
The Daron Payne dilemma: How cap relief, production and a thin defensive front shape the Commanders’ decision
Inside Washington's plan, which currently leans toward keeping the 2018 first-round pick for a ninth season.
open.substack.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Daron Payne on the possibility his time with the Commanders was ending:
“I mean, I’m a hell of a football player. I’m sure I’ll have a job next year somewhere.”
Details on why that somewhere, despite viable cap cut rationale, is likely staying put.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
“I mean, I’m a hell of a football player. I’m sure I’ll have a job next year somewhere.”
Details on why that somewhere, despite viable cap cut rationale, is likely staying put.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
The cap math makes Daron Payne vulnerable for the 2026 season. The roster reality keeps him with the Commanders — for now.
Inside Washington’s thinking on a costly but complicated decision.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
Inside Washington’s thinking on a costly but complicated decision.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
The Daron Payne dilemma: How cap relief, production and a thin defensive front shape the Commanders’ decision
Inside Washington's plan, which currently leans toward keeping the 2018 first-round pick for a ninth season.
open.substack.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:08 PM
The cap math makes Daron Payne vulnerable for the 2026 season. The roster reality keeps him with the Commanders — for now.
Inside Washington’s thinking on a costly but complicated decision.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
Inside Washington’s thinking on a costly but complicated decision.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
Senior Bowl preview, defensive coordinator activity and a notable scouting department departure.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...
Mock Draft Monday -- Senior Bowl preview
Podcast Episode · Last Man Standig · 01/26/2026 · 42m
podcasts.apple.com
January 26, 2026 at 6:08 AM
Senior Bowl preview, defensive coordinator activity and a notable scouting department departure.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...
🎙 New episode:
🏈 Mike McDaniel took an OC job. Why didn’t the Commanders wait for him?
🏈 DC search update (before Al Harris interview news)
🏈 1-on-1 with Josh Conerly Jr. - Assessing his rookie season, when the instincts kicked in.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
🏈 Mike McDaniel took an OC job. Why didn’t the Commanders wait for him?
🏈 DC search update (before Al Harris interview news)
🏈 1-on-1 with Josh Conerly Jr. - Assessing his rookie season, when the instincts kicked in.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
Last Man Standig
Football Podcast · Updated Biweekly · Ben Standig of The Athletic brings his unique insight and reporting covering the Washington Commanders, Washington Wizards and other DC Sports teams. He also shar...
podcasts.apple.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:15 PM
🎙 New episode:
🏈 Mike McDaniel took an OC job. Why didn’t the Commanders wait for him?
🏈 DC search update (before Al Harris interview news)
🏈 1-on-1 with Josh Conerly Jr. - Assessing his rookie season, when the instincts kicked in.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
🏈 Mike McDaniel took an OC job. Why didn’t the Commanders wait for him?
🏈 DC search update (before Al Harris interview news)
🏈 1-on-1 with Josh Conerly Jr. - Assessing his rookie season, when the instincts kicked in.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
Greatest coaching job I've ever seen. Take all the bows, Curt Cignetti.
January 20, 2026 at 4:28 AM
Greatest coaching job I've ever seen. Take all the bows, Curt Cignetti.
The Commanders promoted assistant OL coach Darnell Stapleton to the OL coach position and Shane Toub to assistant OL coach, per source.
Details:
open.substack.com/chat/posts/c...
Details:
open.substack.com/chat/posts/c...
Ben Standig in Last Man Standig
The Commanders stay in house for new OL coach
Washington is promoting assistant OL coach Darnell Stapleton to the OL coach position and offensive quality control coach Shane Toub to assistant OL coach...
open.substack.com
January 19, 2026 at 10:37 PM
The Commanders promoted assistant OL coach Darnell Stapleton to the OL coach position and Shane Toub to assistant OL coach, per source.
Details:
open.substack.com/chat/posts/c...
Details:
open.substack.com/chat/posts/c...
🚨 I know everyone is anticipating tonight's big event. Yes, I am hosting on @1067theFan from 730-10. Nothing else going on so I expect full phone lines and radios on. 😉
Commanders talk. NFL playoffs/coach searches w/@jeffzrebiec. Postgame Caps w/ @sammisilber. Gonna be epic.
Commanders talk. NFL playoffs/coach searches w/@jeffzrebiec. Postgame Caps w/ @sammisilber. Gonna be epic.
January 19, 2026 at 10:35 PM
🚨 I know everyone is anticipating tonight's big event. Yes, I am hosting on @1067theFan from 730-10. Nothing else going on so I expect full phone lines and radios on. 😉
Commanders talk. NFL playoffs/coach searches w/@jeffzrebiec. Postgame Caps w/ @sammisilber. Gonna be epic.
Commanders talk. NFL playoffs/coach searches w/@jeffzrebiec. Postgame Caps w/ @sammisilber. Gonna be epic.
The Commanders are hiring Falcons QB coach D.J. Williams, the son of Doug Williams, for their open QB coach role, source confirms.
Wrote about this possibility earlier in the week.
lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/the-comman...
Wrote about this possibility earlier in the week.
lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/the-comman...
The Commanders moved fast on David Blough. Now comes the waiting game
Inside Washington's coaching staff build as defensive coordinator candidates trickle through Ashburn.
lastmanstandig.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 12:29 AM
The Commanders are hiring Falcons QB coach D.J. Williams, the son of Doug Williams, for their open QB coach role, source confirms.
Wrote about this possibility earlier in the week.
lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/the-comman...
Wrote about this possibility earlier in the week.
lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/the-comman...
🎙️Guest: @Coach_JayGruden
🏈Insight into a young OC from the man who hired 28-year-old Sean McVay for that job
🏈The Kliff debate
🏈Filling out the staff
🏈NFL playoffs
Also, how traffic from 9 head coach openings is slowing down Washington's DC search
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/j...
🏈Insight into a young OC from the man who hired 28-year-old Sean McVay for that job
🏈The Kliff debate
🏈Filling out the staff
🏈NFL playoffs
Also, how traffic from 9 head coach openings is slowing down Washington's DC search
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/j...
Jay Gruden talks Commanders OC swap; DC search traffic
Podcast Episode · Last Man Standig · 01/14/2026 · 54m
podcasts.apple.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:26 AM
🎙️Guest: @Coach_JayGruden
🏈Insight into a young OC from the man who hired 28-year-old Sean McVay for that job
🏈The Kliff debate
🏈Filling out the staff
🏈NFL playoffs
Also, how traffic from 9 head coach openings is slowing down Washington's DC search
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/j...
🏈Insight into a young OC from the man who hired 28-year-old Sean McVay for that job
🏈The Kliff debate
🏈Filling out the staff
🏈NFL playoffs
Also, how traffic from 9 head coach openings is slowing down Washington's DC search
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/j...
The #Commanders interviewed former Washington WR coach Drew Terrell for their OC opening, source confirms. @RapSheet 1st.
Terrwll is the Cardinals passing game coordinator/WRs coach.
Terrwll is the Cardinals passing game coordinator/WRs coach.
January 9, 2026 at 4:26 PM
The #Commanders interviewed former Washington WR coach Drew Terrell for their OC opening, source confirms. @RapSheet 1st.
Terrwll is the Cardinals passing game coordinator/WRs coach.
Terrwll is the Cardinals passing game coordinator/WRs coach.
Whether Dan Quinn seeks an experienced play-caller or a familiar face for Jayden Daniels, Washington's head coach has fascinating OC options.
On Mike McDaniel, David Blough and the Commanders' OC debate.
lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/mike-mcdan...
On Mike McDaniel, David Blough and the Commanders' OC debate.
lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/mike-mcdan...
Mike McDaniel and David Blough headline Commanders' offensive coordinator search
Whether Dan Quinn seeks an experienced play-caller or a familiar face for Jayden Daniels, Washington's head coach has options.
lastmanstandig.substack.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Whether Dan Quinn seeks an experienced play-caller or a familiar face for Jayden Daniels, Washington's head coach has fascinating OC options.
On Mike McDaniel, David Blough and the Commanders' OC debate.
lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/mike-mcdan...
On Mike McDaniel, David Blough and the Commanders' OC debate.
lastmanstandig.substack.com/p/mike-mcdan...
Statement from a Commanders spokesperson on Marshon Lattimore's arrest:
“We have been made aware of the arrest and are gathering more information. We have informed the NFL League Office and have no further comment at this time.”
Arrest details on weapons charges. share.google/e36C8koTqnzB...
“We have been made aware of the arrest and are gathering more information. We have informed the NFL League Office and have no further comment at this time.”
Arrest details on weapons charges. share.google/e36C8koTqnzB...
Cleveland's Leading Local News: Weather, Traffic, Sports and more | Cleveland, Ohio | wkyc.com
The latest news, sports, weather and traffic from WKYC 3 Studios for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio
wkyc.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:22 PM
Statement from a Commanders spokesperson on Marshon Lattimore's arrest:
“We have been made aware of the arrest and are gathering more information. We have informed the NFL League Office and have no further comment at this time.”
Arrest details on weapons charges. share.google/e36C8koTqnzB...
“We have been made aware of the arrest and are gathering more information. We have informed the NFL League Office and have no further comment at this time.”
Arrest details on weapons charges. share.google/e36C8koTqnzB...
🎙 The latest on the #Commanders coordinator searches + 49ers insider @mattbarrows with insight into the latest iteration of the Shanahan offense, what happened with Brandon Aiyuk in SF and NFC playoffs.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
Last Man Standig
Football Podcast · Updated Biweekly · Ben Standig of The Athletic brings his unique insight and reporting covering the Washington Commanders, Washington Wizards and other DC Sports teams. He also shar...
podcasts.apple.com
January 8, 2026 at 1:58 PM
🎙 The latest on the #Commanders coordinator searches + 49ers insider @mattbarrows with insight into the latest iteration of the Shanahan offense, what happened with Brandon Aiyuk in SF and NFC playoffs.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/l...
ALERT: Will go live at 6 p.m. ET with @MarkBullockNFL to discuss the coordinator changes, best fit for Jayden Daniels moving forward and other Commanders *buzz.* Join us.
lastmanstandig.substack.com
lastmanstandig.substack.com
Last Man Standig | Ben Standig | Substack
Longtime Washington Commanders insider and D.C. sports reporter still grinding and thriving on the football beat. DMV native. Been known to mock a draft. Click to read Last Man Standig, by Ben Standig...
lastmanstandig.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 10:31 PM
ALERT: Will go live at 6 p.m. ET with @MarkBullockNFL to discuss the coordinator changes, best fit for Jayden Daniels moving forward and other Commanders *buzz.* Join us.
lastmanstandig.substack.com
lastmanstandig.substack.com
Reposted by Ben Standig
HERE IT IS!
Your first all-access super deep dive into #Survivor50, including interviews in Fiji with the cast and the first exclusive game and gallery photos. Spent a LOT of time on this one. Hope you all enjoy! #Survivor ew.com/survivor-50-...
Your first all-access super deep dive into #Survivor50, including interviews in Fiji with the cast and the first exclusive game and gallery photos. Spent a LOT of time on this one. Hope you all enjoy! #Survivor ew.com/survivor-50-...
On the beach for 'Survivor 50': An exclusive, all-access first look at the biggest season ever
EW joins 'Survivor 50' players, producers, and Jeff Probst in Fiji to get the inside scoop on the biggest season ever of the most influential reality-competition show in TV history.
ew.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM
HERE IT IS!
Your first all-access super deep dive into #Survivor50, including interviews in Fiji with the cast and the first exclusive game and gallery photos. Spent a LOT of time on this one. Hope you all enjoy! #Survivor ew.com/survivor-50-...
Your first all-access super deep dive into #Survivor50, including interviews in Fiji with the cast and the first exclusive game and gallery photos. Spent a LOT of time on this one. Hope you all enjoy! #Survivor ew.com/survivor-50-...
The Commanders need a new defensive coordinator. Based on conversations with numerous league sources in recent weeks, here are some names to consider for Washington.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
Commanders' defensive coordinator search: Will Dan Quinn go outside his coaching tree?
Washington's defensive collapse helped crater the season. DC Joe Whitt Jr. took the hit. Now the focus shifts to potential replacements and whether their scheme meshes with Quinn's historic plans.
open.substack.com
January 6, 2026 at 8:57 PM
The Commanders need a new defensive coordinator. Based on conversations with numerous league sources in recent weeks, here are some names to consider for Washington.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
Washington GM Adam Peters and HC Dan Quinn took questions from media members on what went wrong this season and what upcoming fixes are. In light of the specifics within their responses, I played the role of interpreter.
What they said, what I heard:
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
What they said, what I heard:
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
What they said, what I heard: Adam Peters, Dan Quinn on the Commanders' lost 2025 season
Washington's GM and head coach took questions from media members on what went wrong this season and upcoming fixes. In light of specifics within their responses, LMS played the role of interpreter.
open.substack.com
January 6, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Washington GM Adam Peters and HC Dan Quinn took questions from media members on what went wrong this season and what upcoming fixes are. In light of the specifics within their responses, I played the role of interpreter.
What they said, what I heard:
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
What they said, what I heard:
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
🎙Talking about the Commanders closing out the 2025 season/moving into the offseason a 1/4 mile at a time. You'll see.
Beat Philly. Draft order lament. Kingsbury's status. Bobby Wagner's mikestone. Prepping for Monday's Peters-Quinn press conference.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
Beat Philly. Draft order lament. Kingsbury's status. Bobby Wagner's mikestone. Prepping for Monday's Peters-Quinn press conference.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
Commanders head into the offseason
Podcast Episode · Last Man Standig · 01/05/2026 · 30m
podcasts.apple.com
January 5, 2026 at 12:24 PM
🎙Talking about the Commanders closing out the 2025 season/moving into the offseason a 1/4 mile at a time. You'll see.
Beat Philly. Draft order lament. Kingsbury's status. Bobby Wagner's mikestone. Prepping for Monday's Peters-Quinn press conference.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
Beat Philly. Draft order lament. Kingsbury's status. Bobby Wagner's mikestone. Prepping for Monday's Peters-Quinn press conference.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
The offseason is here
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
After a lost season, the Commanders face an uncomfortable audit
Washington's frustrating 2025 season ended Sunday with a road win against the Eagles. Now the focus shifts to Adam Peters and Dan Quinn, starting with Monday's end-of-season press conference.
open.substack.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:03 AM
The offseason is here
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
Reposted by Ben Standig
Twelve months ago, Kliff Kingsbury’s tempo gave Washington a clear identity.
Now the organization is weighing whether that identity still fits.
That’s a meaningful change — and a telling one.
What I'm hearing and thinking about the Commanders' OC role.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
Now the organization is weighing whether that identity still fits.
That’s a meaningful change — and a telling one.
What I'm hearing and thinking about the Commanders' OC role.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
January 4, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Twelve months ago, Kliff Kingsbury’s tempo gave Washington a clear identity.
Now the organization is weighing whether that identity still fits.
That’s a meaningful change — and a telling one.
What I'm hearing and thinking about the Commanders' OC role.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
Now the organization is weighing whether that identity still fits.
That’s a meaningful change — and a telling one.
What I'm hearing and thinking about the Commanders' OC role.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
Twelve months ago, Kliff Kingsbury’s tempo gave Washington a clear identity.
Now the organization is weighing whether that identity still fits.
That’s a meaningful change — and a telling one.
What I'm hearing and thinking about the Commanders' OC role.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
Now the organization is weighing whether that identity still fits.
That’s a meaningful change — and a telling one.
What I'm hearing and thinking about the Commanders' OC role.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
January 4, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Twelve months ago, Kliff Kingsbury’s tempo gave Washington a clear identity.
Now the organization is weighing whether that identity still fits.
That’s a meaningful change — and a telling one.
What I'm hearing and thinking about the Commanders' OC role.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
Now the organization is weighing whether that identity still fits.
That’s a meaningful change — and a telling one.
What I'm hearing and thinking about the Commanders' OC role.
open.substack.com/pub/lastmans...
As expected, Mariota and Laremy Tunsil are officially out for Sunday, and Josh Johnson will start at Philly.
January 2, 2026 at 6:26 PM
As expected, Mariota and Laremy Tunsil are officially out for Sunday, and Josh Johnson will start at Philly.
Miami-Ohio State about to kickoff. 3 potential top 10 picks in this game. An NFL college scouting director shared his insights earlier this year:
Last Man Standig | Ben Standig | Substack
Longtime Washington Commanders insider and D.C. sports reporter still grinding and thriving on the football beat. DMV native. Been known to mock a draft. Click to read Last Man Standig, by Ben Standig...
lastmanstandig.substack.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:54 AM
Miami-Ohio State about to kickoff. 3 potential top 10 picks in this game. An NFL college scouting director shared his insights earlier this year: