Minicamp review: How the defensive pieces fit together

The Athletic's Ben Standig is talking about the Commanders and analytics with ESPN's Seth Walder -- and fresh changes made in the department. Ben opens with a reaction to Eugene Shen's departure after only eight months as SVP of Football Strategy, Doug Williams rejoining the front office, and other moves announced on Tuesday. Then Seth enters with a look at Shen/the analytics group, the Commanders' transactional offseason, Jayden Daniels, if Washington made the proper choice with Montez Sweat, and why the receivers struggled to get open last season.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is back for a deep dive on the Commanders roster with film analyst Mark Bullock. Part one focuses on the offense. The best of Jayden Daniels and the sacks discussion. Puncher's chance at left tackle with Cornelius Lucas and Brandon Coleman? Ben Sinnott's versatility. WR room depth. The backfield roles. Chris Rodriguez fit. More.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here with more on the Commanders' minicamp and offseason practices. After talking about all things offense in the prior episode, part two dives into the defense with Mitch Tischler (Monumental Sports). Who sticks on the defensive line? Is Jamin Davis a linebacker or edge rusher -- and on the roster bubble? Jeremy Chinn's versatility means what for the safeties and back-7? Also, what we learned from Washington's behind-the-scenes of the NFL draft video.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking about Jayden Daniels and the Commanders' three-day minicamp with Mitch Tischler (Monumental Sports). In part one, the position-by-position review focuses on the offense, starting with Daniels' maturity, mile markers, and the quarterback "competition." Curiosity with running back usage on offense and special teams. Are Dyami Brown and Cole Turner ready to push beyond being summertime teases? What do the guys like about the line and thoughts on the tackle options?

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking about the Commanders with some basketball mixed in. There is no better guest for that combo than Joe House (The Ringer). Ben opens with a commentary on the biggest disconnect with the Caitlin Clark debates via Washington and Jayden Daniels's arrival (2:20). Then Ben and Joe chat about the positive vibes around the Commanders (27:55). 2024 hopes through the prism of the Vegas win total line. Singing from the same song sheet. Josh Harris making moves. Gonna go to home games or wait for new digs. Then, thoughts on the state of the Wizards with a new head coach and the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft (50:30)

The Athletic' Ben Standig discussed a chatty but focused Washington Commanders OTA practice with Nicki Jhabvala (Washington Post). Coordinator Joe Whitt's passion and energy had the defense taking center stage on the field and at the podium. What Whitt chose to say about his schematic and lineup plans. Ben and Nicki also banter about why digging up the old-school practice field artificial turf is much more than about appearances, Jayden Daniels' development, and Dan Quinn's comments on releasing Brandon McManus. Ben also talks about the LB room.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking Washington Commanders with Entertainment Weekly's Editorial director -- and lifelong fan -- dalton Ross. Ben opens with a breakdown of Washington's kicker situation now that the organization has released Brandon McManus. Then Dalton enters for a wide-ranging chat. The franchise overhaul, 2024 patience, Jayden Daniels, Jahan Dotson, RFK nostalgia, how they deal with negative reader comments, team name and more.

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here talking about what the Commanders' ownership said about the team name's future—and what he heard. How the stadium plan offers a potential timeline should the Harrisses seek a change. Another joint practice, observing Jayden Daniels and an optimistic update about the delayed U.S. Senate vote on the RFK site (2:35). Then Ben welcomes Neil Stratton (Inside The League) for insight into Washington's new-look front office and scouting department and the process that led to the changes (27:22)

The Athletic's Ben Standig is here for a solo episode about the Washington Commanders roster during this break in the schedule. How many are you keeping at each position? Three quarterbacks (Sam Hartman) or six corners? Room for John Ridgeway, Braeden Daniels, and all Day-three picks? Enough viable 2024 wide receivers to keep six? Thoughts on Bobby Wagner, Efe Obada and more. Breaking news: Commanders kicker Brandon McManus faces allegations of sexual assault during a flight last season with the Jaguars, according to a civil suit filed in Duval County Court. Details at the end of the episode.

The Athletic' Ben Standig survived a scorching day at Commanders OTA to discuss Jayden Daniels, Jonathan Allen and coaches experimenting with Al Galdi (Al Galdi podcast). Ben opens the episode with how Bobby Wagner's leadership is already showing and the rise of no-huddle snaps. Then Al joins to consider whether the hold-up in the Senate really matters with putting a stadium at the RFK Site, how Daniels is impressing the veterans and Allen's 180-degree mood change. Also, Emmanuel Forbes, Jamin Davis, the safety tandem, and more.