Ben Standig previews the Commanders vs Eagles matchup & gives his official '26 record prediction

0:00People say I got you all the time. Dad say to their kids the first time they ride a bike. Friends say to other friends when they buy them lunch. It's a good thing when someone's got you. It's especially good when someone's got you with important things like your health. And that's where we share this got you. We got you with a massive nationwide network of over a million doctors, which means you can likely keep your current doctor you know and trust. We got you with affordable prices that can save individuals of the $5,000 annually compared to traditional insurance and say families even more. And we've got you with over 68,000 CVS care mark pharmacies across the country. If you're tired of overpriced health insurance bills, come visit us at wesharehealth.org or call 1-888-WeShare. Other smart Americans are making the switch every day. In a world filled with companies that cost you. It's nice to have one that's got you. We share health. We got you. Did you know that there are over 200 legends like Andrew Jones, Albert Poole's, Felix Hernandez

1:05and King Gryffy Jr. in MLB the show 26? Collect them all and current all stars to build your perfect liner. MLB the show 26 is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series XS and Nintendo Switch. Rated E for everyone. Officially licensed by MLB Players Inc. NERD Today's episode is sponsored by Nerdwallets Smart Money Podcast. Personal finance can feel like a pop quiz you didn't study for. This podcast is your study guide. On Nerdwallets Smart Money Podcast, you'll hear from trusted journalists who explain the why behind major financial decisions. You'll get research back to insights and clear pros and cons, whether you're planning a big purchase or just want to grow your wealth. Make your next financial move with confidence. Follow Nerdwallets Smart Money Podcast on your favorite podcast app. Ben Standings going to join us here momentarily. The team released offensive tackle DJ Humphreys today.

2:09Remember they signed them a few weeks ago, Veteran Tackle made the 53. But let me just mention and Ben tweeted this out as well and it's the first thing that came to my mind. Vested Veteran players get their contracts guaranteed for the season if they're on the week one roster. That's why you see sometimes guys that are veterans that are at the bottom of the roster, they'll get let go but then resigned before week two. If they're on the week one roster, their contracts are guaranteed for the entire year. So the team's got to pay them for the entire season. And if their plan is this particular player is going to be a backup player until our younger players are ready or maybe he'll end up starting who knows what the role will be. You don't want to commit to paying that player for entire season. So it could be that now we'll see who they activate from the practice squad for Sunday

3:13to be on the roster in DJ Humphreys place. Do we have Ben yet? Okay, we're efforting to get Ben. By the way, the injury report yesterday included Doron pain being limited in practice with some sort of knee issue. We'll ask Ben about that. Adafee away, Jekori Krasky merit and Kaleván Cheson were also limited. Everybody else was a full go. So those are the four players now, I guess in question for Sunday and we'll find out more when the actual injury report comes out later today, the last one before the game on Sunday. But I have thought kind of since last week that away was the one that was at great risk, that would stink if pain is all the sudden banged up a little bit before the opener and has to sit given right now in that front three in a base four three, you've got Ken

4:17Law settle and pain and then you've got guys like Tuttle, Barber and a Menihu who would come in and play some if Doron can't go. Ben is with us at Ben standing on X. Of course he covers the team with his own sub stack. I would highly recommend subscribing to it. I am a subscriber. We'll get Ben's season prediction before he leaves us in about 15 minutes. But I do want to just start with the injury report from yesterday and Doron pain appearing on it. What's the issue with him? Yeah, so I mean it listed as a knee. He obviously had missed time toward the end of camp with an underscored injury because they didn't have to tell us. So my best guess is that they were best breeders. This is just sort of an extension of that. I'm not viewing this as maybe anything more than just the following the hey, he technically

5:18didn't do a ton today. So we need to list him as limited as opposed to oh, he had a setback and now he's limited. That's my best read on it just like. Like you know, my sense is chase on is going to play even though he was limited. Same with Bill. He always the one where my little left clear. So I'm punnig if the lumping him in with that that it's just hey, technically he didn't do a ton of braggus because whatever the reason, you know, they don't feel like they had to push him or what have you more than like, oh, he's got some injury. But you know, the final injury report so we come down a few hours. Obviously we have a better field end. But at the moment, he was like in the locker room yesterday. That means I didn't first say, but he didn't, yeah, he didn't have any chance to like, oh boy, he's drag and or anything like that. So I don't think it's a big deal at the moment, but you know, well, I would say I'm more clever case and on all this this afternoon. So trust way mentioned yesterday or the day before that this is going to be his final season. Yeah, yesterday. He, he laid that out there and you know, I mean, you know, all this player on the team,

6:22he's been here since 2014. Nobody else has been around since 2018. You know, since 2018 is the next guy who's been around the longest drawn pain. So yeah, I mean, you know, why he decided to get this out of the way now. Not sure, but hey, you wanted to do it. And you know, obviously it's been an incredibly interesting run. There's can't be too many punters in the league now, let alone maybe even in the history of the league who have been as popular as a figure as Tress has. And I think obviously a lot of that has to do with. There's been somewhat the bleak times during his run that it was, you know, not only with a good job, but he was just a sunny disposition kind of a guy and think about that. And you know, I think the last two years of Tressway really sort of symbolized what this franchise is going through the ups and downs because, you know, of course, 2024, what was it from the end of the first week all the way through in the week four? He didn't punt because the offense was just so efficient.

7:25And then last year, he's the only guy that go to the pro ball. In a year where they were terrible. So you got to, you got to pun a lot to go to the pro ball. Yeah, he only punted 50 times in 2024 over Saturday. That's right. So yeah, so let me look, obviously, you know, for what it is. I mean, you know, we all have appreciated what he does. How he's been able to change the field off and, you know, obviously, you know, as a holder, I can't think of too many times. It's really almost any where we've been like, oh boy, what happened on that on that play? So he's a completely rock solid guy who again, it's been a fun person to be around. And yeah, it'll be, you know, something we can discuss. It's not, it's not the same as a quarterback search, but one or certain looks like at the end of the year. Well, he's, you know, he's only 36. This could be a subject to change, but someone like him, he's got a bright future in media, if he wants to be a part of that because he has been not only, you know, a very likable

8:27guy and a successful punter, but he can definitely communicate. All right, let's get to it. How do they beat the Eagles on Sunday? Yeah, I'm putting aside the obvious don't turn the ball over things along those lines. I think, you know, offensively, how is the offensive line going to handle the Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, along with the interior tandem, as well as just the rest of that front seven of the Eagles have. That's an easily a strength for a filly and it's a question here, but you know, again, I think if the starting five is what we believe it to be, then for Washington, then it's not nearly as bad as people are making it out to be. It's not to say it's the hogs. It's not to say that it's one of the top half of the lines in the league. It could even be in the top and the bottom 10, but it's not, you know, these guys can walk and shoot them at the same time. The way the way people have been acting about it, the issue is the lack of depth, but in terms of the starters, you know, I think it can be solid enough. Hopefully, I'll get ready. You know, we've been back now two weeks or it will be two weeks by the end of this week

9:30from his cap injuries. And hopefully that's given him enough time to get going, get better game shape to work more of the Gaden Daniels. I think that's going to become the whole game. If the Eagles of Defensive Front is allowed to beat Washington up and cause play breakdowns and anything David Blow is trying to accomplish, it may not be there for him, but we know they have better weapons around Jaden than they've ever had before. And then defensively, look, this is a different, looking Eagles team. The way they brought their receivers are, you know, they've got Devonte Smith, you know, the guy guys were capable, they drafted McIleman in the first round, but they don't have any like big hulking guys the way AJ Brown was and tormented Washington. It felt like every time they played, if the pass rush is there and that's been, you know, the whole point of the soft season to bring in all these different pass rushers to bring in a defensive coordinator who is going to be ultra aggressive. You know, if they can get Jaden and Hertz having to be on, to not be sure where the blitz is coming from, then that's going to be a huge deal.

10:32They obviously, you know, they really know as the Brian Flores deal, but they haven't seen this version yet. So I just think, you know, it's pretty basic fundamental blockup front on offense and get after the quarterback on defensive. They can do those things and not turn the ball over. Then I think Jaden can do what he does. And I think they could potentially win the game based on that. Yeah. You know, there's been a lot of conversation in, you know, the bubble that we're in when I say the bubble we're in, not just, you know, fans of the team, media covering the team, media talking about the team, but even that smaller bubble, which is the summer bubble, the people that are actually into the day to day training camp, joint practices, preseason games, et cetera. And you've said it and I've said it, they're definitely we went from the dig signing in a lot of optimism to the tonsil injury and two snaps and Detroit and a joint practice against the Ravens and it's doom and gloom and that small bubble.

11:33But I'm wondering, you know, because I think we heard it from Adam Peters when he and Quinn met with the media a week or so ago in his comment about the fans and what they don't see, et cetera. I am wondering though, what do you have like a sense of if there is something that they are truly concerned about, even if we can't see it, do you know what it is? I mean, again, I think they can say what they want about the offensive line, but it obviously become much more unsettled. I mean, those are the same cause of me right now. I think it would be hard press to say that guys on the group would be starting for everybody else in the league, you know what I mean? Like I don't know, like Josh Connerley's got some potential, but it's been a bit of an up and down summer for him off of, you know, was a better last finish last year. You know, Brandon Coleman has a ton of athletic potential. He played the position. I don't think he's going to fall, you know, fall in his face or anything like that.

12:34At the same time, there's a reason why they moved on and got tonsil and Josh Connerley rather than leaving him at tackle. And you know, he had tough day against Trey Hendricks and a lot of people do, but against Trey Hendricks and a joint practice. So that's a little unclear that the Nick Allegrette part, they've talked about how his smart should really help a group and his ability to kind of see what's that going on articulate. That's all good. But if you will line up every center in the league, it's conceivable. He's towards the bottom of the options in Chris Paul, one of the bigger surprises last year for sure. But that came with playing with tonsil. Is that going to be the same playing inside of Coleman and Allegrette? I think it would be foolish to say that's a definite lock that he's all that. And again, he also was back here because he didn't find the offers and free agency that were anticipated. So I think the offensive line has got to be the bigger question. And then of course, all that ties into the health of the quarterback. You know, Jayden obviously had the injuries. I think there's something to be said for the fact he's got this like gum be like,

13:36body that that that's able to take hit that not necessarily be have these significant injuries, but obviously he's also missed a bunch of games last year with multiple injuries. So I think that all ties in together, you know, to me, the quarterback situation is another one where I'm a little concerned, but they may not be because we all know that based on what Minnesota did with their personnel, they went wider at corner because their belief of that with the blitz, they can get after the quarterback that they can have a little bit less there. And you know, the quarterbacks are going to have to throw the ball off rhythm or what have you. And then if they have defensive backs that can make plays on the ball, they should be okay. So to me, the line would be the issue. And again, I think, you know, anybody who's having the conversations or line is terrible, don't listen to them because the issue isn't that. The issue is they have no depth. The issue is that they have one injury. They are up against it. So that's the problem more than it is who's the starting center, which is what most of the conversation nationally is now morphed into.

14:38But yeah, I don't know how they can't be somewhat concerned about that, but obviously they're going stiff up or lift and not going to tell us that. People say I got you all the time. Dad say to their kids the first time they ride a bike, friends say to other friends when they buy them lunch, it's a good thing when someone's got you. It's especially good when someone's got you with important things like your health, and that's where we share this got you. We got you with a massive nationwide network of over a million doctors, which means you can likely keep your current doctor you know and trust. We got you with affordable prices that can save individuals of the $5,000 annually compared to traditional insurance and save families even more. And we've got you with over 68,000 CVS care mark pharmacies across the country. If you're tired of overpriced health insurance bills, come visit us at WeShareHealth.org or call 1-888-WeShare. Other smart Americans are making the switch every day in a world filled with companies that cost you.

15:38It's nice to have one that's got you. WeShareHealth. We got you. Did you know that there are over 200 legends like Andrew Jones, Albert Poole's, Felix Hernandez, and King Gryffi Jr. in MLB the show 26? Collect them all and current all stars to build your perfect lineup. MLB the show 26 is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series XS and Nintendo Switch. Rated E for everyone, officially licensed by MLB Players Inc. Nice. Today's episode is sponsored by Nerdwallet Smart Money Podcast. Personal finance can feel like a pop quiz you didn't study for. This podcast is your study guide. On Nerdwallet Smart Money Podcast, you'll hear from trusted journalists who explain the why behind major financial decisions. You'll get research back to insights and clear pros and cons, whether you're planning a big purchase or just want to grow your wealth. Make your next financial move with confidence.

16:40Follow Nerdwallet Smart Money Podcast on your favorite podcast app. Yeah, I think that's a really good point. You made this point last year at this time about the wide receiver group. But we haven't seen Nick Gallagherty play center in the NFL other than a gamer too. They seem confident. So I don't know why we would be negative or pessimistic. I'm not saying they're going to be right, but we haven't seen it necessarily. To me, the one thing that we know for sure about that offensive line is that they're going to miss not having Larry, Larry, Tonsill on it. Period. It's impossible to say that Brandon Coleman is going to be Larry, Tonsill. Now he may be adequate enough. He may be good enough. He may end up being a really good left tackle, but he's not Larry, Tonsill as far as we know, missing that piece is going to be impactful. And to your point, it affects obviously the depth because Brandon Coleman's got a start

17:41and Chris Paul is now a definite starter, et cetera. You gave us the other day in terms of your kind of a bold prediction. You said you think Crosky Merritt will rush for a thousand plus. Who's going to lead this team in sacks? Yeah, good question. I was going to get the way there. Are you really thinking about that? No, no, no, no, no, I'm just trying to figure out how am I going to head this for you. No, look, if you tell me that Owe is playing almost all of the season, all the way to him, and they obviously signed him to the big money contract accordingly now, because they're going to have so many guys coming from so many different angles, it's possible. It just balances out and nobody gets a significant amount. But look, they brought in Owe for a reason. He was tearing it up earlier in camp from a pure speed size athleticism aspect. It was wildly impressive, watching him out in camp this summer before he started to

18:42sit with his cap injury. So obviously, you know, Jason is there. They'll get the orange strong back next week and we can go on. But like, I don't know why I would go against Owe. I think I said, I don't know that he's getting 14 sacks. He might lead the team with eight because they have a bunch of guys who are going to get four or five, etc. But I would lean towards Owe assuming that he's in good health and hopefully that's the case. Give me the guy that you'll be surprised. You won't be surprised, but most will if he's on the inactive list on Sunday. Forget the injured players, somebody else. Oh, boy. Who could be inactive? I mean, I guess I'll just off time. I'll throw in Traylon Berks. Now they technically list him as like the third receiver, but that doesn't only mean that is just the unofficial depth chart that they have acknowledged. It doesn't mean squat. Typically, the only reason I'm saying him is he can play special teams, but relative to Luke McCaffer, the kick returner, Jaylin, the pun returner, Deami Brown, who's a better

19:43special teams player. I don't know that he is that guy. Now again, when you have McCorn and Diggs that make life a little bit easier, okay, we have two stud receivers. How do we fill in the rest? Berks has obviously the size. And I'm not, again, if he plays, sure. I mean, go for it, but you know, they're not going to keep seven receivers up. I wouldn't think. And if you're going to sit somebody, you know, it was just based on receiver, you're going to say Luke McCaffer called a day, but if he's a kick returner, then that's not the case. So, you know, Trailer Berks might be somebody I would think would not surprise me if that, but might surprise the rest of the world if he sits because that's special teams aspects. All right. Prediction time. Who wins Sunday and then what's your season record prediction? Well, I want to sort of tie both of these things into your famous smell test because, you know, when you're doing your smell test, you're looking at the data. What is the public doing one way so hard that it's going counter to the sharp money or just what's almost logical? Washington's, I've already done my smell test.

20:46Washington's in it. Yes. Plus the five and a half Philadelphia is a major public play for sure. Yeah. Okay. So I didn't realize it was even up a little bit there, but okay. So like to me, the only people who are being sober about anything is going to be a doctor maker. And, you know, I think, you know, based on how the public is, Philly should be a 12 point favorite, but that's not how they're looking at it. He's in same thing with this season. I mean, if we do a factory reset on how we're looking at this group, when we go back to the Miami joint practice, right? Now, Tuntles already hurt, but digs is here and always playing and Jason's playing. And I know Miami's terrible, but Washington just absolutely throttled them on both sides of the ball. It was soon after that when the injury started to pile up and, you know, when the concern started to go and then they go to Detroit, then they go to Baltimore. That's when things went nuts. But if we go back to that Miami part of it, the defense really was looking like the way we all envision it when Durante Jones explained his vision. And you see Stefan digs again, easily the best number two receiver that Jayden's had

21:48let alone the best partner that McCorrent had. They've got better weapons or speed more athleticism and factor in the anti-commandors play that's out there. You know, I'm going to slightly be conservative and not go crazy, but, you know, I think it's like a nine and eight ten and seven. I'll say nine and eight just to be a little conservative because you never know. They are, of course, a Daniel's injury away from problems, which would be the case for most teams. So I'll go nine and eight. I don't know if that's good enough for the playoffs, but I guess my general vibe is this idea that they're going to be one of the worst teams in the league. We'll see. I just, it does not make any sense based on the reality. I mean, I think people act like the biggest problem in the entire league is Washington's offensive line. I promise that's not the case. I mean, every team has an issue. I don't care who it is. That could be if everybody starts to go down on Sunday, but based on the debt they have, but 100%. I mean, again, like you said, this was the issue last year at receiver.

22:48Yeah, you could get by with McCorrent and know what Brown, if they're playing, you lose them and now the sudden it's a mess. So that could absolutely be the case. But yeah, I mean, I think, like I said, I mean, I'll give you the nine and eight just to pick something. I love the fact that I just think the public conversation just makes no sense to me anymore. And the reason I'm not going higher is, you know, half the league is in that eight win, nine win range and, you know, just a break here, a break there. So I'll go nine wins, but it's like nine pointing up in part because of everything that's going on. I love being Jayden Daniels. You know, this idea, like I said the other day, like if you're telling me that Drake may is better than Jayden Daniels, which is what everybody is saying. It's not even close. I'm really having a discussion about this based on the national conversation. I don't know how Jayden walks and choose gum because Drake may is five straight games now where he is. If not, look good. I think Jayden's going to be not just fine. I think Jayden is going to be really good. I think just again, the best weapon where he's had, it's just a matter of how you know, can you stay on the field and does that line do enough to give him time.

23:50But if it does, I think he's going to have a pretty special year. Nine and eight from Ben. I'll talk to you Monday. Enjoy the game. Yeah, man. See you. Ben standing, everybody. I want to tell you about BMW of Silver Spring. I've been a BMW guy from more than three decades. I know the brand. I know what I like and I know what I'm looking for. So when it was time for my new X5, I went to see my guy, General Manager Steve Sireki at BMW of Silver Spring. I took care of me. I drove away in a beautiful new X5 and even nicer version, nicer model than the one I was driving in the best part. Even with the upgrade, I was able to keep my payment right where it was. That was my experience. First class start to finish. I couldn't be happier with how it all worked out. If you're looking for your next BMW, BMW of Silver Spring has so much to choose from.

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25:56Give us your final record prediction with at least one footnote. You can give out two. Just don't turn it into one piece. One or two footnotes to whatever record prediction you're throwing out there. 301230980 will have hours for you guys next. People say I got you all the time. Dad say to their kids the first time they ride a bike. Friends say to other friends when they buy them lunch, it's a good thing when someone's got you. It's especially good when someone's got you with important things like your health and that's where we share it. We got you with a massive nationwide network of over a million doctors, which means you can likely keep your current doctor you know and trust. We got you with affordable prices that can save individuals of the $5,000 annually compared to traditional insurance and save families even more. And we've got you with over 68,000 CVS care mark pharmacies across the country. If you're tired of overpriced health insurance bills come visit us at wesharehelp.org

27:01or call 1-888-WeShare. Other smart Americans are making the switch every day in a world filled with companies that cost you. It's nice to have one that's got you. WeShareHealth. We got you. Gear from MLBshop.com helps you show everyone what team you're with before you even say a word. So people start asking you things locals and fans know like you with the crew you from the D where you go to high school your dad put you in brown and gold you see skins gone you get your dodged dog Sanford a thrill five you see picked on for 60 do you see him put bloody in the jacket how about 47 do you see judges 62 show his 50 50 the gear says it all cut from the city go to MLB shop.com MLB trademarks used with permission today's episode is sponsored by nerd wallet smart money podcast personal finance can feel like a pop quiz you didn't study for this podcast is your study guide on nerd wallet smart money podcast you'll hear from trusted journalists who explain the why behind major financial decisions you'll get research back insights and clear pros and

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