Yardbarker

Clark Dalton

Contributor

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

EXPERTISE:

NFL, AFC West, Dallas Cowboys, Men and Women’s College Basketball, MLB, NBA and Sports Media

Comparing Arch Manning's first five starts to famous family members: Growing pains or bigger concerns?

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning was supposed to be a Heisman candidate this season. He's been far from that. 

Three-time Super Bowl champion shares what's driving Cowboys QB Dak Prescott's resurgence

Through two games, Prescott has completed 59-of-86 passes (68.6 percent) for 549 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

NFL knee-jerk reactions: Super Bowl locks, QB chaos and shocking starts across the league

Two weeks into the 2025 NFL season, the takes are getting hotter than a mid-September turf field. Across the league, early results are fueling bold declarations from Yardbarker NFL writers, which are presented to you here.

Scout identifies key issue behind Arch Manning's underwhelming start

Manning has completed a below-average 55.3 percent of his passes through three starts. 

Breanna Stewart's injury putting Liberty's championship hopes in jeopardy

The New York Liberty's chances of repeating as WNBA champions seem to be dwindling.

Should Bears fans be worried about Ben Johnson's practice habits?

On Wednesday, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson had a message for his team: You play like you practice.

Ashton Jeanty has honest take about his role, and Raiders must change their ways

Las Vegas Raiders fans are wishing the team would give rookie running back Ashton Jeanty more carries. 

Patrick Mahomes addresses early concern about struggling Chiefs

The Chiefs, who are 0-2 following the loss to Philadelphia, must make changes heading into Sunday's game at the New York Giants (0-2).

The Big Five: Micah Parsons' ceiling and other reasons Packers won't lose early mojo

It's still super early in the season, but the Packers look like a bona fide Super Bowl contender.

Dabo Swinney sends wild message to his critics; should Clemson move on from him?

With the program teetering on the brink of disaster, it may be time for the Clemson Tigers to move on from head coach Dabo Swinney.  The Tigers entered the season as a national championship contender, but their College Football Playoff chances are evaporating rapidly after falling to 1-2 in a 24-21 road loss to Georgia Tech in Week 3.

Mike Tomlin sends clear message to Steelers rookie after game-altering mistake

Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson may be in the doghouse after his critical mistake in a 31-17 Week 2 home loss to the Seahawks.

Rams HC Sean McVay suffered notable injury in Week 2

Put Sean McVay on the injury report.

NFL Draft intel: SEC WR's stock skyrockets after breakout performance

Each week, Yardbarker is monitoring the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

Texas QB Arch Manning shares what he must fix after slow start

Manning believes he will soon quiet Texas Longhorns fans' boos after a disappointing performance in Saturday's home game against the UTEP Miners.

Should J.J. McCarthy news raise concerns about Vikings QB's future?

After missing his rookie season because of a knee injury, he has suffered another setback. 

Can Jake Browning save Bengals' season after Joe Burrow's injury? 

The last time Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning replaced an injured Joe Burrow, he proved to be a dependable backup. Now, they need him to be way more than that.

NFL Week 2 top rookies: Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba grabs pick — and catches grief

Adjusting to the NFL can be difficult for rookies. But each season, a few stand out almost immediately. Here are five notable rookies from Week 2. 

Five injuries to monitor after Week 2: Bengals reportedly receive concerning Joe Burrow update

Each week of the NFL season, Yardbarker will be monitoring players who have suffered notable injuries. 

Brandon Aubrey's heroics vs. Giants shouldn't overshadow Cowboys' defensive issues

The Dallas Cowboys defense owes kicker Brandon Aubrey a nice dinner or two. If not for his clutch kicking, the unit would've helped lose Sunday's home game against the New York Giants.

Steelers rookie RB didn't seem to understand kickoff rules on costly gaffe vs. Seahawks

The Pittsburgh Steelers must not have gone over the NFL kickoff rules during their rookie transition program this offseason.  

2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward showcases potential with absurd TD pass

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward's first career touchdown pass was the classic no, no, yes, yes play.  

Giants O-lineman throws tantrum after penalty-filled drive vs. Cowboys

The Giants rolled the dice on him this offseason, signing him to a two-year, $12M contract in free agency.

Perennial Super Bowl contender almost took Shedeur Sanders in 2025 NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns took Sanders with pick No. 144 of the 2025 NFL Draft, but he almost landed with another AFC North team.

'Forget about it': Draft guru's latest Arch Manning assessment should concern NFL teams

Entering the season, Arch Manning was hailed as a No. 1 pick candidate in the 2026 NFL Draft. Oh, how things have changed.

DK Metcalf nailing his 'homework assignments' could already be paying off for Steelers

Metcalf had four receptions for 83 yards in the Week 1 win over the New York Jets.