Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans. You can find him on Twitter/X and Threads at @ericsmithling and at Bluesky at @ericsmithling.bsky.social.

EXPERTISE:

NFL, College Football, NBA, Men's and Women's College Basketball, NHL

Twitter/X: @ericsmithling

Muck Rack: eric-smithling

January 11, 2023 | NFL

Chiefs, 49ers have most players named to first NFLPA All-Pro Team

The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers are two of the favorites to win this season's Super Bowl, and both organizations have the respect of players from around the league.

January 10, 2023 | Washington Commanders

Commanders make huge move on offense as team's philosophy is questioned

The Commanders fired offensive coordinator Scott Turner on Tuesday. The news broke after Washington GM Martin Mayhew had a questionable exchange with reporters earlier in the day.

January 10, 2023 | Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers' strong finish adds to Mike Tomlin's greatness

Despite failing to qualify for the postseason, Mike Tomlin had arguably his most impressive coaching performance in 2022.

January 10, 2023 | Colorado Buffaloes

Deion Sanders makes revealing admission on potential future as an NFL coach

Deion Sanders opened up about his coaching future with Gentleman's Quarterly, shutting down the notion that one day he may test the waters at the NFL level.

January 9, 2023 | College Football

Georgia among best college football dynasties with resounding CFP title game victory

Georgia didn't find much competition from TCU on Monday night. Instead, the Bulldogs were fighting for their place atop the list of greatest college football dynasties. The College Football Playoff championship game turned into an extended victory lap for Georgia (15-0) as the Bulldogs bludgeoned TCU (13-2), 65-7.

January 9, 2023 | Georgia Bulldogs

TCU ripped for no-show in first half of CFP final

The College Football Playoff final got out of hand in a hurry with Georgia building a 38-7 halftime lead over TCU. The Horned Frogs ugly showing led to harsh criticism online.

January 9, 2023 | Cleveland Browns

Browns on thin ice after Deshaun Watson's shaky season

After sitting out the 2021 season and serving an 11-game suspension to start the 2022 campaign, Deshaun Watson showed considerable rust. If he doesn't return to form in a hurry next season, the Browns are in serious trouble.

January 9, 2023 | New Orleans Saints

The 2018 draft decision that haunts the Saints to this day

Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport exchanged blows with running back D'Onta Foreman in the third quarter of a 10-7 Panthers win Sunday, and both players were ejected. That play will likely sear itself in Saints fans memories as the lasting image of one of the franchise's worst draft decisions since the infamous Ricky Williams trade of 1999.

January 9, 2023 | Houston Texans

Former NFL coach rips Texans for Lovie Smith firing

Former NFL coach Tony Dungy blasted the Texans after news broke that the organization fired first-year head coach Lovie Smith hours after the team's regular-season finale.

January 9, 2023 | Green Bay Packers

Packers LB Quay Walker ejected after shoving member of Lions medical staff

Walker shoved a member of the Lions medical staff in the fourth quarter of Sunday night's pivotal game and was ejected.

January 8, 2023 | NFL

Texans lose despite comeback win over Colts in Week 18

In the immortal words of Herm Edwards, "You play to win the game." Too bad the Texans didn't realize "the game" was the race for the first overall pick in the 2023 draft.

January 8, 2023 | NFL

What compensation for a Sean Payton trade should look like

According to media reports, the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos discussed the parameters of a potential deal involving head coach Sean Payton on Saturday. Examining the last major trade involving a head coach, the Saints should expect a king's ransom if they are to agree to trade Payton.

January 6, 2023 | Buffalo Bills

Five feel-good moments from incredible Damar Hamlin saga

The saga of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to captivate millions.

January 6, 2023 | Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills are 'America's Team' this postseason

For 18 of the league's fan bases, Week 18 marks the last time they'll be able to root for their preferred teams this season. After the week Damar Hamlin, his family and the Bills endured, everyone without a horse in the race in the playoffs should throw their support behind Buffalo.

January 6, 2023 | Cleveland Browns

Browns defensive lineman sent home day after suggesting he won't return next year

The Cleveland Browns sent Jadeveon Clowney home on Friday, seemingly putting an end to his tenure with the franchise.

January 5, 2023 | NBA

Individual performances propelling unreal stretch in the NBA

There were an astounding 27 instances of players scoring 40 or more points from Dec. 23, 2022 to Jan. 2, 2023, the most in a 10-day stretch of games in NBA history. On three separate days — Dec. 23, Dec. 30 and Jan. 2 — five players scored at least 40 points.

January 5, 2023 | Michigan Wolverines

Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh's statement didn't blunt NFL buzz

Jim Harbaugh said he expects to return to Michigan next season, but he left the door cracked open for a return to the NFL. “While no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023,” said Harbaugh in a statement released by the school.