Yardbarker

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

Senior Bowl flush with talent at running back

Need a running back? Look no further than Saturday's Reese's Senior Bowl. The running back group at the Senior Bowl includes five players who had more than 1,000 scrimmage yards in 2022.

Sean Payton is right choice for Broncos if they want Russell Wilson to cook again

Denver is operating under the assumption that Wilson is still a Super Bowl-caliber QB and not the subpar version of himself we saw in 2022.

49ers are back to square one at QB

Brock Purdy's injury to his throwing arm may require Tommy John surgery, adding another wrinkle to San Francisco's quandary at QB.

QB Stetson Bennett's stock could take hit following arrest

Bennett did almost everything right in leading Georgia to back-to-back national championships. He's starting off on the wrong foot as he attempts to make it to the NFL.

Bengals bungle championship game and their reputation

Excessive trash talk, which ultimately wasn't backed up, cost the Bengals more than just the AFC Championship Game. 

Sean Payton provides status update on potential coaching return

The Sean Payton sweepstakes could reach its conclusion this week, if we're lucky. "I think in the next week we're going to know a lot more," Payton said.

Novak Djokovic on track for men's tennis Grand Slam record after straight-set Aussie Open win

Novak Djokovic is on track to set the record for most men's Grand Slam titles this year after cruising in straight sets in the Australian Open final.

Greg Olsen doesn't mince words about Tom Brady

Brady briefly retired during the last offseason and signed a 10-year, $375 million contract to join Fox Sports. He reconsidered and announced his decision to return to Tampa Bay in 2022.

Potential Panthers free-agent targets include an NFC East QB

The Carolina Panthers have their new head coach, and now turn their attention to rebuilding the roster. One NFC East quarterback is among their top free agent targets.

QB among potential free-agent additions for Bucs

The story of the Bucs' offseason will be dominated by the future of Tom Brady, putting the quarterback position in the spotlight as the team looks to improve on a mediocre season.

Commanders standout among potential free-agent additions for Falcons

One of theneedsfor the Atlanta Falcons is help on the interior defensive line. The Washington Commanders have a player the team should look into signing in free agency.

Former NFL coach Bill Parcells shares thoughts on Cowboys

According to legendary NFL head coach Bill Parcells, the Dallas Cowboys biggest problem isn't at the quarterback position.

NBA legend Pat Riley weighs in on G.O.A.T debate

Wishy-washy Riley has weighed in again on the G.O.A.T debate, which typically includes players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

Alabama will have no shortage of options for new offensive coordinator

Alabama is in the market for an offensive coordinator following Bill O'Brien's decision to return to New England. The Crimson Tide should have no problem finding interested candidates for arguably the best assistant job in the country.

Why Sean Payton wouldn't be answer for heartbroken Cowboys fans

Cowboys fans are clamoring for Payton after the latest questionable coaching decision by Mike McCarthy. 

What Cowboys must do in draft after Dak Prescott flop vs. 49ers

The goodwill Dak Prescott accumulated in the wild-card round turned to dust during Sunday's divisional-round loss to the 49ers.

Kicking woes continue for Cowboys in first half of game vs. 49ers

Stop us if you've heard this one before: Dallas kicker Brett Maher missed an extra point.

What the heck is going on at Michigan?

Since Michigan's loss to TCU on New Year's Eve, it's safe to wonder what the heck is going on in Ann Arbor. 

Kings are most surprising team of the first half of the NBA season

Not since the days of Chris Webber, Mike Bibby and Hedo Turkoglu have the Sacramento Kings given their fans this much reason to be excited.

2023 NFL quarterback analysis: Carolina Panthers

Carolina tried – and failed – to trade for a franchise QB (Matthew Stafford, Russell Wilson) the past two seasons. Instead, it relied on a motley crew of Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield and P.J. Walker. Unsurprisingly, the results were mediocre.

2023 NFL quarterback analysis: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons drafted Desmond Ridder in the third round of the 2022 draft and brought in former No. 2 overall pick Marcus Mariota to mentor him. With Ridder starting the final four games of the season and Mariota suffering an injury, it appears it's Ridder's job to lose in 2023.

2023 NFL quarterback analysis: New Orleans Saints

After enjoying a long stretch of QB stability, the Saints have seen uncertainty and flux at the position over the last two seasons.

2023 NFL quarterback analysis: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It sounds like Tom Brady, who could retire, is done with the Bucs. Where does Tampa go from here?

Byron Leftwich should be a hot name for NFL teams in search of an offensive coordinator

The Bucs struggled offensively this season and fired Leftwich from his offensive coordinator position. Here's why teams in need of an OC shouldn't let this season deter them from hiring Leftwich.