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

The Saints' bet on the passing game has failed thus far, but all is not lost

Despite devoting considerable resources towards bolstering the passing game under Jameis Winston, the Saints' gamble on that aspect hasn't yielded the desired results so far into the 2022 season.

Saints offense continues to struggle in 22-14 loss to Panthers

According to first-year head coach Dennis Allen, the solution doesn't involve making a switch at the quarterback position.

Ron Rivera gives positive update on Brian Robinson Jr.

 Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera gave a promising update on the status of rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr., who was shot multiple times in an attempted carjacking on August 28.

Battle of the bans: Marshon Lattimore banned from Tampa brewery

While the battle rages off the field, the Saints and Buccaneers will have to wait until Week 13 to settle the score on the field.

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel, a 'football savant,' used Allen Iverson for offensive inspiration

 It's early, but the Dolphins appear to have found their...ahem..."Answer."

Saints QB Jameis Winston, RB Alvin Kamara questionable for Week 3 vs. Panthers

While the Saints' chances of winning greatly diminish without Kamara, Winston's potential absence includes an element of the unknown.

Spotlight on Commanders' Carson Wentz in his first game against Eagles

Five years ago, Commanders QB Carson Wentz was on his way to an MVP-like season for the Philadelphia Eagles. A season-ending injury in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams derailed that trajectory, and he was exiled from Philly in 2021.  Sunday will mark Wentz's first game against the team he piloted  for 13 games in its Super Bowl-winning season.

QB Jacoby Brissett's performance ranks among Cleveland's best

Since their expansion season in 1999, the Cleveland Browns (2-1) have spent the majority of their time searching for a viable starting quarterback. The

Browns' Anthony Walker Jr. out for season following questionable hit

Walker Jr. suffered the injury when Steelers' offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor jumped on top of him while he was lying face down on the turf.

'Joining Dan Marino in history books'? Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa shifting narrative

Arguably no quarterback had as much pressure on him entering the 2022 season than Tagovailoa, and so far he has delivered.

LeBron James, ex-Steeler Ryan Clark impressed by Browns Pro Bowl RB Nick Chubb

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin praised Chubb as the difference-maker in the game, and linebacker Alex Highsmith called Chubb "one of the best backs in the league," as well.

Star DE Cameron Jordan must jump-start Saints' pitiful pass rush

As the leader on the defensive line, Jordan must be the catalyst for the Saints to get the pass rush back on track.

Why Michael Thomas could improve on his strong start to 2022 season

While the offense for the New Orleans Saints has yet to find a rhythm through two games, it has a pulse because of Michael Thomas, who is flashing his old All-Pro form. Is there reason to believe he could improve on his strong start?

Jameis Winston still has faith in Chris Olave: 'Rookie with a veteran mindset'

Winston's passer rating when targeting Olave is 49.2, or 30 points below average.

Sean Payton would return to coaching 'if the right situation presented itself'

While at first talking about how much he enjoys his current job as a FOX NFL analyst, Payton also admitted he would consider a return "if the right situation presented itself."

Saints struggle mightily when Alvin Kamara is out of the lineup

The team has struggled to find the win column when their star RB is unavailable.