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

ESPN NFL analyst blasts 'stupid' Bucs-Jets training-camp fights

Fights during NFL training camps aren't good for anyone. 

Report: Jets have discussed trade for two-time All-Pro tackle

The Jets' solution to their offensive line woes might involve another trade with the Green Bay Packers.

Patriots undrafted rookie forcing team to keep him on 53-man roster

Undrafted rookie quarterback Malik Cunningham made the most out of his limited opportunity in Week 1 of the preseason.

'We go as they go': Jets defensive line shines in episode 2 of 'Hard Knocks'

Much like it did against Carolina, New York's defensive line took center stage in episode two of "Hard Knocks."

Browns OL rips Eagles for taking 'cheap shots' on Deshaun Watson during joint practice

Ideally, Bitonio will reserve some choice words for his fellow offensive linemen for allowing Sweat to get through to Watson in the first place.

LSU should win the SEC, but count on this team to come out on top

After meeting in last year's SEC Championship Game, Georgia and LSU are expected to be major players in the conference again this season. Here's a look at why one of those teams should win the SEC in 2023 but why the other one will.

QB duel in Green Bay, Cowboys kicking highlight what to watch in Week 2 of preseason

Here's a rundown of the most intriguing storylines ahead of Week 2 of the preseason.

The 76ers have a Joel Embiid problem

James Harden made it clear on Monday that he wants out of Philadelphia, but he shouldn't be alone in his request. It's time for Joel Embiid to jump ship, too.

Zack Martin's reworked contract gives Cowboys no excuses in 2023

It's Super Bowl or bust for the Dallas Cowboys. On Monday, the team ended its stalemate with guard Zack Martin with the two sides agreeing to a pay raise for the All-Pro guard that will pay him over $36 million over the next two seasons after he was scheduled to make $27.5 million combined in 2023 and 2024.

Peyton Manning headed back to Tennessee in new role

Per ESPN, Manning is expected to teach topics including "sports reporting, video production and performance, leadership and communication and public speaking."

Jets rookie running back's strong performance should take Dalvin Cook off their radar

Jets rookie running back Israel Abanikanda should take the team out of the Dalvin Cook sweepstakes after a strong performance against the Carolina Panthers in New York's 27-0 preseason win.

Watch: Jets defense introduces Bryce Young to the NFL

 Quick, get Bryce Young an ice pack. Anyone wanting to see how the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft would handle an NFL hit didn't have to wait long.

Watch: Damar Hamlin returns, helps make fourth-down stop in Bills' preseason win

Hamlin's story continues to inspire. As he showed on Saturday, he has a lot more to tell, and the pages could become even more incredible because of it.

Falcons defense shines in preseason win vs. Dolphins

The Atlanta Falcons might be ready to take flight. Atlanta's defense stood out in its 19-3 win against Miami in both teams' preseason opener. 

Watch: Bears first-team offense strikes early (and often) in preseason opener

If the offense keeps it up, they'll change the perception of the Bears in a hurry. Almost as quickly as they scored on Saturday.

Jordan Love's preseason performance a reminder not to forget Packers this season

The Packers are one of the biggest wild cards in the NFL this season with their future hinging on Love's development. So far, so good.

Four ACC university presidents setting conference up to fail

The conference should be around for a little while longer, but as long as it sits and does nothing, the harder it is to envision it having a place in the future of college athletics.

C.J. Stroud's struggles in preseason opener say more about Patriots defense

Instead of taking C.J. Stroud’s unimpressive first NFL appearance as a sign that the Texans should panic, the actual takeaway was how good the Patriots defense looked.

TCU lineman turning heads due to his massive size

Already 75 pounds bigger than the largest NFL player, New England's Trent Brown, Brione Ramsey-Brooks is going to be a player to watch this season for the Horned Frogs.

Hypothetical trade has Jets making questionable decision

The New York Jets need offensive line help, but that isn't what they get in Seth Walder's hypothetical trade involving New York and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Why Thursday's Patriots-Texans preseason game is more important than most

Thursday night's preseason opener for the Houston Texans and New England Patriots is more important than the average preseason game.

Cowboys valuation a sign Jerry Jones needs to open his pocketbook

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones might not have an incentive to go all-in.

New York Giants predicted to suffer massive drop-off in 2023

The New York Giants were one of the darlings of the NFL last year. Few seem to expect a repeat in 2023.

Stanford coach Troy Taylor fuels ACC speculation

If Stanford head coach Troy Taylor has his way, the Cardinal will be in the ACC this time next year.