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

Notre Dame, USC headline Week 0 of college football season

With the season days away, here's a look at some of the most important people, places and things to look out for in Week 0.

Bengals are no sure thing to make playoffs without Joe Burrow

The longer Joe Burrow is sidelined by his calf, the more Cincinnati should worry about its playoff hopes. Bengals backup quarterbacks Jake Browning and Trevor Siemian fared slightly better in Week 2 of the preseason against Atlanta than they did in the opener against Green Bay yet both struggled to manufacture points in a 13-13 tie.

Praise of George Pickens puts pressure on Kenny Pickett

In a stacked AFC, it's going to be difficult for the Steelers to reach the playoffs, even with an improved Pickett.

Broncos defense poised for another strong season with addition of rookie LB

With most of the talk in Denver this offseason about how Broncos head coach Sean Payton will get the most out of quarterback Russell Wilson, the defense has largely been left out of the conversation. This rookie LB may change that.

Season-ending injury to Buccaneers WR another blow in quest to repeat in NFC South

The job just got a little more difficult for whichever quarterback wins the starting job for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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.