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

Two other teams that should join the Minnesota Vikings in starting over

The Vikings are one of several teams facing major questions this offseason. Should Minnesota, a one-and-done playoff team in 2022, maintain the status quo or blow things up? 

Mark Emmert's tenure as NCAA president ends in near-universal disdain

Mark Emmert's run as NCAA president ended Tuesday and his departure is being almost universally celebrated across the college sports world.

Ja Morant goes off for 28 points in third quarter of Grizzlies win

Ja Morant took a while to get going on Tuesday. When he did, he couldn't stop. Morant scored 28 points in the third quarter of Memphis' 121-109 win over the Lakers, the most points by any player in one quarter in the NBA this season.

Are Commanders sold on Sam Howell at QB?

Washington cut Carson Wentz on Monday, paving the way for 2023 second-year pro Sam Howell to take over at QB. Or so we thought.

Could a team take a chance on Bijan Robinson in top 10?

Running back Bijan Robinson is a top-10 player on several NFL Draft big boards. However, few people expect he'll go that high in the draft. 

Titans GM gives curious response when explaining team-building philosophy

Tennessee's new general manager, Ran Carthon, explained the organization's team-building philosophy with him in charge in a way that makes us wonder what year it is.

Up to the Trask: Bucs GM confident about potential new starting QB

There are several QB-needy teams in the NFL this offseason, but Bucs general manager Jason Licht doesn't necessarily believe his team is one of them despite losing Tom Brady.

Bills GM provides update on Damar Hamlin

Bills general manager Brandon Beane gave a positive update on Damar Hamlin's health on Tuesday.

Dan Snyder, NFL facing more scrutiny after latest ESPN report

Every day seems to bring a fresh controversy involving Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder, and Tuesday brought more troubling news about Snyder's dysfunctional organization that also called into question decisions made by Roger Goodell and the NFL. 

The sky is falling on the New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans' freefall continued on Monday in an ugly loss to the Orlando Magic and the team's once promising season is on the verge of ending as a huge disappointment.

Lakers need Anthony Davis to step up to weather LeBron James' injury

With LeBron James sidelined, the Lakers need Anthony Davis to recreate his early season magic when he looked like a potential league MVP. Per Shams Charania, James is expected to miss multiple weeks with a foot injury in what is a major blow to the Lakers' playoff hopes.

Commanders decision puts Carson Wentz on new career path

When the Commanders cut Carson Wentz on Monday, it likely sealed his future in the NFL. Wentz's days of being a starting QB in the NFL are over.

Why it's past time for the NFL to punt the scouting combine

For many people, nothing on the NFL calendar is as meaningless as the Pro Bowl. Beginning Tuesday, the NFL Scouting Combine will have that exhibition hold its beer.

Mamba mentality? Darrelle Revis shares interesting view of his place among great NFL cornerbacks

The cornerback wing of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is expanding this summer with the addition of Darrelle Revis. The former resident of "Revis Island" — a population of one — recently spoke with TMZ Sports about how he views himself in relation to another of the sport's all-time greats, cornerback Deion "Prime Time" Sanders.

Insider reveals Chicago's plans for first overall pick

The Chicago Bears might soon be off the clock.

Caitlin Clark hits buzzer-beater three as No. 6 Iowa defeats No. 2 Indiana

The legend of Caitlin Clark grew on Sunday after the phenomenal Iowa guard hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give the Hawkeyes a huge win against conference rival Indiana, 86-85.

Small sample size reveals huge impact of MLB's new pitch clock

Major League Baseball's new pitch clock is taking some getting used to for players and fans alike, but early data indicates one thing above all else about the biggest revolution in the sport's history: the new rule is working.

Alabama basketball criticized for news conference request

Alabama is receiving criticism after its sports information director told reporters to stick to basketball-related questions after Brandon Miller's name was mentioned on Tuesday in a murder investigation.

New developments emerge in Dan Snyder's potential sale of Commanders

A new report suggests the NFL may not rid itself of its Dan Snyder problem after all after the Washington owner reportedly nixed the idea of selling to Amazon's Jeff Bezos.

Cavaliers emerge as championship co-favorites in new playoff odds

The Cavs have a 19 percent chance of winning the championship, which ties them with the Boston Celtics.

Lamar Jackson's future shouldn't be this complicated

The Ravens may have turned a molehill into a mountain. 

A surprising QB's odds of being drafted No. 1 overall are skyrocketing

Could Anthony Richardson be the first overall pick in this April's draft? While it seems unlikely, an interesting change in the odds for the No. 1 pick may cause you to pause before dismissing the possibility.

Former Saints QB critical of GM Mickey Loomis

New Orleans has struggled the past two seasons to find a replacement for former QB Drew Brees. According to another former Saints QB, Jim Everett, it's a problem general manager Mickey Loomis created.

New Netflix documentary to focus on Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, Marcus Mariota

No one ever put Mahomes, Cousins and Mariota in the same sentence until Wednesday.

Three reasons to be optimistic about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Brady era may have ended with a lackluster defeat to the Cowboys in the wild-card round, but that doesn't mean it's time for a fire sale in Tampa Bay.