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

Three reasons to be optimistic about the New Orleans Saints

Here are three reasons to be excited about the New Orleans Saints.

Three reasons to be optimistic about the Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta traded 14-year starting QB Matt Ryan last offseason, jump-starting the team's rebuild. While it's never easy moving on from a successful partnership, it's hard to argue the Falcons didn't make the right call after Ryan failed to launch at his new home in Indianapolis, and now Atlanta has reason for optimism.

Three reasons to be optimistic about the Carolina Panthers

Carolina fans could be forgiven for not expecting much from the team in 2023, but there are reasons to believe the worst part of the post-Super Bowl storm is over.

College football exploring a wild way to shorten games

College football could look a whole lot different if one rule change floated by college football commissioners gains traction.

Houston ranked No. 1 once again in AP poll

The Cougars are the only team in men's college basketball to rank in the top five of every AP poll this season.

Potential opponents for Kansas City to open the 2023 NFL season

The NFL schedule won't be released until May, but NBC Sports' Peter King took an early look at potential candidates for the opener on Sept. 7. 

One conference rules above all others in projected NCAA men's tournament bracket

The NCAA men's tournament selection committee unveiled an early look at the projected top four seeds in each region, and out of the 16 spots available, one conference's schools earned five. 

Eric Bieniemy is overqualified for his new job in Washington

Bieniemy's move to the Commanders could work out for the best. But it shouldn't have reached this point. He has already done enough to be a head coach.

Fox NFL rules analyst believes league will ban successful Eagles play next year

The NFL may clip the Eagles wings this offseason. Per The 33rd Team's Paul Domowitch, Fox NFL rules analyst Dean Blandino believes the NFL will change its rules to make Philadelphia's QB sneak-push illegal in 2023 and beyond.

Big-name WRs who could play elsewhere in 2023

Wide receiver trades dominated the NFL last offseason, with Kansas City's deal of Tyreek Hill to Miami serving as the headliner. Several big-name wide receivers could be on the move this offseason, too.

Watch: Suns fans show Kevin Durant love at introductory news conference

If fans are going bonkers at a news conference, we can only imagine what will happen when the Suns win on the court with KD.

Robert Griffin III chronicles tale of his missing dog on social media

A potentially tragic story had a happy ending when former NFL QB Robert Griffin III and his family were reunited with their lost puppy, Benny. Griffin, an analyst for ESPN, chronicled the episode in real time on his Twitter account Wednesday evening, first asking the public for help in locating Benny and then sharing the news his family found him.

Rookies make major impact for Chiefs during Super Bowl run

The Chiefs' 2022 draft class made impacts all over the field for the team during its run to a Super Bowl LVII championship. 

Mikal Bridges' career night has Brooklyn's future looking bright

He had a career-high 45 points on 17-of-24 shooting and added eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks.

Five spring pro football league rules the NFL must consider

After the Super Bowl, football fans can barely catch their breath before the XFL kicks off Saturday.

Saints begin push to get under salary cap by restructuring defender's contract

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has started his yearly quest to finagle the team's salary cap situation so it can make necessary upgrades.

Duke HC Jon Scheyer accomplishes an ACC-first with Mike Krzyzewski

Duke is off to an unsteady start under Scheyer, but that didn't stop Duke's head coach from setting a new benchmark for first-year head coaches to reach. 

Saints star defensive lineman Cam Jordan begins making push for Derek Carr

Saints defensive end Cam Jordan took to social media on Valentine's Day to profess his desire to team up with free agent QB Derek Carr next season in New Orleans.

Ex-starting QB headlines potential Falcons cuts

If the Falcons play their cards right, they can get a head-start on the rest of the NFC South in building the division's next consistent winner.

Former first-round RB headlines potential cuts by Buccaneers

Restructuring or extending contracts would lay the groundwork for the Bucs to make a run at a free-agent QB following Tom Brady's retirement. Here are potential cut candidates.

With head coach in place, the Colts need a QB

Indianapolis announced Shane Steichen will be the team's new head coach. The news allows the Colts to focus on what's most important: finding a franchise QB. 

Star WR could be among Panthers gone in 2023

The Panthers are under new management but don't expect wholesale changes from new head coach Frank Reich.

Could NFL ban hugely successful Eagles play in 2023?

The Eagles and their fans lament a gut-wrenching Super Bowl loss. Could the NFL pile on?

Why Oklahoma State was the biggest loser of Super Bowl LVII

With the turf being the worst aspect of an otherwise high-quality game, Oklahoma State might be wishing it missed out on the Super Bowl entirely.

Why cheeseburger aficionado Andy Reid turned to 'Corn Dog' in the Super Bowl

 Andy Reid may like to celebrate big wins with a cheeseburger, but he has "Corn Dog" to thank for Kansas City's comeback victory in Super Bowl LVII.