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

Alabama will have no shortage of options for new offensive coordinator

Alabama is in the market for an offensive coordinator following Bill O'Brien's decision to return to New England. The Crimson Tide should have no problem finding interested candidates for arguably the best assistant job in the country.

Why Sean Payton wouldn't be answer for heartbroken Cowboys fans

Cowboys fans are clamoring for Payton after the latest questionable coaching decision by Mike McCarthy. 

What Cowboys must do in draft after Dak Prescott flop vs. 49ers

The goodwill Dak Prescott accumulated in the wild-card round turned to dust during Sunday's divisional-round loss to the 49ers.

Kicking woes continue for Cowboys in first half of game vs. 49ers

Stop us if you've heard this one before: Dallas kicker Brett Maher missed an extra point.

What the heck is going on at Michigan?

Since Michigan's loss to TCU on New Year's Eve, it's safe to wonder what the heck is going on in Ann Arbor. 

Kings are most surprising team of the first half of the NBA season

Not since the days of Chris Webber, Mike Bibby and Hedo Turkoglu have the Sacramento Kings given their fans this much reason to be excited.

2023 NFL quarterback analysis: Carolina Panthers

Carolina tried – and failed – to trade for a franchise QB (Matthew Stafford, Russell Wilson) the past two seasons. Instead, it relied on a motley crew of Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield and P.J. Walker. Unsurprisingly, the results were mediocre.

2023 NFL quarterback analysis: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons drafted Desmond Ridder in the third round of the 2022 draft and brought in former No. 2 overall pick Marcus Mariota to mentor him. With Ridder starting the final four games of the season and Mariota suffering an injury, it appears it's Ridder's job to lose in 2023.

2023 NFL quarterback analysis: New Orleans Saints

After enjoying a long stretch of QB stability, the Saints have seen uncertainty and flux at the position over the last two seasons.

2023 NFL quarterback analysis: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It sounds like Tom Brady, who could retire, is done with the Bucs. Where does Tampa go from here?

Byron Leftwich should be a hot name for NFL teams in search of an offensive coordinator

The Bucs struggled offensively this season and fired Leftwich from his offensive coordinator position. Here's why teams in need of an OC shouldn't let this season deter them from hiring Leftwich.

Why the real showdown in Cowboys-49ers isn't between QBs

All-Pro defenders Nick Bosa and Micah Parsons -- not QBs Dak Prescott and Brock Purdy -- could be the most impactful players during Sunday's divisional-round showdown between the Cowboys and 49ers.

Keyontae Johnson's comeback gets even better with epic game-winner in upset of Kansas

Kansas State defeated Kansas 83-82 after Johnson scored with 24 seconds remaining in overtime. The stunning finish is the latest in Johnson's remarkable journey.

New Browns defensive coordinator could be just what team needs

Despite an up-and-down career, Jim Schwartz is a solid choice to fix the team's most pressing issue on defense. 

This team still in command of Super Bowl odds after wild-card weekend

There wasn't any shuffling of the deck at the end of wild-card weekend. Per Oddschecker, the same team remains a slight favorite to win Super Bowl LVII.

Divisional Round set after Cowboys drub Bucs in wild-card finale

The biggest threat to Dallas winning Monday night came from its own sideline.

Texans announce they interviewed Sean Payton for head coaching position

Houston announced it conducted an interview with former Saints head coach Sean Payton. A trade for the Super Bowl-winning coach has the potential to be equally beneficial to Payton, the Saints and Texans.

Dallas kicker scores opposite of hat trick with disastrous first half

Kicker Brett Maher missed not one, not two, but three extra points in the first half of Monday's wild-card game against Tampa Bay. His 0-for-3 first half on extra points placed Maher in the record books.

Jim Harbaugh's Michigan decision is best for everyone

Harbaugh received renewed interest from NFL front offices after two successful seasons in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines made it to the past two College Football Playoffs, first losing to Georgia 34-11 in 2021 and then to TCU on New Year's Eve this past season.

Justin Jefferson contract could become huge question mark for Vikings

Jefferson chose his words carefully when talking about his future with the franchise. While admitting he wants to continue playing in Minnesota, he made no concessions about his contract desires.

Decision to not name one DC in 2022 could come back to haunt Saints

The Saints didn't want to choose between Ryan Nielsen and Kris Richard for their defensive coordinator role this past season. After Monday's report, the team might not have either on staff for the 2023 season.

Why the Giants have a shot to pull off divisional-round upset

They're underdogs and lost the Eagles twice already this season, but the Giants have the makings of a team that can pull of a upset.

Rafael Nadal begins quest for repeat Australian Open title

Rafael Nadal defeated Jack Draper in four sets to begin his attempt at repeating as Australian Open champion and extending his men's tennis record of 22 Grand Slam titles.

Watch: Bengals return fumble 98 yards for huge touchdown in wild-card game

Baltimore drove to the 1-yard line and QB Tyler Huntley attempted to score a touchdown on a QB leap. He never broke the goal line and lost the ball after linebacker Logan Wilson forced the fumble. Hubbard was in the right spot at the right time and fielded the ball in the air at the 2-yard line and took it the other way for the decisive score.

UFC 283: Where to watch Texeira vs. Hill and Figueiredo vs. Moreno 4

UFC 283 takes place Saturday, Jan. 21 in Rio de Janeiro at Jeunesse Arena. There are fifteen fights on the loaded docket with the light heavyweight and flyweight title's on the line.