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

Browns on thin ice after Deshaun Watson's shaky season

After sitting out the 2021 season and serving an 11-game suspension to start the 2022 campaign, Deshaun Watson showed considerable rust. If he doesn't return to form in a hurry next season, the Browns are in serious trouble.

The 2018 draft decision that haunts the Saints to this day

Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport exchanged blows with running back D'Onta Foreman in the third quarter of a 10-7 Panthers win Sunday, and both players were ejected. That play will likely sear itself in Saints fans memories as the lasting image of one of the franchise's worst draft decisions since the infamous Ricky Williams trade of 1999.

Former NFL coach rips Texans for Lovie Smith firing

Former NFL coach Tony Dungy blasted the Texans after news broke that the organization fired first-year head coach Lovie Smith hours after the team's regular-season finale.

Packers LB Quay Walker ejected after shoving member of Lions medical staff

Walker shoved a member of the Lions medical staff in the fourth quarter of Sunday night's pivotal game and was ejected.

Texans lose despite comeback win over Colts in Week 18

In the immortal words of Herm Edwards, "You play to win the game." Too bad the Texans didn't realize "the game" was the race for the first overall pick in the 2023 draft.

What compensation for a Sean Payton trade should look like

According to media reports, the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos discussed the parameters of a potential deal involving head coach Sean Payton on Saturday.  Examining the last major trade involving a head coach, the Saints should expect a king's ransom if they are to agree to trade Payton.

Five feel-good moments from incredible Damar Hamlin saga

The saga of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin continues to captivate millions.

Buffalo Bills are 'America's Team' this postseason

For 18 of the league's fan bases, Week 18 marks the last time they'll be able to root for their preferred teams this season. After the week Damar Hamlin, his family and the Bills endured, everyone without a horse in the race in the playoffs should throw their support behind Buffalo.

Browns defensive lineman sent home day after suggesting he won't return next year

The Cleveland Browns sent Jadeveon Clowney home on Friday, seemingly putting an end to his tenure with the franchise. 

Individual performances propelling unreal stretch in the NBA

There were an astounding 27 instances of players scoring 40 or more points from Dec. 23, 2022 to Jan. 2, 2023, the most in a 10-day stretch of games in NBA history. On three separate days — Dec. 23, Dec. 30 and Jan. 2 — five players scored at least 40 points.

Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh's statement didn't blunt NFL buzz

Jim Harbaugh said he expects to return to Michigan next season, but he left the door cracked open for a return to the NFL.  “While no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023,” said Harbaugh in a statement released by the school.

Notre Dame in running for huge transfer portal QB commitment

Notre Dame needs a solution to its QB problem, and Hartman is as good of a prospect as the Fighting Irish will get. 

New mock draft highlights madness of prospect evaluation 

It's that time of year again. We'll be inundated with mock drafts over the coming months, and the most recent mock provided the first real deviation from convention of the season and highlighted the inexact science that is prospect evaluation. 

Rafael Devers' contract with Red Sox is most recent in offseason of spending

It's been an offseason of big spending in the MLB and on Wednesday, the Red Sox joined the spending spree.

Damar Hamlin incident continues to bring out best in humanity

Hamlin is already an inspiration to his hometown. Under impossible circumstances, he's bringing out the best in all of us, too.

Examining the absurdity of Jimbo Fisher's offensive coordinator decision

As many hits as Fisher’s reputation has taken over the past couple of years, it doesn’t hold a candle to the stench that's followed Petrino at several of his stops.

Vikings catch another huge break in regular-season finale

There's ample evidence to suggest the Minnesota Vikings are luckier than they are good.

UCLA gets huge transfer portal signing

Carson Steele, one of the most accomplished running backs in the transfer portal, announced his decision Wednesday to transfer to UCLA. Steele played the past two seasons in the Mid-American Conference at Ball State.

Parity hits college basketball as last of the unbeatens go down

For only the second time since 1976-77, every college basketball team has a loss this early in the season, just as conference play kicks into gear. 

Six players from hyped 2022 recruiting class among those fleeing Texas A&M

The exodus from Jimbo Fisher's disappointing Texas A&M football team is astonishing.

Ryan Clark, Scott Van Pelt praised for Damar Hamlin coverage

Clark and Van Pelt hit all the right notes in their coverage of a horrifying event. Operating without a playbook, they set the standard for how an event like this should be covered. We can only hope no one ever has to follow their path. 

What you should know about Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin

Details highlighting the kind of person Damar Hamlin is have emerged following his terrifying health scare during "Monday Night Football."

USC's Cotton Bowl implosion another sign Lincoln Riley only knows one side of the football

“New year, new me,” doesn’t apply to USC head coach Lincoln Riley. USC blew a 15-point lead against Tulane with under five minutes left in regulation, losing 46-45 in part due to another horrible defensive performance.

Draft decisions by Alabama's Bryce Young, Will Anderson could put them in rarefied air

Young and Anderson, who both declared for the NFL Draft on Monday, have a realistic shot of becoming the first teammates drafted first and second overall since 2000.

Potential conflict arises with NFL's Week 18 schedule

The NFL released the schedule for Week 18, flexing a win-and-in game for Green Bay against Detroit into primetime as the last game of the season. The news is less than ideal for the Seahawks.