Eric Smithling, Athlon Sports Journalist Profile

Articles

One major move for every NFC team to make

1 week ago | yardbarker.com | Adam Gretz |Eric Smithling |Bruce Ewing |Jack Dougherty

Free agency, the NFL Draft and rookie mini-camps are in the rearview. Training camps won't begin until deep into the summer. But team building continues. With that in mind, Yardbarker NFL writers identify one major move each team in the NFC should make. NFC EastDALLAS COWBOYS | Trade for Miami CB Jalen Ramsey | Dallas has a Pro Bowl cornerback in Trevon Diggs, but he’s expected to miss much of training camp while recovering from knee surgery, his second in as many seasons.
2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers projected win total, prediction

1 week ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

The Bucs added Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka with their first-round pick (No. 19) of the 2025 NFL Draft, while second-year pro Jalen McMillan is trending upward after a phenomenal end to his rookie campaign. Over McMillan's final five regular season games, he had 24 receptions, 316 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, which over a 17-game season would translate to 82 receptions, 1,074 yards and 24 touchdowns. Bucky Irving might be the most underrated back in the league.
2025 New Orleans Saints projected win total, prediction

1 week ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

The New Orleans Saints have undergone massive changes this offseason, most notably at head coach and quarterback. But the excitement of fresh beginnings is dulled by the reality of the team's situation. The Saints aren't expected to be very good this fall. Only one team (Browns) has a lower projected win total with organized team activities (OTAs) underway. Below, we examine New Orleans' outlook for the 2025 season and why it could be a long one in the Big Easy.
Zach Hyman injury puts even more pressure on Oilers star Connor McDavid

1 week ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

The Edmonton Oilers will likely be without a key player as they look to bring home the franchise's first Stanley Cup in 35 years. On Wednesday, head coach Kris Knoblauch announced forward Zach Hyman will undergo potentially season-ending surgery after suffering an upper-body injury in Game 4.
Significant preseason change could be exactly what Bengals need

1 week ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

So much for a meaningless preseason. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is ready to put a stop to his team's recent early-season woes, even if that includes suiting up for exhibition games in August. Per the Associated Press, Chase, who signed an four-year, $161 million contract this offseason, making him the league's highest-paid non-quarterback on an annual average value (AAV) basis, was receptive to the idea of playing in the preseason.
2025 Carolina Panthers projected win total, prediction

1 week ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

Is the Carolina Panthers' long nightmare nearing its end? After improving by three wins last year, the Panthers are looking to take another step forward this fall. With organized team activities underway, let's take an early glimpse at Carolina's outlook when the season kicks off in September.
College Football 26 cover stars put NFL Draft rules in spotlight

1 week ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

EA Sports College Football 26 cover athletes Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams are already among college football's best and most popular stars. And because of NFL rules, the pro-ready talents will be the sport's gain for the next two years.
Stanley Cup playoffs takeaways: Hurricanes stave off elimination, Panthers miss star forward

1 week ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

Here are our takeaways from Game 4, which guaranteed the series shifts back to Carolina for Game 5 on Wednesday. Hurricanes aren't ready to be demoted to tropical stormThe Hurricanes live. But for Carolina to have done more than avoid the inevitable with Monday's win, it must accomplish a feat only achieved four previous times in league history. The Canes are seeking to become the fifth team to come back from a 3-0 series deficit and first since the 2014 Los Angeles Kings.
Watch: Hurricanes take first ECF lead over Panthers with second-period goal

1 week ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

The Panthers had dominated the series entering Monday's potential closeout. Florida jumped out to a 2-0 lead during an eventual 5-2 Game 1 victory, and followed that with three first-period goals in Game 2's 5-0 romp. In Saturday's Game 3, the Panthers broke a 1-1 tie through two periods wide open with a five-goal third period in a 6-2 win. As Florida proved in its last game, it can catch fire at any time, so Carolina can't feel comfortable with a 1-0 lead.
Charlie Morton gives Orioles hope they can salvage lost 2025 season

1 week ago | yardbarker.com | Eric Smithling

The Baltimore Orioles are down, but they might not be out. On Monday, Orioles pitcher Charlie Morton earned a needed quality start following a horrific start to the season, leading Baltimore to a third consecutive win after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals, 5-2. Morton earned his first win of the season, allowing two earned runs and seven base runners — four hits, two walks, one hit by pitch — in 24 batters faced (six innings) with five strikeouts.