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

Watch: Jalen Hurts turns into Superman on Eagles TD drive

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts turned into Superman on Philadelphia's second-quarter scoring drive against the Falcons on "Monday Night Football."

Watch: Eagles first-round pick makes immediate impact on 'MNF'

The Eagles have a gem at cornerback. Philadelphia's 2024 first-round pick, Quinyon Mitchell, had an early pass breakup on Monday night against Atlanta.

'MNF' takeaways: Falcons, Kirk Cousins silence doubters with shocking comeback

How the heck did that happen? The Falcons escaped "Monday Night Football" with a wild 22-21 win over the Eagles. Here are five takeaways from a Monday night stunner.

49ers QB Brock Purdy's job just got harder with brutal injury update

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's job just got harder.

NFL Week 2's worst QB performances: Bryce Young enters JaMarcus Russell territory

Everyone has a bad day at the office, including NFL quarterbacks. But for some, Sunday was a nightmare.

Watch: Ghastly Will Levis mistake keeps points off the board for Titans

Levis' poor decision-making cost Tennessee in Week 1, and it kept three points off the board in a one-possession game against the Jets.

Watch: Saints sharp early in showdown with Cowboys

The Saints dominated the Panthers, 47-10, in Week 1, and the offense isn't slowing down against a much tougher Cowboys defense.

CFB Week 3 winners and losers: LSU is all thrills, Florida State is all frills

College football was like a pinball machine gone crazy in Week 3. Who won the week (it wasn't Florida State) and who lost the week (it was Florida State)?

49ers equipped to handle Christian McCaffrey's absence

McCaffrey might be down, but San Francisco is far from out.

Watch: Alabama freshman sensation Ryan Williams scores fourth TD of season

The moment hasn't been too big for Williams, who has played more like a fifth-year senior than someone still too young to vote in an election.

Bengals DB gives Chiefs rookie WR Xavier Worthy bulletin-board material with bold claim

It's never a good idea to give an opponent extra motivation to perform well, but that's exactly what Cam Taylor-Britt did.

Return of the Pac: Pac-12 building back up with MWC additions

The Pac-12 isn't going down without a fight.

Injury bug already threatening to derail Rams season

On Wednesday, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) and linemen Steve Avila (sprained MCL) and Joe Noteboom (high ankle sprain) were placed on injured reserve.

Tua Tagovailoa discusses former Bills players' impact on Dolphins for 'Thursday Night Football'

Early bragging rights are on the line in the AFC East when the Dolphins host the Bills on "TNF." Thanks partly to two free-agent additions, Tua Tagovailoa believes Miami can record a statement win.

Why Oregon is on upset alert in Week 3

Following two unconvincing wins to start the 2024 season, things won't get any easier for Dan Lanning's Oregon squad in Week 3.

'MNF' takeaways: Jets do Aaron Rodgers no favors as 49ers cruise to easy victory

The 49ers erased the bitter taste of their Super Bowl LVIII loss with an emphatic 32-19 win against the Jets on Monday night. While San Francisco was in postseason form, New York wasn't.

Watch: Fourth offensive play of season terrorizes Jets for second year in a row

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers left the field after just four offensive plays for the second year in a row. No, the four-time MVP didn't suffer another season-ending injury on "Monday Night Football."

Raheem Morris' comments prove his Kirk Cousins preseason plan backfired

Forget a quarterback controversy. The way Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has already mismanaged quarterback Kirk Cousins, Atlanta's problems start at the top.

It won't take long for the Saints to prove whether they're for real

The Saints' dominant Week 1 win over the Panthers has been met with a healthy dose of skepticism. Most view the 47-10 demolition as an aberration. After all, how much can truly be learned playing the worst team in football?

Drew Bledsoe criticizes Tony Romo, praises Tom Brady in 'Sunday NFL Countdown' segment

Bledsoe didn't hold back in searing criticism of Romo during a segment Sunday morning on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown."

Watch: Shedeur Sanders' pick-six puts Colorado in early deficit against Nebraska

Nebraska had Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders' number during the first half of the teams' Saturday night showdown.