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

'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.

Notre Dame shocker continues troubling trend under HC Marcus Freeman

In what's becoming a hallmark of Notre Dame under Freeman's watch, the Irish blew a game they had no business losing on Saturday against Northern Illinois.

Red-hot Syracuse QB Kyle McCord adds pressure on Ryan Day, Ohio State

The Kyle McCord reboot is going splendidly at Syracuse.

Watch: Texas adds interception in dominant start over Michigan

Texas put Michigan in an early hole during Saturday's pivotal out-of-conference game.

Watch: Georgia Tech QB Haynes King somehow avoids a sack on sweet TD run

So far this season, nothing is stopping Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King.  

CFB Week 2 winners and losers: Texas, Tennessee dominate in Top 25 matchups

Texas and Tennessee looked like heavyweights on a wild day of college football action. Winners and losers for Week 2 of the CFB season.

NFL insider shares Jordan Love injury update

Love suffered a lower leg injury late in the fourth quarter of a 34-29 loss to the Eagles in San Paolo, and NFL insider Dianna Russini provided an update Saturday morning.

College football television ratings reveal Week 1's true winner

The Athletic's Stewart Mandel shared a list of the top college football games by viewership over the extended Labor Day weekend. The top six aired on ABC or ESPN.

Same schools, different result? Why Week 2's Colorado-Nebraska showdown won't be a repeat

Nebraska fans are hoping that the sequel is better than the original ahead of Saturday's rematch with Colorado.

Watch: Cubs' slim playoff hopes get jolt with first Wrigley Field no-hitter since 1972

Shota Imanaga started the combined no-no, pitching seven innings in a 12-0 rout against the Pirates.

Three storylines to follow in Ravens-Chiefs opener, including 'battle' of the podcasts

The 2024 NFL season begins Thursday with a bang, a rematch of the 2023 AFC Championship Game between the Ravens and Chiefs. Here are three things to know before the opening kick.

Why Broncos corner Patrick Surtain II won't be NFL's highest-paid DB for long

Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II should enjoy being the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history while he can.

Five potential Haason Reddick destinations: Jets holdout could swing NFC playoff picture

With no end in sight, anything is possible in terms of how Reddick's saga with the Jets unfolds. One thing is clear: whichever team he plays for next will benefit from having one of the league's most productive pass-rushers.

Group of Five schools have chance to state CFP case in Week 2

The 2024 season may have just begun, but it's not too early to think about the postseason for Boise State and Tulane.

49ers' double dose of good news sets them up for a strong 2024 season

The Niners have reached the NFC Championship Game in four of the past five seasons.

Watch: Florida State QB DJ Uiagalelei throws ugly interception as season goes from bad to worse

Week 1 isn't over yet, and Florida State's season is already on life support.