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

Twitter/X: @ericsmithling

Muck Rack: eric-smithling

October 9, 2024 | Los Angeles Dodgers

Watch: Mookie Betts homers to give Dodgers early lead in must-win NLDS Game 4

For the second game in a row, Mookie Betts gave Los Angeles a first-inning lead with a solo home run on a 3-2 pitch.

October 9, 2024 | New York Mets

Watch: Mets SS Francisco Lindor hits grand slam to give New York lead over Phillies in NLDS Game 4

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor gave New York a 4-1 lead with a grand slam off reliever Carlos Estevez.

October 9, 2024 | Alabama Crimson Tide

Former Alabama RB blasts 2024 defense after loss to Vanderbilt

Alabama Heisman-winning running back Mark Ingram ran through plenty of defenses during his collegiate career. And during a recent podcast appearance, he tore down the Tide's struggling unit.

October 8, 2024 | New Orleans Saints

Why Saints should start rookie QB Spencer Rattler if Derek Carr is sidelined

If he is named the starter in Week 6 against the Bucs, he'd be the fifth rookie quarterback to start in 2024 and the second (Drake Maye) to debut on Sunday.

October 8, 2024 | New York Jets

Five potential candidates for Jets' head-coaching job in 2025

On Tuesday, New York fired head coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start, the first time owner Woody Johnson has fired a coach mid-season. That gives the Jets a head-start gathering intel for their 2025 coaching candidates.

October 7, 2024 | NFL

Watch: Saints QB Derek Carr connects with Rashid Shaheed for deep TD against Chiefs

Per New Orleans Times-Picayune Saints reporter Luke Johnson, the touchdown was Shaheed's ninth of at least 40 yards since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

October 7, 2024 | NFL

'MNF' takeaways: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes will be fine without Rashee Rice

The Chiefs improved to 5-0 with a 26-13 win over the Saints (2-3) that wasn't nearly as close as the final score indicated.

October 7, 2024 | MLB

Watch: Improbable HR in ninth inning lifts Tigers to ALDS Game 2 win

Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter hit one of the most improbable home runs of the season to even Detroit's ALDS series against the Guardians at 1-1.

October 7, 2024 | MLB

Watch: 'Christmas' comes early for Guardians with absurd Jhonkensy Noel defensive play

Guardians right fielder Jhonkensy "Big Christmas" Noel landed on everyone in Cincinnati's nice list on Monday with an absurd defensive play against the Tigers in Game 2 of the ALDS.

October 7, 2024 | NFL

Potential fatal flaw for every NFC South team

How might each team in the NFC South come undone as the season progresses?

October 6, 2024 | MLB

Takeaways from Padres-Dodgers NLDS Game 2: Padres take control with blowout win

The Padres evened their NLDS with the Dodgers on Sunday with a 10-2 win.

October 6, 2024 | Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals wasting best version of Joe Burrow the NFL has seen

Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow is doing everything he can to try to push his team back into contention. It's not working.

October 6, 2024 | Cincinnati Bengals

Watch: Joe Burrow hits Ja'Marr Chase for fifth passing TD vs. Ravens

The Bengals offense is all right as Burrow and Chase have found their rhythm in a big way.

October 6, 2024 | NFL

NFL Week 5's worst QB performances: Browns must bench Deshaun Watson

Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers' turnover-filled game in London against the Vikings set the low bar for quarterbacks on Sunday, but several comfortably limboed past the four-time MVP's performance. Here's our round-up of the five worst quarterback outings from Week 5.