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

Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch

Oleksandr Usyk's split decision win over Tyson Fury for the unified heavyweight belt should only intensify the demand for a rematch.

Three takeaways from Caitlin Clark's third WNBA game

Caitlin Clark and the Fever played their third game of the season on Saturday afternoon against the New York Liberty. Here are three takeaways from the Fever's 91-80 loss.

Watch: Patrick Reed makes incredible eagle on the fly during PGA Championship's third round

Patrick Reed made the best shot of the PGA Championship's third round when he dunked an eagle on the par-five No. 18.

Watch: Caitlin Clark has strong start against New York Liberty

Caitlin Clark looked more like herself again on Saturday against New York.

The three most exciting weeks on the 2024 NFL calendar

With the 2024 NFL schedule here, let's take a look at the three most exciting weeks on the calendar this season.

Toughest, easiest four-game stretches in the NFC South in 2024

With the NFL's 2024 schedule released, here are the toughest (and easiest) four-game stretches for each team in the NFC South.

Highlighting NFC South blockbuster games of 2024 season

The NFL released its complete schedule for the 2024 season on Wednesday. Here is the blockbuster game (and another intriguing matchup) for every team in the NFC South.

Sean Payton's return to New Orleans announced in 2024 schedule leak

Payton was the Saints head coach from 2006-2021, winning the Super Bowl in 2009 and leading New Orleans to four consecutive division titles from 2017-20. 

Three stars on WNBA opening night

The 2024 WNBA season tipped off on Tuesday. Here are our three stars of the night.

See top groupings for Rounds 1 and 2 at 2024 PGA Championship

The pairings for the first two rounds at the PGA Championship this weekend in Louisville were revealed on Tuesday. Below, find when the 10 golfers with the best odds of winning the second major of the year tee off.

The Chiefs are getting the Bengals at the perfect time

NFL schedule makers threw the Kansas City Chiefs a bone on Tuesday.

Celtics show cracks in Game 4 win

The Celtics have more to worry than celebrate about following their uneven Game 4 win over the Cavaliers.

Watch: Cavs guard Max Strus shoots lights out in first half

Strus matched a career playoff-high for threes in a game with his scintillating first half.

Mercury announce devastating injury on eve of WNBA season

One day before the start of the 2024 WNBA regular season, the Mercury announced that a key player has a fractured toe and "will be out and re-evaluated in the coming weeks."

Tom Brady's broadcasting debut set for Week 1 of NFL season

Tom Brady ended his NFL career with a wild-card loss to the Cowboys. Nearly two years later, he'll make his regular-season debut as a FOX NFL commentator in Dallas when the Browns come to town in Week 1 of the 2024 season.

Watch: Paul Skenes wastes no time showing why Pirates drafted him No. 1 overall

Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes mowed down the first two batters he faced in the majors.

1Q report: Takeaways from the quarter mark of the 2024 MLB season

We've reached the quarter mark of the 2024 season. Here are eight takeaways from the first portion of the year.

Three offseason moves the Buccaneers should make

The three-time defending NFC South champion Buccaneers could face a serious challenge to their throne by the Falcons in 2024. Per Action Network, Atlanta (-120) is the favorite to win the division while Tampa Bay (+300) has the second-best odds.

Three offseason moves the Saints should make

The New Orleans Saints need to stay active if they are to rise back to contention in the NFC South.

Three offseason moves the Panthers should make

The Panthers have plenty of work to do as they try to rebound from their horrendous 2023.

Three offseason moves the Falcons must make

The Atlanta Falcons begin organized team activities (OTAs) on Monday, and the team still has some roster moves to make. Here are three moves Atlanta should consider with its offseason workout program just around the corner.

Head of class: Ranking players who won ROTY and MVP in the same season

The list of players in major professional sports to achieve the feat is short.

Pirates announce date for 2023 No. 1 overall pick's MLB debut

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in dire need of a spark and 2023 No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes should provide at least that.

NFC South check-in: Most, least improved position group post-draft

Let's take inventory of the NFC South before offseason workout programs heat up.

10 games to watch during first week of WNBA regular season

The most anticipated regular season in WNBA history tips off on Tuesday. Here's a closer look at 10 intriguing opening week games.