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

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.

ESPN analysts call for Nuggets guard's suspension following Game 1 antics

The Nuggets might have more than an 0-2 series deficit against the Timberwolves to worry about.

Watch: Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei breaks tie with incredible goal

Bruins rookie defenseman Mason Lohrei broke a 1-1 tie with an absolute heater in the second period of Game 1 in Boston's second-round series with the Panthers.

Watch: Obi Toppin goes between his legs on breakaway dunk against former team

Toppin was at the right place at the right time when backup guard T.J. McConnell stripped Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. The ball bounced to Toppin, who dribbled past Knicks forward Josh Hart before throwing down the slam.

Watch: Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein drains half-court buzzer-beater in Game 1

Isaiah Hartenstein breathed life into the Knicks with a half-court buzzer-beater at the end of the first half of Game 1 in their second-round series against the Pacers.

Phillies remain MLB's hottest team with dominant Zack Wheeler performance

The Phillies made quick work of the Giants in a 6-1 victory on Monday, sweeping the four-game series.  Starting pitcher Zack Wheeler was sharp, going seven innings and striking out 11 San Francisco batters.

Watch: Yankees star Aaron Judge receives first career ejection after arguing called third strike

Aaron Judge's day ended early after home plate umpire Ryan Blakney handed him his first career ejection.

Knicks guard joins NBA royalty in closeout win against 76ers

The two-time NCAA champion had 41 points on 13-of-27 shooting, including 3 of 8 from beyond the arc and 12 of 16 from the foul line, in the Knicks' 118-115 win over the 76ers.

Unlikely heroes key closeout win for Pacers in Game 6 vs. Bucks

Backup guard T.J. McConnell and backup forward Obi Toppin were Indiana's two leading scorers, both hitting career playoff highs in points.

These are five potential QB1s for the 2025 NFL Draft

The potential quarterback pool for the 2025 NFL Draft might not include quite the upside of the 2024 class, but there is plenty of variety (and intrigue) to be had.

Seven burning questions for the NFL's pending 2024 schedule release

This month, the NFL will reveal the 2024 regular-season schedules for its 32 teams.