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 18, 2023 | Philadelphia 76ers

James Harden doesn't wait until playoffs to no-show for 76ers

James Harden did the equivalent of a no-call, no-show at 76ers practice Wednesday. No-showing is something he's all too familiar with, as his postseason track record suggests.

October 18, 2023 | NFL

'TNF' preview: Where Jaguars may have edge on Saints

New Orleans (3-3) can pull within a half-game of division leader Tampa Bay, which hosts Atlanta on Sunday. Jacksonville (4-2), meanwhile, seeks to extend its win streak to four.

October 18, 2023 | NFL

NFC South Week 7 predictions: Bucs extend division lead with win over Falcons

Here are our picks for the two division games on the schedule for Week 7.

October 17, 2023

Watch: Jacksonville State's incredible season continues with walk-off field goal vs. Western Kentucky

Jacksonville State's smooth transition to FBS continued Tuesday after the Gamecocks won on a walk-off 41-yard field goal.

October 17, 2023 | NFL

NFC South optimist, pessimist view of every team

Here are optimistic and pessimistic outlooks for the Falcons and the rest of the NFC South.

October 17, 2023 | NFL

NFC South trade targets: Falcons should add Cowboys quarterback

The NFL trade deadline is Oct. 31. Here are deals each team in the NFC South should make.

October 16, 2023 | NFL

Watch: Chargers recover fumble after wild sequence on punt return

A Cowboys special teams miscue was the best offensive play for the Chargers on Monday night.

October 16, 2023 | Indianapolis Colts

Cautious approach the right one for Colts with QB Anthony Richardson

On Monday, Colts owner Jim Irsay told ESPN reporter Stephen Holder that the rookie fourth overall pick is "likely" to miss the remainder of the season due to his shoulder injury sustained in Week 5. Sitting him might be the best thing for Richardson long-term.

October 16, 2023 | Dallas Cowboys

Watch: Cowboys tie game against Chargers with crucial touchdown on a fourth-down conversion

Dallas needed a yard, but it got a lot more than that. Facing an early decision on a fourth-and-one in a 7-0 game, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy kept his offense on the field at the Chargers' 18-yard line.

October 16, 2023 | Texas Rangers

Rangers join rare company with Game 2 ALCS win over Astros

The Rangers continued their hot start to the postseason in Game 2 of the ALCS, winning 5-4 over the in-state rival Astros.

October 16, 2023 | MLB

Watch: Rangers oust Astros' Framber Valdez early with five-run outburst

The Rangers took little time building on their 1-0 lead in the ALCS during Game 2, scoring four runs during the top of the first inning against Astros pitcher Framber Valdez.

October 15, 2023 | Atlanta Falcons

Mistake-filled game should end Desmond Ridder experiment in Atlanta

The Falcons lost to the Commanders 24-16 on Sunday and Ridder was the biggest culprit. Atlanta had no business losing a game it outgained Washington 402-193 and held the Commanders to 20% on third down.

October 15, 2023 | New York Jets

Watch: Aaron Rodgers throws pregame of Eagles-Jets

Perhaps Aaron Rodgers returning this season isn't so far-fetched after all.

October 15, 2023 | Tennessee Titans

The Titans' quarterback situation is a mess

The Titans have what might be the worst quarterback room in the NFL. Tennessee displayed its ineptitude at the most important position in football in Sunday's 24-16 loss to Baltimore in London.

October 15, 2023 | Baltimore Ravens

Watch: Ravens' Odell Beckham Jr. turns back the clock on 32-yard reception

The old Odell Beckham Jr. appeared during the first half of the international game in London between the Baltimore Ravens and the Tennessee Titans.

October 14, 2023 | College Football

Winners and losers from Week 7 of the college football season

Here's a breakdown of all the winners and losers to emerge from the chaos of Week 7 in college football.

October 14, 2023 | Minnesota Vikings

Veteran QB not expected to be moved at trade deadline

Don't expect Kirk Cousins to receive a Viking funeral this season.

October 14, 2023 | New England Patriots

Patriots should give keys to offense to newly signed rookie quarterback

Mac Jones and backup Bailey Zappe aren't moving the needle, so why not give the rookie a chance?

October 14, 2023

Ridiculous NCAA rule may prevent best Sun Belt team from playing in bowl game

If the NCAA knows one thing, it's how to get in its own way.

October 14, 2023 | Michigan Wolverines

Watch: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy completes unreal pass against Indiana

Everything is going right for Michigan against Indiana. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy's escape act against the Hoosiers pass rush late in the second quarter ended with the Wolverines quarterback flipping the football backhanded to running back Donovan Edwards for a 16-yard gain.