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

Journalist's lawsuit contains explosive allegations against two NFL owners

Longtime journalist Jim Trotter's retaliation lawsuit filed against the NFL includes explosive allegations against NFL owners Jerry Jones and Terry Pegula.

Sportsbooks aren't buying Rams revival ahead of tough matchup with 49ers

The Rams were one of the biggest surprises of Week 1, but sportsbooks weren't so impressed.

Embarrassing Monday night loss highlights why Buffalo should trade for Jonathan Taylor

Buffalo's 22-16 overtime loss to New York on Monday night highlighted its limitations. The Bills will go as far as Josh Allen will, and it's time to realize he's far too turnover-prone to trust completely.

Patrick Mahomes clarifies comments on Aaron Rodgers after Jets QB suffers potentially serious injury

The comma became the most valuable punctuation for 2022 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes on Monday after Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered an ankle injury four plays into his season.

Mel Kiper Jr. declares Shedeur Sanders the No. 1 QB in 2025 NFL Draft

Shedeur Sanders has played himself into the 2024 NFL Draft conversation but according to one draft expert, he could be the headliner in 2025 if he decides to stay at Colorado.

Which teams are impacted most by potential new NBA rule?

The NBA's projected rule to limit teams from resting multiple stars is a welcome development for fans, but which teams will it impact the most?

NFC South stock up, down: Derek Carr's big day, Drake London's vanishing act and more

Atlanta's two-headed monster in the backfield and Tampa Bay's opportunistic defense were positives in Week 1, but the Panthers wide receivers and Saints offensive line raised concerns. Here's whose stock is up and down in the NFC South.

Lamar Jackson critical of his performance in Week 1 win over Texans

Were you underwhelmed by Lamar Jackson's Week 1 performance? You aren't alone.

Watch: Bijan Robinson scores first NFL touchdown in epic fashion

Bijan Robinson didn't waste any time delivering on his potential.

Alabama's problems run deeper than at quarterback

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe received a decent portion of the criticism after the Tide fell 34-24 at home to Texas on Saturday. But Alabama's problems run much deeper than at quarterback.

Colts set to start seventh different QB in past seven season openers

When Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson starts in Week 1, he'll become the seventh different quarterback to open the season as the starter in Indianapolis in the past seven seasons.

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker under sexual harassment investigation

Mel Tucker has been a major disappointment for Michigan State since he landed a massive contract extension in 2021. Yet as bad as the Spartans have been, a troubling report emerged overnight that suggests Tucker has no business being a head coach for reasons far greater than football.

Winners and losers for Week 2 of the college football season

Texas and Washington State made huge statements while Jimbo Fisher and Jeff Sims might need to plot exit strategies. Here are the biggest winners and losers of college football's Week 2.

Justin Jefferson's contract stalemate with Vikings should work to WR's benefit

Justin Jefferson's proven to be a hard man to lock down on the football field. It turns out that he's also hard to lock down off of it, too.

Bart Scott's Kenny Pickett-Brock Purdy comments aren't as outlandish as they seem

Second-year quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Brock Purdy meet for the first time in Week 1. Despite Purdy having the early edge in his career, ESPN's Bart Scott is siding with Pickett as the better quarterback.

Rams have grim outlook with Cooper Kupp headed to IR

Any hope that the Rams wouldn't lose Cooper Kupp (hamstring) for long was snuffed out on Saturday when the team announced it's placing Kupp on injured reserve (IR).

Colorado HC Deion Sanders says he slept in office night before home opener

 Deion Sanders beat the traffic to Folsom Field ahead of Colorado's home opener against rival Nebraska. Appearing on Fox's "Big Noon Saturday," Sanders revealed he slept in his office the night before. 

Dana White shuts down rumors of potential Musk, Zuckerberg fight

May this (hopefully) be the death knell in the Elon Musk-Mark Zuckerberg cage match saga. 

Reebok bets big on Bears QB Justin Fields

Big things are expected from Bears quarterback Justin Fields as he enters his third NFL season, perhaps nowhere as much as at Reebok headquarters.

What rookie QBs have in common with Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence

Bryce Young joined his 2023 NFL Draft peers C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson on Wednesday by being named team captain ahead of the start of the regular season.

Caleb Williams' GQ profile should raise alarm for Cardinals as they tank in 2023

It would be a major black eye for the Cardinals if they land the first pick and Williams returns to USC, but it's certainly possible.

'TNF' preview: Chiefs MIA All-Pros, Lions rookie RB and more to watch

The 2023 opener offers plenty of fascinating storylines. Here are the biggest ones to watch for the Detroit Lions-Kansas City Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night. 

NFC South stock up, down: Saints RB could be in line for huge workload in Week 1

We're only days away from the start of the 2023 NFL regular season. Before things kick off, here's a look at whose stock is up and whose is down in the NFC South.

NFC South coaching tiers: Frank Reich leads an unexceptional bunch

While much of the country spent the summer debating whether "Oppenheimer" or "Barbie" was the blockbuster of the year, Yardbarker NFL writers reviewed the work of the league's 32 head coaches and assigned each of these leading men to a tier.