Happy Thursday, ladies and gentlemen. We're getting closer and closer to the game, and I'm getting more and more nervous. The hyper-confident among you will say "don't worry, we've got this", and I should disagree based on everything we've seen from the Packers and 49ers recently. But those who know about my life outside of this site know that I support the worst historical chokers in the soccer world, and that mindset has been ingrained in my head.

Today's edition of Cheese Curds features stories on the improving defense, the performances from our rookies, the short passing game, and the poor turf at Candlestick Park.

Packers defense has come a long way | Packers.com

Considering the abomination that was everything but their pass rush in the first 49ers game? Yes, yes they have.

Contributions abound from Packers' rookies | Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Specifically Casey Hayward, who has stunned even Packers fans by going from 5th corner to one of the best young players in the NFL in a matter of weeks.

Packers Playbook: Divisional Playoffs - Packers at 49ers | Jersey Al's

All Randall Cobb everything.

Candlestick turf could be cause for concern | ESPN Wisconsin

It looks a lot like FedEx Field's turf. We know how that ended.