Tuesday Cheese Curds: Packers' faith in Kyler Fackrell has paid off

Kyler Fackrell has gone from zero to hero in a rather short amount of time.

Saying the former third round pick left a lot to be desired in his first two seasons would be an understatement. He was either out if position, missing tackles or sometimes even both on the same play. It had gotten so bad Fackrell was a popular pick to not even make the 53 man roster this season.

Well, thanks to the team really having no other options at edge rusher, Fackrell made the team and lo and behold he’s suddenly the best pass rusher on the team. He’s even performed better than his more highly compensated brethren Clay Matthews and Nick Perry.

So what sparked this incredible turnaround? Was it new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine or did everything suddenly click in the second half of Fackrell’s third season?

Regardless of how it happened, Packers fans are just glad it has. Had the Packers won Thursday night, it would have been known as “The Kyler Fackrell Game” but he’s actually gotten a lot better as the season has gone on.

Can he continue to improve or was this season just a freak occurrence? That more than anything will define Fackrell’s career in Green Bay.

You can read more on Fackrell plus how Aaron Rodgers’ divide with Mike McCarthy could seal the coach’s fate in today’s cheese curds.

Packers edge rusher Kyler Fackrell changing perceptions while racking up sacks--PackersNews.com

Fackrell has played so well this year he’s almost assured a roster spot for next season. He’s gone from a punchline to the one throwing the punches and you have to respect him for that.

Aaron Rodgers, Mike McCarthy at odds over offense--NFL.com

If a team has a to choose between a world class quarterback (especially the recently extended kind) and a head coach in his 13th year who is wallowing in mediocrity, the quarterback is kept 100% of the time. Barring an incredible finish, the end is near for the Rodgers/McCarthy pairing.

Aaron Rodgers’ numbers don’t add up to 4-5-1 Packers’ record--ESPN

Rodgers’ stat line may look relatively Rodgers-like but his 25th rank completion percentage should be raising some eyebrows. Rodgers admits this is due to many throwaways, meaning no one has been open or Rodgers isn’t seeing the open man. Both have been the case this season but it’s definitely been more of the former than the latter.

Tree chosen for 13th annual Festival of Lights, set for Dec. 1--Packers.com

If you’re in the Green Bay area next weekend, make sure to stop by this event especially if you have children. Lambeau Field, already beautiful, is even more so decked out in Christmas lights.

Taco Bell celebrates with Thanksgiving sweaters--UPI

Taco Bell > turkey. Don’t @ me.