Green Bay Packers: 5 things to be thankful for in 2018-19

5. Kyler Fackrell‘s breakout

Coming into the season, Kyler Fackrell was viewed as nothing more than a depth piece with a possibility of getting cut. GM Brian Gutekunst looks more and more like a genius with every passing game thanks to the plays that Fackrell is making. Coming into the season, Fackrell had a total of just five sacks to his name. Heading into Week 12, he has already totaled eight sacks on the year, and he has boosted his spot in the rotation.

Per Pro Football Focus, Fackrell has been the Packers best edge rusher on the season, and it isn’t particularly close. He ranks 28th in the NFL, and Reggie Gilbert follows him up at 72nd. He has utilized his speed and bend to get around the edge on slower tackles, while also being able to pursue more athletic quarterbacks out of the pocket. He put that on full display last week against the Seattle Seahawks and Russell Wilson.

Moving forward, the Packers will be looking to make Fackrell an even more integral part of their defense. He may not be the consistently great option that he has been in the past few weeks, but he will be far more productive than was originally thought of him. Fackrell gives the team another good option off the edge, and he gives Packers fans something to be excited about.