Kyler Fackrell could be bitter and frustrated. And it’d be hard to blame him.
Fresh off a 10.5-sack season in 2018, the Green Bay Packers outside linebacker has just a half-sack in a backup role in 2019, a contract year for the fourth-year edge rusher.
Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine doesn’t sense any bitterness or frustration from Fackrell, even as last year’s production continues to be elusive.
“I know it can be frustrating. That’s what we ask our guys to do. Do your job, and that stuff will come. I could see, some guys, given his circumstances, it would be upsetting. He’s handled it great,” Pettine said Thursday.
In fact, Pettine sees a player earning high marks in his role and making the most of his opportunities, even if those opportunities are fewer thanks to a free-agent spending spree at Fackrell’s position this past spring.
“It’s unfortunate this year he hasn’t had the production that he had a year ago. He’s had some really good rushes and some close calls,” Pettine said. “Some of it is guys are getting there a click before he got there. It’s like with Kenny (Clark), Kenny is playing at an extremely high level, so is Kyler, filling the grade sheet with pluses. The production’s just not there.”
Fackrell delivered a career-high 10.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits during a breakout season in 2018. He has a shared sack and six quarterback hits while playing only 35.6 percent of the defense’s snaps this season.
Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith have played the majority of the defense’s snaps on the edges, leaving Fackrell and first-round pick Rashan Gary with situational work.
All players are looking to cash in big on a second NFL contract. For Fackrell, a third-round pick in 2016, dreams of being a prized free agent next spring might be fading, but if he’s looking for a letter of recommendation, Pettine could be just the guy to provide it.
“He means a lot (to us),” Pettine said. “He’s everything you want, you’re looking for in a guy in your room. He’s smart. He’s tough. He studies the game. He has real good interaction with his teammates and coaches as far as what the opponent is doing.”
Outside linebackers coach Mike Smith recently said Fackrell could start for 31 other NFL teams, although that’s more coaching hyperbole than reality.
The good news for Fackrell: The Packers still have six more regular-season games, including a highly-anticipated primetime showdown with the 49ers on Sunday night and possibly one or more playoff games. There is time to re-write the narrative on his 2019 season.
Like Pettine said, players executing at a high level are often rewarded with production. As the Packers enter the final month and a half of the season, Fackrell could be due.