Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers and the Top 10 Performances of 2011 so Far

The Green Bay Packers are riding high at 6-0, so obviously, several players have stepped up to contribute to the success of this team.

Offensively, Aaron Rodgers has led the explosive Packers to nearly 33 points per game. And while the team isn't playing its best football on the defensive side of the ball, there are several players who are making huge contributions to this team's unblemished record.

Even special teams has made pivotal contributions to the team's success.

This article lists the top 10 individual performances of this Packers team after the first six weeks of the season.

10. Randall Cobb

For a rookie, Randall Cobb has stepped up and performed beautifully.

This all started on his first game in the NFL against the Saints, when he caught a touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers. Soon after, he returned a kick 108 yards for a touchdown.

While Cobb has been quieter ever since, he has still contributed on special teams, consistently returning the ball to good field position. He has contributed positively on offense as well, establishing a good rapport with Aaron Rodgers on his way to 10 receptions for 180 yards so far.

The only reason he isn't getting more is because of the stacked receiving corps that has Aaron Rodgers throwing to everyone.

Despite this, he has proven that he has a place on this team and will likely put up solid production for years to come.

9. Marshall Newhouse

Another young player who has stepped up and played well is Marshall Newhouse, who has had to fill in for Chad Clifton and Bryan Bulaga on the offensive line.

While the offensive line depth had its question marks during the preseason, Newhouse has quieted any skeptics, as he has performed solidly, protecting Aaron Rodgers and allowing him time to throw the ball and make plays.

The offensive line was a major concern in the preseason, and many Packers fans were worried when injuries started to hit the line, but Newhouse's performance has shown that the offensive line is not the concern that many expected it to be.

8. Ryan Grant/James Starks

Together, Ryan Grant and James Starks have brought back the running game from its struggles in 2010.

Grant and Starks, who have been sharing carries, have both been averaging over four yards per carry and have both put up solid yardage.

The Packers have reaped the benefits of having two running backs, as both Starks and Grant have had their good games and their bad games, and when one of the two struggles, the other is given the ball.

For instance, while Starks appeared to shine in New Orleans and Carolina, Grant played very well against Chicago.

While the Packers continue to use the passing game more often, Starks and Grant have worked together to make the running game more of a threat than it has been in past years, making for a more versatile and more potent offense.

7. Jermichael Finley

The Packers offense has not only benefited from the return of the running game, but also the return of Jermichael Finley, who adds another dimension to the offense.

Finley, who so far has caught all of his touchdowns in one game (Chicago) is still racking up great numbers. He is second on the team in receptions and third on the team in yardage.

While Finley has had games where he hasn't been a huge factor, his presence on the field adds so much to this offense.

And with so many weapons on this offense, it is hard for any receiver or tight end to have dominant numbers.

6. Jordy Nelson

Jordy Nelson is second on the team in yardage, and much of this is due to his speed, which has burned defenses on several occasions—notably last week against the Rams, where he caught and ran for a 93-yard touchdown.

Nelson is a reliable receiver who has the speed to make big plays.

He has already caught for two touchdowns more than 80 yards this year, and he's averaging more than 20 yards per reception.

Nelson may be an underrated contributor to this offense. More attention is given to Jermichael FInley, Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings, and many sometimes forget about what Jordy Nelson can bring to the table.

5. Mason Crosby

So far, Mason Crosby is not only having a perfect season, but he has also made some big kicks that have established momentum for the Packers.

Against the Broncos, he executed a perfect onside kick that helped the Packers get two consecutive touchdowns on the board.

The next week, against the Falcons, when the offense was struggling at the beginning of the game, Crosby tied his personal record by kicking a 56-yard field goal.

Crosby hasn't missed a kick yet this year, and so far, he has proven that he is well worth his big contract, especially with all the kickers in the NFL today that are inconsistent and unreliable.

4. Morgan Burnett

Losing safety Nick Collins was a giant blow to this Packers defense, but it has thrust Morgan Burnett in a position where he is now the premier safety of the team.

He has performed very well, recording three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack.

Burnett was out for most of his rookie year, but so far this year, he is making up for lost time and is one of the bigger contributors on defense this year—especially since he has been forced to pick up the slack for the loss of Nick Collins.

3. Charles Woodson

In 2009, Charles Woodson was the defensive player of the year after recording nine interceptions on the year.

In 2010, he was a key leader on defense whose passion and hard work helped the Packers earn a Super Bowl title.

This year, Woodson continues to be a key player on defense in addition to being a leader.

Woodson is certainly the best player on defense this year, recording three interceptions on the year—one of which was returned for a touchdown—in addition to a forced fumble.

Woodson may be approaching the end of his career, but he is still playing at an extremely high level, and his leadership on this defense may help turn around the less-than-stellar performance of the unit so far.

2. Greg Jennings

Greg Jennings is easily leading the receivers on this team with 35 receptions for 540 yards and four touchdowns.

That is quite impressive, especially considering the fact that Rodgers spreads the ball around every game.

When Finley was out last year, Jennings became Rodgers' go-to guy, and he continues to be that guy this year, as he and Rodgers continue to connect.

Even though Rodgers is comfortable throwing to anyone, Jennings is still getting the most receptions and the most yards of any receiver.

The Rodgers-Jennings connection will be around for a long time.

1. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers has to be No. 1 on this list.

Not only is he the best player on this Packers team, but he may be the best player in the NFL.

Rodgers has led this Packers offense to ridiculous numbers, and his personal numbers have been astounding as well—throwing for 17 touchdowns and just three interceptions, two of which were not even his fault.

Rodgers is playing better than anyone in the NFL and is a big reason why the Packers are where they are now.

If he continues to play like this for the rest of the year, they may be unbeatable.