It's time for our weekly offering of the top performers, focusing on the most impressive displays from Week 6.
This week we're bringing you four rookies who continue to find their feet, none of whom came from the first round. Imagine that. Let's take a look at who joins them.
Quarterback — Matt Schaub, Houston (+6.1)
Back in form, Schaub guided the Texans to an impressive fourth-quarter comeback. Superb under pressure, he picked up 8.6 yards per attempt and two touchdowns on the 15 plays he was under duress.
Running Back — Chris Ivory, New Orleans (+3.3)
Quite the day for the undrafted rookie. Forced four missed tackles on his way to 159 yards at 10.6 yards per carry.
Fullback — Jacob Hester, San Diego (+2.7)
Too often we don't see Hester get onto someone while lead blocking. Not a problem against the Rams, it's just a shame San Diego didn't run more.
Tight End — Tony Moeaki, Kansas City (+2.0)
Made two nice catches and held his own in pass protection. Most impressive aspect may be the signs he's showing of being a complete tight end with some powerful run blocking.
Wide Receiver — Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City (+4.0)
From the outhouse to the penthouse. Bowe was superb against the Texans, catching six of eight balls thrown his way (including two excellent touchdowns). If only he could be like this every week.
Wide Receiver — Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia (+3.3)
Caught all seven balls thrown his way, including two touchdowns, against the Falcons. Why don't people talk about him more?
Left Tackle — Jake Long, Miami (+4.3)
Currently the best left tackle in the league. Gave up no pressure (not for the first time) and remains superb with his run blocking.
Left Guard — Carl Nicks, New Orleans (+3.8)
Just keeps getting better and better. Flawless in the passing game and did a fine job opening up holes for Chris Ivory.
Center — Jonathan Goodwin, New Orleans (+3.6)
Unheralded member of the Saints' interior. Gave up a quarterback pressure but completely dominated the Bucs' defensive tackles.
Right Guard — Chilo Rachal, San Francisco (+4.1)
Really coming on for the 49ers. Capable of getting to the second level and physically imposing.
Right Tackle — Jason Smith, St. Louis (+5.1)
Perfect in pass protection and even better with his run blocking, where he contained any defender who got near him (and got to the second level in impressive fashion).
4-3 Defensive Front
Defensive End — Trent Cole, Philadelphia (+8.0)
Was practically unblockable against the Falcons with two sacks, two hits and a further two quarterback pressures. Even better in the run game with a further three defensive stops. Elite.
Defensive Tackle — Terrance Knighton, Jacksonville (+4.0)
Really developing into something special for the Jaguars. Only had one quarterback pressure but was a big part of why the Titans couldn't run up the gut effectively (three defensive stops).
Defensive Tackle — Matt Toeaina, Chicago (+3.1)
Rewarding the faith the Bears have shown in him. Got two quarterback pressures, batted a pass and a further two defensive stops.
Defensive End —Robert Mathis, Indianapolis (+5.4)
That's the kind of performance we've been expecting from Mathis for a while. He was all over the quarterback with a sack and a massive eight quarterback pressures.
Outside Linebacker — Brian Iwuh, Chicago (+3.7)
Lance Briggs goes down, and Iwuh seizes his opportunity. Not the greatest when teams pass, but he showed the kind of ability to get to the ball carrier (seven tackles, three assists) that makes you look past that.
Middle Linebacker — E.J. Henderson, Minnesota (+4.8)
Back and as good as ever. Henderson made two excellent picks and three defensive stops. A joy to watch.
Outside Linebacker — Chad Greenway, Minnesota (+2.6)
Just another day for Greenway. Five defensive stops as he competed with his Vikings teammates to get to the ball carrier and shut the Cowboys' run game down.
3-4 Defensive Front
Defensive End — Kenyon Coleman, Cleveland (+3.2)
Quietly having a very good year. Seems to win his battles an awful lot of the time, finishing with three defensive stops.
Nose Tackle — Aubrayo Franklin, San Francisco (+1.9)
Remains one of the league's best run-stuffing nose tackles and even added a quarterback pressure.
Defensive End — Justin Smith, San Francisco (+5.3)
Recaptured some of his 2009 form in this one. While his three quarterback pressures were impressive, he was destructive in the run game. Made five defensive stops as the Raiders' line couldn't deal with him.
Outside Linebacker — Matt Roth, Cleveland (+3.0)
Keeps on playing to such a high level we're running out of superlatives. A sack, two hits and two pressures on this day to go with strong work in the run game.
Inside Linebacker — Brandon Spikes, New England (+6.4)
Only on the field for base looks, but super active when it comes to blowing up running plays. Looks a real find.
Inside Linebacker — Desmond Bishop, Green Bay (+6.3)
Nick Barnett goes down, and up steps Desmond Bishop, who is playing at such a level he's actually an upgrade. Excellent in all phases of the game (quarterback pressures, pass breaksups and defensive stops) and playing superbly.
Outside Linebacker — Tamba Hali, Kansas City (+3.1)
May be the best pass-rusher in the league right now. Another game, another seven total quarterback pressures.
Secondary
Cornerback — Jerraud Powers, Indianapolis (+4.8)
Ended the game with an interception, two pass deflections and five defensive stops in a complete display of cornerback play. Best we've ever seen from Powers.
Safety — Kenny Phillips, New York Giants (+2.9)
Back and appears to be delivering on his talent. Laid a couple of big (legal) hits as he picked up four defensive stops. Defense looks a lot better for having him back.
Safety — Eric Weddle, San Diego (+2.7)
Not very flashy but Weddle is quietly entering into the conversation as one of the league's best safeties. Displayed a little bit of everything in this game, with a nice break on the ball to deflect a pass and an incredible 12 tackles (no misses).
Cornerback — Alterraun Verner, Tennessee (+3.6)
That's the kind of display that will get you to the top of our race for rookie of the year. Verner was superb against Jacksonville, thrown at seven times and allowing just 21 yards to go with his interception and pass breakup.
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