GREEN BAY, Wis. -- In his first season as a starter, Aaron Rodgers showed that he has the toughness and talent to play quarterback in the NFL. Now in his second season, he's proving he's a winner.

"You're always trying to improve and offensively, we realize how well our defense is playing right now," said Rodgers. "If we don't turn the ball over we feel like we'll be in good position to win."

Statistically, Rodgers was impressive last season, but his accomplishments were tainted by the team's 6-10 record. And while Rodgers got off to another strong statistical start this season, the Packers didn't, sputtering to 4-4 early on.

Since then, Green Bay has won five straight games to take control of the NFC wild card race, and Rodgers appears worthy of consideration as one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks.

"I would clearly say that Aaron Rodgers has fallen into the classification of a franchise quarterback," said coach Mike McCarthy. "He has played at that level. I know it's only been a year and a half or a year and three-quarters. I think he's definitely at that level of play, so I just think that in itself tells you how we feel about him and his value to our football team."