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Upgrades

Tennessee - While the Titans guards got the brunt of the human wrecking ball that is J.J. Watt in an overtime loss to the Houston Texans, overall this line is trending upward. This is a rugged run-first unit (the team is leading the league in rushing attempts) and they have opened up plenty of holes for tailback Chris Johnson. This line isn't getting the benefit of great quarterback play at this time but as this offense continues to gel, the line should be in the conversation for top in the league. 

Carolina - Adding Travelle Wharton late in the preseason proved to be a smart move, as previous starter Garry Williams has been placed on injured reserve with torn knee ligaments. Wharton has been rushed into starting right guard duty and responded well. This upgrade might seem dubious timing, as Buffalo Bills star defensive end Mario Williams beat the line for a franchise record four and a half sacks during week two. However, there is positive news. Left guard Amini Silatolu returned to action and center Ryan Kalil has been playing well. Outside of the Mario incident, as a whole the line continues to come together. 

Chicago - Another somewhat dubious upgrade timing-wise, as Minnesota Vikings' defensive ends Jared Allen and Brian Robison had produtive efforts in Chicago's one point win. Still, this upgrade is a function of where the Bears were ranked last year, and how much better they are playing now. The new tackles Jermon Bushrod and Jordan Mills are a large upgrade over last year's editions. The interior of Matt Slauson - Roberto Garza - Kyle Long is solid, routinely opening holes for tailback Matt Forte. In general, this line has gone from atrocious to above average in one year, a real turnaround story. Through two games, Jay Cutler has only taken one quarterback sack.  

New York (NFC) - This slight upgrade (from 22 to 19) is purely a function of the team getting healthier. Center David Baas returned to action during week two against Denver, which ended up being a blowout loss at home. Denver had over a dozen quarterback pressures in the contest, and Eli Maning has been hit twelve times in two contests (ninth worst rate in the league). By no means is this an elite unit. However should former All-Pro David Diehl return to health in the next couple of weeks, they can continue to get better. 

San Diego - The Chargers line has climbed out of the basement of these rankings with their win at Philadelphia. The line has been giving Rivers adequate protection, only surrending three total sacks in two games, good enough for eighth in the league. Their rushing attack is also healthy, averaging 4.0 YPC, which is currently twelfth in the league. In his return to his former team, left tackle King Dunlap had a highlight block to spring Eddie Royal on a wide receiver screen. His left side comrade, guard Chad Rinehart is also doing an above average job. This line still has problems but is undoubtedly getting better.

Downgrades

Seattle - This downgrade is due to the injury suffered by Pro Bowl left tackle Russell Okung. Okung was carted off during the home win against San Francisco and was replaced by guard Paul McQuistan. Okung was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his toe after the game, and while this isn't a season ending injury, Okung is looking at a multi-week rehab (at least). The Seahawks actually have a great set of backups (former first round pick James Carpenter went in the game at guard for McQuistan) but there's really no replacing Okung's level of talent. 

Denver - Another injury downgrade, this time, All Pro left tackle Ryan Clady has been diagnosed with a Lisfranc sprain in his foot. This injury is extremely troublesome in rehab and could be a multiple week (if not multiple month) situation. Clady is replaced by Chris Clark, who is actually one of the better backup tackles in the league. Clark has starting experience and should be able to hold down the fort while Clady recovers. However it is a huge step down from Clady to Clark and teams don't replace All-Pro's, they can only hope that they recover quickly. 

Pittsburgh - Yet another injury downgrade, as All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey was lost week one for the season with multiple ligament tears to his knee. It was an extremely flukey situation as Pouncey was taken out by his own teammate, David Decastro. Decastro was apparently attempting to cut block an already engaged defender (not legal), and took out his own man. Kelvin Beachum replaced Pouncey at the time, however in week two, former Titan Fernando Velasco started and actually played well in the loss to Cincinnati. Velasco is a decent enough player and plays with a mean streak but the drop off in talent between Pouncey and Velasco is enormous. 

Other NotES

San Francisco - This line remains our highest rated unit, despite a less than great performance at Seattle, week two. Despite a healthy looking 5.0 YPC, the line suffered some alarming breakdowns. Pro Bowler Mike Iupati especially played poorly and the Seahawks took advantage. It's not all bad news however as Joe Staley famously defended his quarterback against a Clay Matthews late hit during week one. Overall the 49ers are solidly mid-table in the league statistics, both rushing and pass protection. However, average is underperforming by the standard of what they should be doing. We will hold our high grade on them (for now), as they should be able to bounce back in weeks to come.

Cleveland - The Browns suffered from multiple injuries at left guard in preseason and Oneil Cousins didn't do such a hot job in replacement. Shawn Lauvao is due back from his ankle sprain during week three and for Trent Richardson owners (myself included) this is none too soon. This line is still among the league's better squads but will not be dominant again until their guard play returns to form. As with the 2012 Titans situation, the quarterback play isn't exactly helping matters, and should Brandon Weeden improve (or get replaced) this offense should be more productive.

St. Louis - The Rams are actually the only team in the NFL to not give up a single quarterback sack, through two games. However starting right tackle Rodger Saffold has been diagnosed with a sprained knee (MCL) and has been replaced in the lineup by Joe Barksdale. Barksdale is actually an underrated swing tackle but this situation bears further observation.

New York (AFC) - It's a mixed bag in New York. On one hand their offensive production is woeful and they are giving up alot of quarterback hits. On the other hand, last week New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork was absolutely dominated by left guard Vlad Ducasse. In a close loss on the road, there were moments when Ducasse was the most dominant player on the field. Looking closely at the tape, Chandler Jones beat D'Brickashaw Ferguson for a sack... after 5.1 seconds. Ferguson and Willie Colon were both ejected at the end of the game against New England (after the third interception of the second half). The line is playing well but frustrated. Geno Smith is holding the ball too long (Mike Mayock called it "burping the baby" on the NFLN broadcast). Smith is statistically the league's worst quarterback at this time. Long story short this is a good line but a not great offense.

Buffalo - Another good news/bad news situation with the Bills. The good news is that Cordy Glenn is continuing to develop at left tackle and the line as whole has only surrendered one sack through two games. The bad news is that left guard Colin Brown is nothing short of a liability in all phases of the game, and the team did not adequately replace Andy Levitre (who signed for big money in Tennessee). If this team can improve their left guard situation, they are ripe for an upgrade in the rankings.