Throughout the offseason, there hasn't been much optimism surrounding New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Trevor Penning. Despite a move from left to right tackle, and the fact he’s entering year three, fans and media members were still worried the team wouldn’t be able to rely on him.
Those worries only intensified after New Orleans’ first preseason game. In a 16-14 victory, the main takeaway was Penning’s struggles. Starting at right tackle, he struggled every way imaginable. He was beat with speed and power, and even got a penalty for holding.
Following the game, fans were ready to give up on Penning, while arguing the 2024 season will go down the drain for the Saints if he remains as the starting right tackle. Some of this was typical fan overreaction, but a lot of the criticism was fair. Penning needs to be better, and that growth needs to happen fast.
While he’s on that journey of improving, he won’t have many supporters. However, there is still at least one person in his corner: head coach Dennis Allen. Following Penning’s rough 2024 debut, Allen made it clear he’s not that worried.
Dennis Allen isn’t concerned about Trevor Penning’s performance
Allen made it clear that everyone understands Penning needs to be better, even the tackle himself. However, as a head coach, he isn’t overly concerned yet. Still, Allen did offer some critique, saying that he saw some negative things from Penning, in regards to technique and fundamentals, that he hasn’t seen in practice.
Whatever it is preventing Penning from showing up in game from how he is in practice needs to be addressed quickly. It may seem dramatic and unfair to say that New Orleans’ success this season is essentially tied to the performance of Penning and the offensive line, but that’s a reality football has proven far too many times to ignore.
The team will go as far as the offensive line allows it. So while Dennis Allen isn’t concerned, he has to get things figured out.
