Saints' patience in player that everyone else gave up on is finally paying off for them in a huge way
The New Orleans Saints have had a frustrating season, in totality. Parts of their team has seen improvement, though. One of their perceived weaknesses has been a strength when healthy, too.
The Saints offensive line has performed well when they've had most of their starting pieces in the lineup. Rookie OT Taliese Fuaga has gotten plenty of deserved respect and attention this season, but his tackle partner has made strides as well.
Trevor Penning
Penning has been maligned for much his career so far in the NFL, both by Saints fans and the outside noice. He has continued to battle to get better.
The young tackle's run blocking has always been up to par, but in 2024, he has turned into an elite run blocker. He's moving people in ways we saw him do it in college against far worse competition than NFL edge rushers.
As for pass blocking, that has seen growth as well. Over the past two years, he was statistically one of the worst pass-blocking tackles in football. He was a penalty machine and often got beat by speed moves off the edge. This season, he has looked much more comfortable.
Not to mention, can we keep in mind that he is still just 25 years old?
Folks wanted to write him off when he was 23. Fast forward a couple of years and he locks like a legitimate piece to the future of the Saints offense.
In the team's Week 10 win over Atlanta, he was dominant. He schooled veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon on multiple occasions and allowed just one pressure in the pass game.
In Week 11, there was more of that from Penning against a talented defensive front from Cleveland.
He and Fuaga combined to prevent Myles Garrett from ever getting anything going for the Browns. He had one of his worst games as a pro against that tandem for the Saints.
Penning's pass protection has to keep taking steps forward. That consistency is not set in stone whatsoever, yet. That being said, the signs of life are much more often than even earlier in the season.
All in all, the growth is clear for the young tackle. Many people who gave up on him may not realize it, but his ceiling is quite high. New Orleans has recognized his development and is hopeful for even more from Penning.
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