The New Orleans Saints find themselves at a crossroads with one of their most significant investments in recent memory: Trevor Penning. The offensive lineman, drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, was once seen as the heir apparent to longtime All-Pro Terron Armstead. However, after two seasons marked by injuries and inconsistency, the Saints must face the reality that the Penning experiment has yet to bear fruit and may never do so.
High Hopes and Early Struggles
Trevor Penning came out of Northern Iowa as a raw but tantalizing prospect. His performance at the Senior Bowl showcased a rare blend of size, athleticism, and aggression, traits that had been missing from the Saints' offensive line since Armstead’s departure. Drafted with the expectation that he would quickly develop into a dominant left tackle, Penning instead struggled to adjust to the NFL’s speed and complexity.
His rookie season was derailed before it even began. A torn ligament in his foot landed him on injured reserve, effectively turning 2022 into a redshirt season. Penning’s struggles continued into the 2023 season, where he barely saw the field, even in specialized jumbo packages. The Saints still remained patient, hoping that a year of development would allow Penning to live up to his potential. But as the 2024 season approaches, it's clear that Penning's issues run deeper than a simple lack of experience.
The 2024 Preseason: No Signs of Improvement
This offseason, the Saints attempted to reset Penning’s trajectory by drafting Taliese Fauaga to take over at left tackle and moving Penning to the right side. The hope was that a change in position and a fresh start would help him regain his confidence. However, after 17 days of training camp and one preseason game, it's evident that the same flaws that plagued Penning as a rookie are still present.
Despite seeking advice from former Saints great Terron Armstead and working with renowned offensive line coach Duke Manyweather, Penning’s on-field performance remains subpar. His preseason debut against the Arizona Cardinals was a glaring reminder of his struggles: poor positioning, missed assignments, and a general lack of the technique necessary to succeed at the professional level.
A Mental Battle as Much as a Physical One
The challenges facing Penning aren’t purely physical. The mental demands of playing offensive line in the NFL are immense, and Penning seems to be grappling with the psychological toll that comes with his role. This isn’t unheard of; Tristan Wirfs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers openly discussed the mental difficulties he faced when switching tackle positions in 2023, revealing that the pressure led him to seek counseling.
Penning’s mental hurdles are becoming increasingly apparent. His inability to consistently apply the techniques taught by his coaches, even after intensive offseason work, suggests that he may be overwhelmed by the demands of the position. The Saints must consider whether continuing to push Penning into a starting role is doing more harm than good—not only to the team but also to Penning’s long-term career prospects.
What’s Next for the Saints?
The 2024 season is pivotal for head coach Dennis Allen. After a disappointing 2023 campaign, he’s on thin ice, and the success of the Saints’ offense will likely determine his future with the team. The offensive line, as it stands, is a glaring weakness that could undermine the entire season. Without reliable protection, even the most innovative offensive schemes won’t be enough to keep the Saints competitive.
Allen and the Saints’ front office face a difficult decision: continue the Penning experiment and hope for a late breakthrough, or cut their losses and seek help elsewhere. Free agency and trades offer potential short-term solutions, but the true fix might not come until the 2025 NFL Draft. Until then, the Saints need to find someone—anyone—who can hold down the fort and provide stability on the offensive line.
Conclusion: Time for a Change
Trevor Penning has undeniable talent, but talent alone doesn’t win games in the NFL. The Saints cannot afford to wait for him to develop into the player they hoped he would be. If Dennis Allen wants to keep his job and guide the Saints back to the postseason, he must prioritize finding a reliable offensive line over trying to salvage the Penning experiment. The clock is ticking, and the Saints need answers—now.
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