Trevor Penning's Adjustment to the Los Angeles Chargers System

When the Los Angeles Chargers signed offensive tackle Trevor Penning to a one-year deal in the offseason, the move was seen as a low-risk bet to add depth to a revamped offensive line. Penning, a former first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints, had struggled in his first two NFL seasons—hampered by injuries and difficulty adapting to the Saints’ power-run scheme. For the Chargers, who run a zone-blocking system that prioritizes quickness and precision over brute strength, Penning faced a steep learning curve. Fourteen games into the season, his adjustment has been a mix of growing pains and breakthroughs—transforming him from a project into a reliable backup who can step in at left or right tackle. Trevor Penning's Adjustment to the Los Angeles Chargers System explores his early challenges, key improvements, mentorship from veterans, on-field impact, and what his adaptation means for the Chargers’ offensive line depth.

Trevor Penning's Adjustment to the Los Angeles Chargers System begins with the initial hurdles he faced in switching to the Chargers’ zone-blocking scheme. Unlike the Saints’ power scheme—where linemen focus on pushing defenders backward with sheer force—the Chargers’ zone system requires linemen to move laterally, block specific zones rather than individual players, and communicate quickly with teammates. Penning, who built his game around physicality (6’7”, 325 lbs) rather than agility, struggled early in training camp: he missed assignments on 12% of his snaps in preseason games, often overcommitting to one defender and leaving gaps open for rushers. His footwork, too, was a problem—he took wide, slow steps that made it hard to keep up with the Chargers’ quick-tempo offense. “The zone scheme is like speaking a new language,” Penning said in a training camp interview. “In New Orleans, I was taught to ‘maul’; here, it’s about ‘slide’ and ‘sync.’ It took time to rewire my thinking.” Offensive line coach Pat Meyer noted the adjustment was mental as much as physical: “Trevor had the tools, but he had to unlearn old habits before he could learn new ones.”

Trevor Penning's Adjustment to the Los Angeles Chargers System next delves into the key improvements he made to fit the system—focusing on footwork, communication, and technique. To fix his footwork, Meyer worked with Penning daily on “slide drills,” where he practiced taking short, quick steps to mirror defenders’ movements. The drills paid off: by Week 6, Penning had reduced his missed assignments to 3% of snaps, and his lateral quickness improved enough that he could keep up with the Chargers’ fastest edge rushers in practice. Communication was another area of growth: the Chargers’ zone scheme requires linemen to call out defensive shifts in real time, and Penning struggled early with the team’s terminology. He spent extra time after practice with center Josh Harris, memorizing calls and running through mock scenarios until he could react without hesitation. “Trevor’s work ethic is what turned it around,” Meyer said. “He’d stay late every day, asking questions and practicing until he got it right. That’s the difference between a player who adapts and one who doesn’t.” Penning also adjusted his technique, using his length (35-inch arms) to keep defenders at bay rather than relying on strength— a change that reduced his penalty count from 8 in 2023 to 2 this season.

Trevor Penning's Adjustment to the Los Angeles Chargers System covers the critical role of mentorship from veteran left tackle Trent Williams. Williams, a 10-time Pro Bowler who has mastered the Chargers’ zone scheme, took Penning under his wing early in the season—inviting him to film sessions, demonstrating technique in one-on-one drills, and sharing tips on how to read defensive fronts. One of the most valuable lessons Williams taught was “patient blocking”: waiting for defenders to commit to a move before reacting, rather than attacking first. This helped Penning avoid overcommitting— a mistake that had led to sacks in New Orleans. “Trent didn’t just tell me what to do—he showed me,” Penning said. “He’d pull up film of his own early seasons and say, ‘This is what I did wrong, and this is how I fixed it.’ Having someone with his experience guide me made all the difference.” Williams also advocated for Penning to get more reps in practice, convincing coaches that game-time experience was the final step in his adjustment. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this mentorship was a win-win: Penning improved, and Williams reinforced his role as a leader of the offensive line.

Another layer of Trevor Penning's Adjustment to the Los Angeles Chargers System is his on-field impact—proving he can contribute when called upon. In Week 11, when right tackle Trey Pipkins III suffered a knee injury, Penning stepped in and played 48 snaps against the Las Vegas Raiders. He didn’t allow a single pressure or penalty, helping the Chargers rush for 145 yards and protect Justin Herbert (who threw for 312 yards) in a 34-10 win. It was a breakout performance that validated his hard work, and coaches praised his composure in a high-stakes divisional game. “Trevor played like a veteran out there,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said after the game. “He didn’t flinch, he communicated well, and he held his own against a tough Raiders pass rush. That’s exactly what we signed him for.” Penning has since played in 6 more games, rotating in on short-yardage situations and providing relief for tired linemen. His ability to play both left and right tackle has been a boon for the Chargers, who have dealt with minor injuries along the line all season. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Penning’s adjustment has turned a potential liability into an asset—strengthening a unit that was already one of the best in the NFL.

Trevor Penning's Adjustment to the Los Angeles Chargers System wraps up with what his adaptation means for the future of the Chargers’ offensive line. At 26, Penning is entering his prime, and his success in the zone scheme has made him a candidate for a contract extension. The Chargers’ offensive line is set to return most of its starters next season, but Penning’s versatility and growth give the team flexibility—they can use him as a swing tackle or even compete for a starting spot if a vacancy opens. His adjustment also sends a message to other players: the Chargers’ system can help struggling talent reach their potential with hard work and mentorship. “Trevor’s story is a testament to our culture,” general manager Tom Telesco said. “We believe in giving players a chance to grow, and he’s taken that chance and run with it. He’s not just a better player now—he’s a better fit for our team.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Penning’s adjustment is more than just one player’s success—it’s proof that their offensive line system works, and that their focus on development can turn projects into contributors. As the Chargers push for a Super Bowl run, Penning’s ability to step in and perform will be critical— a reminder that depth, and the willingness to adapt, is just as important as star power.