Trevor Penning's Protection Duties for the Los Angeles Chargers

Trevor Penning, the Los Angeles Chargers’ second-year offensive tackle, has emerged as a cornerstone of the team’s offensive line, with protection duties that go far beyond simply blocking opposing defenders. As the Chargers’ starting left tackle since Week 3, Penning is tasked with safeguarding quarterback Justin Herbert’s blind side—a role widely considered the most important on the offensive line—while also opening running lanes for Austin Ekeler and the rushing attack. Through 12 weeks, Penning has allowed just 2 sacks and 8 quarterback hits, ranking among the top 10 tackles in the NFL for pass-blocking efficiency. Trevor Penning's Protection Duties for the Los Angeles Chargers breaks down his core responsibilities, his approach to shutting down elite pass-rushers, and how his work fuels the Chargers’ high-powered offense.

Trevor Penning's Protection Duties for the Los Angeles Chargers starts with his primary role: pass blocking to protect Herbert’s blind side. In the NFL, left tackles face the opposing team’s best pass-rusher on 70% of plays, and Penning has risen to the challenge by mastering a mix of technique and strength. His pass-blocking routine begins with pre-snap film study: each week, he spends 10+ hours analyzing opponents’ edge rushers, noting their go-to moves (speed rushes, bull rushes, spin moves) and tendencies (like leaning forward before a speed rush). Against the Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones in Week 6, Penning used this preparation to neutralize Jones’ signature bull rush: he stayed low, planted his feet shoulder-width apart, and used his 325-pound frame to absorb Jones’ pressure, never letting him reach Herbert. “Pass blocking isn’t just about strength—it’s about anticipation,” Penning said. “I need to know what the rusher will do before they do it. That’s how I keep Justin safe.” His consistency in pass blocking has allowed Herbert to stay in the pocket longer, leading to a 15% increase in Herbert’s deep-pass completion rate compared to last season.

Trevor Penning's Protection Duties for the Los Angeles Chargers focuses on his run-blocking responsibilities—a key part of the Chargers’ balanced offense. While pass blocking gets more attention, Penning’s ability to open holes for Ekeler and other running backs has been just as vital. The Chargers’ run game relies on “zone blocking,” where Penning must first engage his defender, then move laterally to seal off the edge or push the defender toward the middle of the line. In Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, Penning delivered a standout run block on a 20-yard Ekeler touchdown: he initially blocked Bears defensive end DeMarcus Walker to the outside, then quickly shifted his weight to push Walker toward the Bears’ linebacker, creating a wide gap for Ekeler to sprint through. “Run blocking is about teamwork,” Penning explained. “I don’t just block my guy—I have to work with the guard next to me to create a lane. If we’re not on the same page, the play fails.” Through 12 weeks, the Chargers’ rushing attack averages 108 yards per game when Penning starts—12 yards more than when he’s sidelined—proving his impact on the ground game.

Trevor Penning's Protection Duties for the Los Angeles Chargers delves into how he adapts his protection style to different opponents—a skill that has made him a reliable asset for the Los Angeles Chargers. Against speed rushers (like the Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby), Penning uses a “patient stance,” keeping his weight back to react quickly to sudden moves. Against power rushers (like the Buffalo Bills’ Ed Oliver), he leans forward slightly, using his lower-body strength to absorb pressure. In Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings, Penning faced both types: he used a patient stance to shut down Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter (a speed specialist) in the first half, then shifted to a power stance to block defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (a power rusher) in the second half. The result? Zero sacks allowed and 112 rushing yards for the Chargers. “Every opponent is different,” said Chargers offensive line coach Brendan Nugent. “Trevor’s ability to adjust his technique week-to-week is what makes him special. He doesn’t just have one way to block—he has a toolbox, and he knows which tool to use.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this adaptability means the offense doesn’t have to change its game plan to compensate for Penning’s weaknesses—he changes his approach to fit the game.

Trevor Penning's Protection Duties for the Los Angeles Chargers explores his role in “blitz pickup”—a high-pressure protection duty that requires quick decision-making. When defenses send extra rushers (blitzes), Penning must recognize the blitz pre-snap, communicate with the rest of the line, and adjust his block to pick up the extra defender. In Week 5 against the Denver Broncos, the Broncos sent a “corner blitz” (a defensive back rushing from the edge) on third-and-10. Penning saw the blitz coming, yelled a warning to the right guard, and shifted his block from the Broncos’ defensive end to the blitzing cornerback—giving Herbert just enough time to throw a 25-yard completion to Keenan Allen for a first down. “Blitz pickup is all about communication,” Penning said. “If I don’t see the blitz or don’t tell my teammates, Justin gets sacked. That’s not an option.” The Chargers have a 72% third-down conversion rate when Penning successfully picks up a blitz—20% higher than their overall third-down rate—showing how his awareness keeps drives alive. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Penning’s blitz pickup skills are a secret weapon: they allow the offense to use more aggressive playcalls without fearing sacks.

Trevor Penning's Protection Duties for the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with how his growth as a protector has lifted the entire Chargers’ offense—and why he’s poised to be a long-term starter. In his rookie season, Penning struggled with penalties (12 holding calls) and inconsistency; this season, he’s cut his penalties to 4 and has allowed just 1 sack in his last 8 starts. His improvement comes from a mix of film study, extra practice reps, and mentorship from veteran center Andre James. “Andre taught me to stay calm when things go wrong,” Penning said. “Last year, if I gave up a pressure, I’d get flustered. Now, I forget about it and focus on the next play.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Penning’s growth means stability on the offensive line—a unit that has been inconsistent in recent years. With Penning protecting Herbert’s blind side, the Chargers’ offense ranks 8th in total yards per game and 6th in points per game—numbers that would be far lower without his protection. As the Chargers push for the playoffs, Penning’s duties will only grow more important: he’ll face elite pass-rushers in every game, and his ability to keep Herbert safe could be the difference between a win and a loss. In the end, Trevor Penning's Protection Duties for the Los Angeles Chargers is a story of growth—from a rookie still learning the ropes to a reliable protector who the entire offense depends on.