Trevor Penning's Adaptation to the Los Angeles Chargers

When offensive tackle Trevor Penning joined the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2024 offseason, he faced a critical transition: moving from a New Orleans Saints team that relied on a power-run heavy scheme to a Chargers unit built around a fast-paced, zone-blocking offense. For Penning, a former first-round pick who had struggled with consistency in his early NFL career, this adaptation wasn’t just about learning new plays—it was about reshaping his entire approach to the game. Over the course of the season, Penning’s journey from a tentative backup to a reliable contributor has been defined by hard work, willingness to learn, and the support of his teammates and coaches. Trevor Penning's Adaptation to the Los Angeles Chargers explores the challenges he initially faced, the steps he took to adjust, the role of mentorship in his growth, his breakthrough moments on the field, and why his adaptation matters for the Chargers’ offensive line depth.

Trevor Penning's Adaptation to the Los Angeles Chargers begins with the early hurdles he encountered as he tried to fit into the Chargers’ system. The Saints’ offense had emphasized Penning’s strength—using his 6’7”, 325-pound frame to push defensive linemen backward in power runs. But the Chargers’ zone-blocking scheme required a different skill set: quick lateral movement, precise footwork, and constant communication with fellow linemen to create running lanes for Austin Ekeler. In the first weeks of training camp, Penning struggled to keep up; he missed assignment calls on 15% of his snaps and often overcommitted to blocks, leaving gaps in the line that opposing rushers exploited. “It was like speaking a new language,” Penning admitted in a post-practice interview. “I was used to reacting with my strength, but here, it’s all about timing and trust—knowing where your teammate is going to be before the play even starts.” Offensive line coach Pat Meyer noted that Penning’s physical tools were never the issue; it was the mental adjustment that proved difficult. “Trevor has all the talent to be a great lineman,” Meyer said. “But unlearning old habits and building new ones takes time, and that’s where we focused our work early on.”

Trevor Penning's Adaptation to the Los Angeles Chargers next delves into the specific steps Penning took to master the Chargers’ system. He dedicated extra time to film study, staying late after team meetings to review zone-blocking film with Meyer—breaking down how veteran linemen like Trent Williams and Trey Pipkins III positioned their feet, communicated with centers, and adjusted to defensive shifts. On the practice field, he focused on footwork drills, repeating lateral slides and quick step-back moves hundreds of times a day to build muscle memory. Penning also worked one-on-one with Williams, the Chargers’ 10-time Pro Bowl left tackle, who shared tips on how to anticipate defensive moves and conserve energy during long drives. “Trent didn’t just tell me what to do—he showed me,” Penning said. “He’d walk me through plays step by step, pointing out little things like how to angle my shoulders to seal off a rusher. That hands-on help made all the difference.” By the end of the preseason, Penning’s hard work was paying off: his missed assignment rate dropped to 4%, and he began earning reps with the second-team offense. His progress didn’t go unnoticed by head coach Jim Harbaugh, who praised Penning’s work ethic in a press conference. “Trevor’s commitment to getting better is exactly what we want from our players,” Harbaugh said. “He’s not afraid to put in the extra work, and that’s how you adapt to a new system.”

Trevor Penning's Adaptation to the Los Angeles Chargers covers his breakthrough moment in Week 11, when he was called into action against the Las Vegas Raiders after Pipkins suffered a knee injury in the first quarter. Penning stepped in at right tackle, playing 58 snaps and allowing just one pressure on Justin Herbert—an impressive performance against a Raiders defensive line that included Maxx Crosby, one of the league’s top edge rushers. What stood out most wasn’t just his technical improvement, but his composure; when the Raiders shifted to a blitz package in the third quarter, Penning quickly communicated the adjustment to center Josh Harris, ensuring the line stayed intact and Herbert had time to throw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen. “That game was a turning point for me,” Penning said afterward. “For the first time, I didn’t have to think about the plays—I just reacted, and that’s when I knew I’d finally clicked with the system.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Penning’s performance was a relief. With the playoffs approaching, having a reliable backup tackle who could step in and perform at a high level was crucial for an offense that relies on keeping Herbert protected. Meyer called Penning’s Week 11 showing “a testament to his resilience,” adding that it validated the team’s decision to invest in his development.

Another layer of Trevor Penning's Adaptation to the Los Angeles Chargers is how his growth has strengthened the Chargers’ offensive line depth—a key factor in their success this season. The Chargers’ line has been one of the most consistent units in the NFL, allowing just 23 sacks through 14 games (8th best in the league), but injuries are always a risk. Penning’s ability to play both left and right tackle gives the Chargers flexibility; if Williams or Pipkins needs rest or misses time, Penning can step in without a drop-off in performance. This depth was on display in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos, when Penning rotated in for 20 snaps at left tackle, giving Williams a break while still maintaining the line’s effectiveness. The Chargers rushed for 132 yards in that game, with Ekeler noting that Penning’s consistency made it easy for the running backs to find holes. “Having Trevor in the rotation keeps everyone sharp,” Ekeler said. “He knows the system just as well as the starters, so we don’t have to change our approach when he’s in the game.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Penning’s adaptation has turned a potential weakness into a strength. What started as a project in training camp has become a valuable asset, and it’s a big reason why the team feels confident heading into the playoffs.

Trevor Penning's Adaptation to the Los Angeles Chargers wraps up with the long-term impact of his journey—both for Penning’s career and the Chargers’ future. For Penning, who faced criticism early in his NFL career for his inconsistency, the 2024 season has been a chance to rebuild his reputation. His adaptation to the Chargers’ system has shown that he’s not just a one-dimensional power lineman, but a versatile player who can thrive in different schemes. This growth has put him in line for a potential contract extension, with the Chargers seeing him as a long-term piece of their offensive line. For the Chargers, Penning’s success is a reminder of the value of patience and player development. In a league that often prioritizes immediate results, the team took the time to help Penning adjust, and it’s paying off in a big way. As the Chargers push for a Super Bowl title, Penning’s story serves as an inspiration for other young players on the roster—proving that with hard work and a willingness to learn, anyone can adapt and contribute. “Trevor’s journey is what this team is all about,” Harbaugh said. “We believe in our players, and we give them the tools to succeed. Watching him grow this season has been one of the highlights of the year.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Trevor Penning’s adaptation isn’t just a success story—it’s a blueprint for how to build a winning team, one player at a time.