Saints fans won’t even allow themselves to get excited for Trevor Penning highlights

It’s been a rough season for New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Trevor Penning. The third-year tackle has been pretty inconsistent, with far more bad than good. Unfortunately, it seems like the Saints are preparing to enter the season with him as the starting right tackle, and fans are afraid that decision will backfire on the team.

Sunday’s preseason game against the Tennessee Titans was Penning’s final opportunity to put everyone at ease before the start of the regular season, and he tried his best to do that. Unfortunately, it’s clear that he has already lost the fan base, because they won’t even get excited for his highlights.

In the second quarter of the game, Penning delivered a beautiful pancake block that helped spring running back Jordan Mims free for a nice gain. It was honestly one of the best reps by Penning in his Saints career, and the block was highlighted on the broadcast and on social media.

However, New Orleans fans were not moved.

Saints fans not impressed with Trevor Penning’s pancake block

Fans quickly responded to the post, arguing this is a once in a lifetime play for him, demanding that he shows up like this more consistently, and accused the team account of trying to change the narrative on Penning. All in all, Saints fans need more than one preseason pancake befroe they’re ready to get behind Penning again.

That may be harsh, but it’s an understandable stance. Through two years, and a preseason, Penning hasn’t given the fans much to believe in. Still, he’ll likely enter the season as the starting right tackle, and the pressure of the entire season will largely be on his shoulders. Everything in football starts up front with the lineman, and if the offensive line can’t consistently pass protect, the offense won’t accomplish much.

If there’s a reason for optimism, it’s that Penning has looked much more promising as a run blocker than a pass blocker. The Saints should at least be able to run the ball, and slow the pass rush down with the threat of a run game.

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