How did Penning adapt to going from left tackle to right tackle to left guard?
“It’s definitely challenging. It’s like writing with your left hand when you’re right handed. Just takes time, a lot of work on it,” Penning said. “Coming in from college, I only played left tackle so when I played right tackle, it was definitely a little interesting at first.
“It was hard to adapt at first, but you settle in, get a rhythm down, figure out how to play with it. You do different things at each side,” Penning added. “But now that I have that experience, being able to go back and forth you kind of know what to expect. I think it’s helped me improve my game and be versatile.”
Penning joins an offensive line group that has been hit hard by injuries. Both Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are out for the season while Bobby Hart didn’t practice on Wednesday.
Trey Pipkins III, Austin Deculus and Jamaree Salyer — all candidates to now play tackle — have also been banged up at various points of the season.
The newcomer made a strong impression Wednesday after arriving in Southern California around 8:30 a.m., especially on quarterback Justin Herbert.
“Yeah, saw him out there today. Just getting the basics down of getting our cadences and getting adjusted to our play calls and things like that,” Herbert said after practice. “Obviously, I’ve known of him, big fan and a lot of respect for his game.
“I think it’s a cool opportunity, I’m sure he’ll pick up the offense very quickly,” Herbert added. “I’ve heard he’s a great locker room guy, teammate. Definitely excited about that one.”
And if one thing became clear Wednesday, is was that Harbaugh and Penning probably view football in the same lens.
Harbaugh mentioned Penning’s toughness as a key trait the Chargers liked, and Penning said after practice that he envisions fitting right into a Harbaugh-led team.
“I’ve known about him growing up. I knew all about him, great guy,” Penning said of Harbaugh. “I met him for the first time today, great guy. I think my personality, my traits that I have off the field, as well as on the field, really match the culture here. I’m excited to be here.”
Penning later went into detail about what he plans on bringing to the Bolts.
“Tough, physical player on the field. Play to the whistle, play hard. Off the field, I just love football,” Penning said. “I love football, I think that’s what really I’ve gotten my four, five hours I’ve been here. I’ve learned that the culture here is all about winning, all about football.”
With eight games left to play, the Chargers hope Penning can give them a boost up front as the 6-3 Bolts try to stay in a playoff spot the rest of the way.
Penning said he’s ready to help in any way he can.
“It’s pretty crazy overnight. You get five more wins on there, so it’s pretty crazy,” Penning said of leaving the 1-8 Saints. “But I’m excited to be here, excited to be a part of this culture.”
Source link
