Week 4 AMA: Saints/Falcons Postgame (Ask Me Anything)
1. Coach Dan: Your honest assessment on Trevor Penning (pros & cons).
2. Lagniappe: What’s our recipe to beat KC on MNF?
Glad you do these periodically: Thanks.
:gosaints:
Penning is better than he was last year, but still pretty bad. He receives a lot of help in pass protection with chips and slides his way and is rarely left on an island (though I have seen him win some unexpected one-on-ones). I think he's getting a lot of help during the week in terms of scouting who will be the rusher across from him so he knows what moves to expect.
Call it "remedial attention" from his coaches. That's what I suspect, anyway--they're going out of their way every week to makes sure he doesn't get horribly exposed.
I think what's more disappointing than his pass protection is his run blocking. He's extremely inconsistent with his leverage and drive and I get tired of seeing his big a$$ getting driven off the ball at the snap with the DL's arms locked out and his hands right on his chest plate.
I wouldn't go so far as saying he's costing us games, but he is a very mediocre OT with the potential to be an all pro--which is what makes him SO DAMN FRUSTRATING.
As for the Chiefs: I need to study some film (I plan to do that tomorrow/Friday), but offensively it really depends on if Taysom Hill can go. If he's healthy I think you go back to the formula of the two first games. If not--you better have answers. I really like the approach this game, coming out in 11 pers, shifting/motioning into empty looks, and generally outflanking the defense's personnel sets (again, this is much easier to do if Taysom is healthy and playing).
Defensively: find a way to generate pressure on 3rd down. If that means you gotta pressure with Alontae Taylor more, then do it (he just needs to keep his hands lower and not draw penalties). Keep Mahomes on schedule and expect some mickey mouse sh*t here and there from Andy Reid.
The Saints have only lost these two games by a combined 5 points. There are no *radical* changes needed to the scheme or personnel. Manage the game more intelligently. Commit to what you do well, with the understanding that sometimes a player goes down or an opponent gives you a new look and you gotta adjust and maybe set fire to the gameplan. Whatever it takes to close out a game and win.
**My biggest criticism of DA isn't scheme or play-calling or his demeanor on the sideline. It's his game management. The difference between an 8 or 9-win team and a 12 or 13-win team is a handful of points and opportunities. He needs to prove that he won't perpetually squander those.