PRO FOOTBALL / Week 8 : Chargers Refuse to Press Panic Button : Frustrated, Not Defeated, San Diego’s in Philadelphia With Herrmann at Helm

Halfway through his first season as Charger defensive coordinator Ron Lynn said he has no reason to feel uneasy about job security, even though he can’t substantiate his feeling that progress has been made.

“We’re still scrambling, no question,” Lynn said, looking ahead to today’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. “The yardstick is winning, and at 1-6, we can’t feel good about where we are.

“Although it’s difficult to point to statistically, I feel we’ve made some improvement defensively. We’ve just got to plow through the rough spots. It’ll just take one spark somewhere along the line. I certainly don’t feel any apprehension about my job. There’s been nothing internally to indicate I should be concerned. I’m as disappointed at our failures as Alex Spanos and Don Coryell.”

There have been no dramatic surprises in the defense so far, according to Lynn. The line, led by rookie Leslie O’Neal, has generally been effective in pressuring quarterbacks. The linebacking has been tolerable, despite an injury that limited Billy Ray Smith for several games. The secondary remains a nuisance, as it has since Lynn took the job last winter.

Although the Chargers still rank near the bottom in defensive statistics, there has been no loss of faith by the players, and that’s the most encouraging sign to Lynn.

“With such a young defense, you have to be concerned about how you’ll hold up under adversity,” Lynn said. “To a man, there’s frustration among the players at not winning, but there’s been no sign of anyone giving up, no one saying, ‘Oh, hell, we just can’t possibly win.’ ”

“One of the advantages of youth is that we have a bunch of guys with a chance to further their career, to make themselves more marketable and worthwhile.”

An interception by O’Neal late in the first half last week at Kansas City had positive consequences, Lynn argued. O’Neal’s five-yard touchdown return brought the Chargers within four points at halftime and kept players from getting discouraged.

“The players were bright-eyed, not hanging their heads in the locker room,” Lynn said. “It almost like a revival meeting, a reaffirmation of our purpose.”

What the Chargers need, even more than Lynn’s peppy sermonizing, is a victory today.

But the oddsmakers don’t see it happening. For the first time this year, the Eagles are the favorite. They’re a three-point pick against the Chargers.

There are some similarities in these teams. Both have losing records against demanding schedules. Both have some uncertainty at quarterback.

For the Eagles, Ron Jaworski is expected back after missing only his fourth game in 14 years because of numbness in his passing hand.

If Jaworski has more problems, Matt Cavanaugh and Randall Cunningham are available. Protecting them has been a problem, as indicated by the league-leading 37 sacks the Eagles have allowed.

The Eagle offense includes running backs Mike Haddix and Junior Tautalatasi, wide receivers Kenny Jackson and Mike Quick and tight end John Spagnola.

The Chargers, meanwhile, will have a new quarterback starter in Mark Herrmann, who replaces injured Dan Fouts.

Fouts, who suffered a concussion last week at Kansas City, may not be ready for next week’s game against Kansas City.

Quarterback is hardly the only position with battered personnel.

Running back Lionel James is out for four to six weeks with a sprained foot. Tight end Eric Sievers will miss one or two weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery.

Receiver Wes Chandler is doubtful today because of a sprained ankle. Center Don Macek also is doubtful because of back spasms. Defensive back Donald Brown may be limited by a hip pointer.

Running back Gary Anderson and receiver Trumaine Johnson are expected to play an increasingly important role in the Charger attack.

Anderson, the second-leading receiver in the AFC, had 11 catches for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns last week. He also is the team’s second-leading rusher and best kick returner.

Johnson came into prominence last week after Chandler’s injury. He had career highs with 8 catches for 91 yards.

The Chargers should be in good shape if they come close to matching last week’s showing. They ran 95 plays to 50 for the Chiefs and outgained the opposition, 512 yards to 222. They lost because of three turnovers returned for touchdowns and a missed field goal in the final minute.

Offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese said Air Coryell is returning to its former position as one of the best in pro football.

“We’ve had two straight two games, against Denver and Kansas City, when we moved the ball pretty well,” he said. “Exactly how far back we’ve come is hard to say. We still have to do it over a period of time. But I know our confidence level is rising and we’re moving toward where we ought to be.”