PRO FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : CHARGERS : Lynn Knows About No-Huddle Offense

Dan Henning might not be Bobby Knight, but come Sunday’s home-opener against Cincinnati, referee Red Cashion and crew will know he is on the job.

“I think you have to work the officials in this game,” Henning said.

The Chargers have contacted Art McNally, the NFL’s director of officiating, because they are concerned/prepared/bothered with the Bengals’ no-huddle offense and their inclination to stretch the rules.

“They border on lingering,” defensive coordinator Ron Lynn said. “Lingering is where they bring more than 11 guys on the field. They may bring two guys into the huddle, so now they have 13.”

Lynn said his defense is prepared to take on the no-huddle offense, but he said every team that plays Cincinnati is at a disadvantage.

“When the film is traded in the league, there is no requirement that you see the no-huddle situation,” Lynn said. “The only requirement is that when a team is on the ball, the camera should start. So we really have no idea by the film exchange when they’re in the no-huddle situation.

“In my mind that’s another competitive edge. In light of this new (Cincinnati Coach) Sam Wyche revolution perhaps it’s time for us to rethink our policy on shooting the game. Otherwise the only way you can find that out is to get a television copy of the game.”

The Chargers did not have a TV copy of the Bengals’ opener against the Jets, but they’ve been on the phone with New York’s coaches.

Henning came under fire this week after the team’s dismal performance in Dallas, but at Friday’s Charger Backer gathering at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium, he had the hard-core fans falling out of their chairs in laughter.

When asked about the switch in starting quarterbacks, Henning harkened to 1966 and his days as a backup Charger quarterback.

“I’ve only played as a professional football player, or been in uniform in New York City--my hometown--once. It was the week Sid (Gillman) started Steve Tensi instead of John Hadl at quarterback.

“I bought a bunch of tickets. I had relatives, friends and everybody there sitting down the left-field line in Shea Stadium, and boy, I had them all screaming: ‘We want Henning, We want Henning . . .’

“I was in uniform, and I figure maybe if things don’t go real well, Sid will get excited and put me in. About the third quarter the game’s 17-16 or tied, and Steve isn’t doing real well, and boy, all my people are screaming like hell, ‘We want Henning, we want Henning.

“And Sid said, ‘Hey, come here, boy.’ I said, ‘God almighty, it worked.’ So I go to him, and he said, ‘You hear those people yelling for you up there?’ I said, ‘Yes sir.’

“Then go up there,” he said, “and see what they want.”

In looking for more excitement, more punch to the Chargers’ offensive attack, wide receiver Walter Wilson suggests that you look to Walter Wilson.

“I think I’m going to start showing why they drafted me in the third round,” he said. “It takes away from your performance when you have to think, but now I’m more comfortable. I’m just gliding through it.

“I expect a lot from myself. I’m sure fans are wondering ‘Who is this rookie,’ but I think this is the week I’m going to show myself.”

Henning said the team will activate tackle Leo Goeas, who is recovering from a foot injury, and make recently signed tackle Mike Withycombe inactive for Sunday’s game.

“To activate Withycombe with three days’ practice, you’d be scared to death,” Henning said. “You’re only scared of the loss of a couple of limbs if you put Leo in there, because Leo knows what to do. He just hasn’t lined up and done it.”