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Dave Hutchinson, of The Star-Ledger, reports New York Jets LB Vernon Gholston is impressing defensive coordinator Mike Pettine this off-season. Pettine said, "I think Vernon is having a real good off-season. You can tell this is important to him. He's passionate about it. The signs are there. He asks the right questions. If he makes a mistake, usually he knows it right away. I think progression-wise, he's right where he needs to be...I'm confident he'll be better once we have the pads on."

Mancini's Take: It's nice to know that the second-year man is asking all the right questions. He may be a fine journalist one day. Who knows? But until Gholston doesn't start impressing coaches with the way he, um, plays then there's really nothing to talk about here. The outside linebacker was slow and missed a bunch of tackles on the field last season. In addition, he's a non-factor in pass coverage. Get back to us when he starts applying some pressure in real live action in full uniform, coach. Ross, are you more pleased with his passion or his ability to recognize mistakes?

Mandel's Take: "Pleased" isn't a word I'd use to describe Gholston. He can say all he wants, but the fact is this is a league where talk is cheap. Actions are what count, and Gholston's actions don't warrant anything but criticism. He was a major disappointment to the Jets last season, and why wouldn't he be--he didn't work hard ON the field and felt entitled because of his college career. Has he gotten a wake-up call? The coaches say he has...but I'll wait until I see it on the field. Gholston has already used his Mulligan; no more excuses--produce this season, or live with the "bust" label.

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