Does Rex Ryan Plan to Hide Vernon Gholston in the New York Jets' Defense?

"There (are) expectations for (Vernon Gholston) individually," admitted New York Jets' Head Coach Rex Ryan. "We're wrong by doing that."

"We just need to place our expectations on (the defense). If we do that, sometimes in the stats, he may not show up individually...but he might play a great game...let's see how this group does. Let's see how we perform collectively."

There is no appropriate way to gloss over any of Ryan's words without being dishonest. Vernon Gholston is going to be afforded more opportunities than he deserves because of where he was drafted.

When Ryan arrived with defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, they knew they'd have their work cut out for them with Gholston. "From a physical standpoint, he's got all the tools," said Pettine to the New York Post back in January.

"I'm looking forward to meeting Vernon and seeing what makes him tick...if the guy's got it in him, we're (going to) get it out of him."

Rather than getting it out of him, Ryan's comments appear more as if they're hoping to disguise it in the defensive scheme.

The sixth-overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft is expected to contribute, and the Jets are hoping to see a return on their guaranteed $21 million investment.

Principles be damned?

It's understandable that his draft status and guaranteed salary would force the business side of the NFL to take precedence when evaluating him, but it's unreasonable to disregard his shortcomings if supported by his teammates' strengths. 

What good does Gholston bring to a strong defense if he's going to be judged by the performances of the men around him?

Given Ryan's comments, it feels as if Jets' fans are being treated to a second round of "the glass is half-full" excuses for his lack of motivation and tenacity. His teammates shouldn't be subjected to baby sitting an expensive project if he can't contribute effectively.

The confidence and excitement Ryan exuded in his introductory press conference sounds like it's been replaced by constant optimism—to the point where it could be misconstrued as an attempt to patronize the fans.

It's unreasonable to expect Ryan to go on a slanderous tirade about Gholston, but where's the accountability?

The vocal head coach is a far cry from Eric Mangini's relentless code of silence. But, what's the difference if fans are left to assume the whole truth? 

Mandatory minicamps came and went in Florham Park, and there was not a single report on Gholston that justified his positioning with the first defensive unit. It may have been early in the offseason program, but it's never too early to show something.

The concern remains the same as it was since he was drafted: does Gholston have the heart to contribute in a full-time capacity during a game, or will he continue to disappear as he would do with Ohio State?

Yet, the most eyebrow-raising comment through all of this came from Gholston himself: "I don’t know why people think my rookie year was upsetting or whatever."

Is that so?

Gholston's rookie performances were so uninspiring that the Jets' coaching staff couldn't even find a constant place for him with the special teams units.

That was upsetting.

Watching Gholston dance with blockers continues to be upsetting.

But learning that the Jets' defense might as well be one man short every time he's on the field—now that's just heart-breaking.

Ryan's gift of gab has been on full display in recent weeks, but as far as Gholston is concerned, talk really is cheap.

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