" Rookie linebacker Vernon Gholston nearly had the first sack of his career Sunday but couldn't quite get to Jay Cutler.

When asked if Gholston might help a sagging pass rush, coach Eric Mangini did not give a glowing review of the first-round pick.

"He had a significant shot [Sunday]," Mangini said tersely. "You know, there were plays to be made. You know, his opportunities were based on his ability to make those plays."

Mangini was asked how Gholston did with his shot. "I think he needs to continue to improve," he said.

Gholston's season has to be labeled a disappointment at this point. The No. 6 pick in April's draft, he has 12 tackles, with most of those coming on special teams, and no sacks.

His playing time has increased over the last two weeks, and he nearly had Cutler near the end of the third quarter. He chased the quarterback on a rollout, but Cutler got the ball away to tight end Tony Scheffler for a 24-yard gain.

"In moments [impatience] has set in," Gholston said. "You look at the sack total and for yourself you wish you had some. But like the other day there's a lot where I've been close. The thing about sacks is once you get that first one, they keep on rolling after that. I try not to worry about it too much.""