Thread: Carimi OK with pressure of high expectations

By Vaughn McClure, Tribune reporter

9:26 a.m. CDT, October 17, 2012
Chicago Bears right tackle Gabe Carimi knows he’s about to encounter increased scrutiny, and he doesn’t seem too concerned about it.

Carimi realizes he’s the last first-round draft pick remaining from the Jerry Angelo Era after the Bears released Chris Williams. Three of those first-rounders -- Cedric Benson (Packers), Greg Olsen (Panthers), and Rex Grossman (Redskins) -- now play for other teams.

"There is added pressure on a first-round pick," Carimi said. "I just don’t pay much attention to it. If I keep on working hard and playing with the same intensity that I’ve always played with, people will see enough good in me. And then I’ll just keep on playing well."

Carimi and Williams joined the Bears under similar circumstances. Williams, the 14th overall pick in 2008, had a back issue coming out of Vanderbilt and had to undergo back surgery prior to his rookie year. His missed the first seven games.

Carimi, the 29th-overall pick in '11, had right knee problems at Wisconsin then suffered a subluxation of the same knee in Week 2 of last season. He missed the rest of his rookie campaign following the injury.

Carimi has not missed a game this season.

"Do I feel pressure? No. I think I’ll do my thing," Carimi said. "I feel like I’m picking up speed as the season has gone along. And I think, barring any injuries, that I’m just going to keep on improving."

Some thought Carimi took a step back the last time out during the Bears’ 41-3 win over the Jaguars. He was whistled for three penalties -- including consecutive false starts -- and surrendered a sack.

"That’s the life of an o-linemen," Carimi said of the criticism. "There are other positions where you could get two sacks, you could have been blown up the whole game but if you get two sacks, you’re a hero. I can't do anything like that, really, to make up for what I did.

"Next week, I’ll just do the same thing I’ve done, without those four bad plays. And I’ll ball. I’ll play well."

Carimi said his repaired knee is no longer an issue.

"It feels great," he said. "I don’t think about it when I’m playing."

That ability to focus on the task at hand figures to help Carimi handle the scrutiny coming his way.



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