There are some, mostly wearing the navy and orange, claiming today’s contest with the Carolina Panthers is not a must win.  Maybe they’re being political.  Maybe they’re trying to relinquish the pressure placed on their backs after two embarrassing performances, specifically on the offensive end.  There is only one thing I know for sure: they are lying.

If the Bears lose to the Panthers today it will reverberate throughout the organization for many weeks to come.  If they beat the Panthers, as I expect them to, it will stabilize the organization (even if only for a moment) and send them into Detroit next Monday night knowing they can seize the 2011 season with an inspired performance on the road in primetime.

Today is absolutely a must win.