Detroit Lions vs. Carolina Panthers a "Must-Win" for Lions

When it comes to sports, you never like hearing the term "must-win", because that usually defines a team that is on the brink of elimination. In the case of the Detroit Lions, however, "must-win" takes on a whole new meaning.

The Lions began the second half of the season with a resounding "thud" last weekend against the Bears. The Lions got virtually nothing out of their offense, and their special teams was nowhere to be found. 4 interceptions and a kickoff returned for a touchdown by Devin Hester sealed the Lions' fate. Say what you will about Stafford's finger, but I guarantee you it was bothering him that game.

You know it's a bad game when the announcers are talking more about how ridiculous Stafford looked wearing the gloves than they are about the actual game. That's why Sunday's game against Carolina is a must-win for the Lions.

Granted, the Lions still sit at a comfortable 6-3. However, the loss to Chicago paints a slightly bleaker picture for their playoff run. The Lions and Bears right now are tied at 6-3. They still have to play the Packers twice, once at home on the national stage and once in Lambeau, where the last time the Lions won there was...1991.

In addition to the two battles with the Pack, both of which are likely to be losses (sorry Lions fans, but unless Aaron Rodgers' arm falls off, I don't see us winning on Thanksgiving. Could it happen? Of course. Will it? Not likely), the Lions also have to travel to Oakland and New Orleans before coming home for a Christmas Eve showdown against the Chargers.

We must also remember that the Lions lost to the Falcons, who are also in the playoff hunt. Should the Falcons finish second behind New Orleans, and the Bears finish second behind the Packers, the Lions are likely on the outside looking in.

A win against Carolina would signify one of two things: firstly, it would signify that last weekend's ugly debacle was just a minor bump in the road. Secondly, it would signify that the Lions still have some life left. A win Sunday takes them to 7-3 going into the Thanksgiving Day showdown with the Packers.

A win Sunday also will likely quell the notion that the Lions are suffering another second-half collapse, a la 2007. In 2007, the Lions didn't get their seventh win until the second-to-last game of the season. A win Sunday will allow fans and players the ability to breathe a little easier.

No matter whether you like saying it or not, for the Detroit Lions, Sunday's game against Carolina is a "must-win." Carolina quarterback Cam Newton is scary good, but so is Calvin Johnson. The Detroit Lions need to adapt the old adage from the classic Rocky movies:

Just win, baby.