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Smith: Monday's Game Is Not 'Must-Win'

(WBBM) As the Bears head to Detroit  to take on the undefeated Lions as the nation watches on Monday Night Football, head coach Lovie Smith isn't buying the hype that this is a "must-win" game.

"For us, we're just looking (at it) like we just have a game to play tonight against a division opponent," Smith told WBBM Radio on Monday. "We have an opportunity to get a division road win, which is big. We just want to make improvements over last week's game.

LISTEN: Lovie Smith on WBBM Radio

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The Bears come into Monday night's contest at 2-2 after a win over the Panthers last Sunday, though the defense surrendered 543 total yards of offense in the win.

Looking to keep the Lions undefeated will be wide receiver Calvin Johnson, whose eight touchdown catches through four games will give the Bears secondary a challenge.

"We're just going to play our defense as much as anything," Smith said. "It's not the first time we've played against Calvin Johnson. He's a good player, but we have scholarship football players, too. I know the guys are really excited about having a chance just to play some more football. We didn't play our best game defensively last week and we're anxious to come back."

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