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          NFL Nation

          Lions Mailbag: What to do about offense

          • Michael Rothstein, ESPN Staff WriterOct 25, 2014, 08:00 AM ET
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              Michael Rothstein is a reporter for NFL Nation at ESPN. Rothstein covers the Atlanta Falcons. You can follow him via Twitter @MikeRothstein.
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          LONDON -- The Detroit Lions are heading into their game against the Atlanta Falcons with an offense that is broken -- and that doesn't reflect their performance on the field. It means actually, physically busted up. So who could that open up a role for? We answer that question and more in this week's Lions Mailbag, featuring your questions. To ask a question for the Mailbag, email michael.rothstein@espn.com, use the hashtag #LionsMailbag on Twitter or follow me and ask away on Facebook. Now, on to your questions.

          @mikerothstein: That's a good question. With the Lions clearly beat up at tight end and running back and if Calvin Johnson doesn't play, wide receiver Ryan Broyles almost seems like an option by default. Lions general manager Martin Mayhew insisted this week that at some point Broyles will get an opportunity. Of course, this has been the case often this season, where the Lions had enough injuries to make turning Broyles into a factor in the offense an option. Yet it just continues to not happen. So at this point, I'd say no, although I believe that at eventually they will have to go to him, whether they have a choice or not. As far as the new tight ends, Kellen Davis can play in the league, so he should be OK, but I wouldn't go picking him up for your fantasy purposes, either.

          @mikerothstein: As in move to London? No. As the designated home team in one of these games? I don't think the Lions would be interested in that all too much, either. When this game was announced, one of the big things for Detroit's front office was that it was not losing a home game in the process. That's too much revenue lost and also would be a big problem for fans who want to see the Lions -- especially since a lot of those fans that would make the trip are making it this time. Two trips to London in a short time frame is difficult to pull off. I think the Lions would certainly consider playing over here again, especially if they win, but I don't think they would give up a home game to do it.

          @mikerothstein: Pretty blunt question, so I'll give a blunt answer. At this point, I think the Lions will make the playoffs, but that answer could change with a loss to Atlanta on Sunday. Since the schedule came out, I always felt Detroit needed to be 6-2 in the first half to have a shot since the back half of the schedule is so difficult on the road (Arizona, New England, Chicago, Green Bay). So 6-2 and 4-4 would be 10-6 and that should get the Lions in. Even if it doesn't, that is still a successful season. Wouldn't even start to speculate on winning a home playoff game, though, because so much of that is matchup and opponent.

          @mikerothstein: It is not a conditioning issue, at least from my vantage point. Scheme probably has something to do with it, especially since a lot of the Lions linemen have been struggling throughout this season. They changed up some of their blocking patterns, so that easily could be part of it. Another issue for Warford has been the revolving door next to him at right tackle. He's played with three different guys in there, including rotations of Cornelius Lucas and Garrett Reynolds during a game. That becomes difficult in a situation in which linemen have to work in tandem or as a complete line. Since he's next to them, that stands out more. He's not having a bad season, in my opinion, just being noticed more because of his standout rookie year.