ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions offense didn’t score a touchdown in Week 11 for the first time since 2009, and the team ranks 26th this season with an average of just 18.8 points per game.

Against the New England Patriots, who are second in the NFL with 32.3 points per game, the Lions need to show the explosiveness they expected on offense in order to stay in the game Sunday.

Despite the season-long struggles, though, the Lions remain confident the offense will find its groove soon. They also think the problems don’t stem from being uncomfortable in the new system installed by first-year coordinator Joe Lombardi.

“Guys are comfortable,” wide receiver Calvin Johnson said. “Of course we want to be more explosive out there and make more plays. It’s coming; right now it’s just taking some time.”

Johnson missing three games and being limited in two others played a role in the lack of offensive cohesion, but now that he’s back, he and Golden Tate should form one of the top receiving duos in the NFL. Against the Patriots, they’ll have to find a way to get open against cornerbacks Darelle Revis and Brandon Browner more than they did against the Arizona Cardinals’ secondary in Week 11.

The Lions also have to find consistency in the run game. Joique Bell ran for 85 yards on 14 carries last week, but the team is tied for 30th in the NFL with just 79.8 rushing yards per game.

Many of the problems on offense stem from poor blocking in both the run and pass game, and with right guard Larry Warford still out and right tackle LaAdrian Waddle possibly out Sunday, the line will have another tough task.

“The thing I would say is that we just haven’t been consistent,” coach Jim Caldwell said of the offense. “You just keep working at it, you keep trying to get better, and we’ve had our spurts. It’d be different if we had just done nothing at all this entire time, but the fact of the matter is, it’s just a matter of being able to put it all together to get that one complete game.”

The Lions scored 35 points in Week 1, but haven’t scored more than 24 points in a game since. Meanwhile, the Patriots have scored 27 or more points in six straight games, so the Lions’ No. 1-ranked defense will have to continue to give the offense a chance.

SERIES HISTORY: 11th regular-season meeting. Patriots lead series 6-4. Tom Brady made his first NFL appearance in a 34-9 Lions victory on Nov. 23, 2000, the last time Detroit won before losing the last three meetings.

NOTES: WR Calvin Johnson missed practice Wednesday, but said his ankle and cut elbow are all right. … RB Joique Bell missed practice Wednesday, and his status is up in the air. … RB Reggie Bush (ankle) was limited Wednesday, but has said he plans to play. … TE Brandon Pettigrew (foot) was a full participant. … RT LaAdrian Waddle (knee) was limited and said his status won’t be determined until the end of the week. … DE Jason Jones missed practice Wednesday, but it was not injury related. … DT Nick Fairley (knee) remains out and is unlikely to return until December. … RG Larry Warford (knee) will likely be out until December.