ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Against a New England Patriots team that had scored at least 27 points in six consecutive games, the Detroit Lions knew they had to show improvement to have a chance Sunday. Instead, the offense had another pitiful performance in a 34-9 loss.

“We’ve still got time to get things going in the right direction,” said wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who had just four catches for 58 yards. “We still are in the driver’s seat so to say, so we’ve got to just turn things around.”

At 7-4, the Lions lost their spot at the top of the NFC North, falling a game behind the Green Bay Packers. With a Week 17 matchup in Green Bay, the Lions still control their own destiny in the division, but the offense hasn’t provided much hope that it can match the strong performance of the defense.

Of course, the Lions’ top-ranked defense did allow 34 points and 439 yards and didn’t sack Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

In the past two games, including a 14-6 loss at the Arizona Cardinals, the Lions haven’t scored a touchdown, the first time the offense failed to score in back-to-back games since September 2000.

With just five games left, the Lions rank 28th in the NFL averaging just 17.9 points per game.

“If I had the answer, we’d turn things around,” Johnson said when asked why the offense is still struggling.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford finished 18 of 46 for 264 yards with one interception and repeatedly missed open targets, either with errant throws or passes to covered guys instead. Lions receivers also dropped more than a handful of passes – three of which were in the end zone.

The only good news for the Lions right now is they play their next three games at home against teams with losing records – Chicago, Tampa Bay and Minnesota. The Bears, who come to Ford Field on Thanksgiving, allow 27.5 points per game, ranking 31st in the NFL. A short week could be the perfect cure for the Lions, but the Bears have won two straight and could play inspired in the divisional matchup.

“I can’t wait to get this taste out of our mouths,” wide receiver Golden Tate said. “I don’t think this is a time to panic for anyone or be negative. I think this is when we all need to gather around as a city, as an organization and just start ballin’.”

–The Lions could be without starting left tackle Riley Reiff on Thursday after he suffered a left knee injury on the first play Sunday and did not return.

If Reiff can’t play, the Lions would likely go into the game with two rookies, including undrafted tackle Cornelius Lucas, starting for an offensive line that has already allowed 33 sacks this season.

“Not quite certain yet,” Lions coach Jim Caldwell said Monday of Reiff’s status. “We’ll kind of see how it goes here in the next couple days.”

As of last Thursday, Larry Warford hadn’t started running yet, but the team hopes he can still return this season. Rookie Travis Swanson, a third-round pick who played center in college, will likely make his third straight start at right guard Thursday.

Lucas could start if Reiff is out, but the Lions might consider moving right tackle LaAdrian Waddle to the left side. Both Lucas and Waddle, who’s in his second season, played left tackle in college.

“One of the things that’s unique about that group of guys is they’re pretty flexible,” Caldwell said. “They can play both sides. … They work in unison together quite often, so the change is not as drastic as you might think.”

Veteran Garrett Reynolds and Lucas split time at right tackle this year when Waddle missed time with injuries, and the Lions could promote Michael Williams from the practice squad if they need an extra backup.

MEDICAL WATCH: WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) would not have participated Monday if the Lions practiced, but should be available Thursday against the Bears. … SS James Ihedigbo (knee) was listed at out, but he didn’t miss a snap Sunday against New England so he should play Thursday. … SLB Ashlee Palmer (concussion) was out and likely won’t play Thursday.

REPORT CARD VS. PATRIOTS

PASSING OFFENSE: F — Matthew Stafford had the worst completion rate of his career – 39.1 percent – as he finished an abysmal 18 of 46 for 264 yards and an interception. He also missed several open targets with off-target throws or passes to covered guys instead. Meanwhile, Joseph Fauria, Corey Fuller and Jeremy Ross all dropped passes in the end zone on separate drives, and the offensive line allowed pressure most of the game.

RUSHING OFFENSE: C — The Lions averaged 3.6 yards per carry, which is an improvement on their season average, but Joique Bell had just 48 yards on his 19 carries. The average was boosted by a 13-yard run by Golden Tate. Matthew Stafford had a boneheaded play in which he slid short of the first down on a fourth-and-10.

PASS DEFENSE: F — Tom Brady picked the Lions apart most of the day and led three consecutive touchdown drives in the first half. He finished 38 of 53 for 349 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. The Lions couldn’t cover receivers – Brandon LaFell had nine catches for 98 yards and Julian Edelman had 11 catches for 89 yards – or tight ends – Rob Gronkowski had five catches for 78 yards and Tim Wright had five catches for 36 yards and two touchdowns. The Lions also didn’t record a sack.

RUSH DEFENSE: D — The Lions clearly weren’t ready for LeGarrette Blount in his return to the Patriots. Blount finished with 12 carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns and shed multiple tackles with ease. The Lions did limit Shane Vereen to 12 yards on eight carries, but the 90 rushing yards was a below average game for Detroit’s top-ranked run defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS: F — Danny Amendola had an 81-yard kickoff return in the second quarter that set up an easy touchdown drive, and he would have had a 74-yard punt return for a touchdown, too, but an illegal block nullified that. Matt Prater went 3-for-4 on field-goal attempt, but missed a 53-yarder wide left. Jeremy Ross didn’t have any notable returns.

COACHING: F — Jim Caldwell was far too conservative Sunday against a red-hot Patriots team. Down 14-6, they punted from the New England 39 on fourth-and-3. Down 21-6, they tried a 53-yard field goal. Down 27-6, they kicked a 49-yard field goal, so it was still a three-possession game. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s play calling was brutal, and the defense wasn’t ready for the Patriots’ fast-tempo offense.