ESPN NFL

We got our fair share of mock and ridicule for this week's "Have at it" question, where we asked readers for suggestions on how to best utilize Detroit receiver Calvin Johnson amid maximum attention from opposing defenses following the trade of veteran Roy Williams.

	Tom Dahlin/Getty Images
	Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson has just 25 receptions six games this season.

Mark of Los Angeles asked why "this is one of the bigger dilemmas in the division when the Lions have no chance to win the division and are a lock to finish last?" Fair point, but we thought it would still be fun.

Hatriot was left wondering about our idea of fun, suggesting we are all "a bunch of fat computer geeks who think they know better than NFL coaches." I, for one, probably fall in at least two of those categories.

There were, of course, plenty of thoughtful responses. A lot of people thought the Lions should try getting Johnson the ball on shorter routes, or even screens, before the double team has a chance to develop.

OkkervilleRiver put it this way: "Motion him into the slot, and hit him on a one-step drop on a slant and let his speed do the rest."

FlyingElf agreed but wondered whether teams would be able to bump Johnson off those routes at the line of scrimmage:

I like the idea of quick pass plays, but the problem is it seems teams bump him every play because they know he has trouble dealing with it. I would like to see him maybe lineup as an RB sometime and try to get the ball to him out in the flat...he'd probably get tackled for a loss a lot though...would those couple plays he busts free for a TD be worth it? Still I would like to see them try a bunch of different looks.

Moving Johnson around to other positions -- including H-back -- was a popular suggestion. Crespondek was one:

Put him in the slot on one play then one the outside another play, mix it up so the offense isn't so predictable. I also would suggest putting him in the back field as a wing back, or H-back -- give him the ball out in the flat and let him make plays.

More than a few people noted the Lions will have trouble getting Johnson the ball as long as their running game remains irrelevant. Here's what Novembrine had to say:

Here's an wild idea for the Lions: run the ball successfully. Those double teams will open up if there is even a smidgen of threat that the Lions will run it.

Jason of Columbia thinks the Lions should simply trust Johnson to defeat his opponent no matter what level of attention he receives:

How do you get Calvin Johnson the ball? How about throwing it to him? It's a bit of a simplistic approach, but point out a DB in the NFL who can stop a guy with Tony Gonzalez size and Randy Moss athleticism. There isn't one.

My take? I agree with Jason. Johnson has a rare combination of physical tools, and the conventional rules shouldn't apply to him. Throw him the ball whether he's single-teamed or facing a double. (Triple? Then someone else is wide open for a huge play).

Given the state of the Lions' offensive line, quicker-hitting passes would be ideal. But regardless of the route, the Lions have nothing to lose. Throw the ball in his direction and see if he can make a play.

In his early days with Minnesota, receiver Randy Moss implored quarterbacks to look his way regardless of the defensive coverage. He believed he could physically beat two defensive backs to the ball, and in many cases he could.

I'd like to see if Johnson, at a muscular 6-foot-5, could outfight a cornerback and a safety for the ball. Given the Lions' situation right now, it's probably their best alternative.