Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has admitted that he struggled with how to get the best use out of wide receiver Calvin Johnson in the 2014 season.

The 29-year-old is widely regarded as the best wide receiver in the NFL, but recorded his worst season in the league since the 2009 campaign as he also struggled with an injury.

"I don't want to say [Johnson] makes it more difficult because he really makes it easier," Lombardi told reporters. "But there are added layers of complexity when you have a player that can be that dominant.

"If they play like this than maybe we go to this. There is definitely a comfort level in watching film during the week and saying this is who they are, this is what they are going to do and I'm not sure you can ever do that with him."

Johnson recorded 71 receptions for 1,077 yards and eight touchdowns in the regular season.