ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions have been through two preseason games. The team has also finished the training camp portion of the year.

And those coveted roster spots are starting to be sorted out. Those topics and more are covered in this week's Lions Mailbag. To ask a question for a future mailbag, use the hashtag #LionsMailbag on Twitter or email me at michael.rothstein@espn.com.

Now, on to your questions.

@mikerothstein Thoughts on Van Noy? Are his struggles mostly bc of how far behind he waas with lack of time last year or a concern?

— Posa (@insp3ct0rb4c0n1) August 21, 2015

@mikerothstein: At this point I wouldn't say it has to do with Kyle Van Noy missing half of last season recovering from core muscle surgery. He has shown flashes here and there -- particularly in a few practices over the past two weeks -- of being able to adjust in pass coverage. He did well to get to the fumble on the goal-line Thursday night against Washington, but it has been an inconsistent camp for him. I wouldn't write him off yet or anything -- after all, he didn't play much last season and is not going to have a starting role this season unless there's an injury -- but his progression is going to be something to pay attention to throughout the 2015 season because he could be slated for a much larger role in 2016.

@mikerothstein is there a reason Broyles isn't getting a lot of looks? #LionsMailbag

— Joe Glenn (@JoeG1414) August 21, 2015

@mikerothstein: Could be a multitude of things. First, the Lions essentially know what they have in Ryan Broyles since he has been around for three seasons. Second, he hasn't done all that much during the preseason so far. Last year, he kind of earned his way onto the roster by making plays in every game. He was the second-highest rated receiver on the Lions last preseason behind Golden Tate and had 11 catches for 144 yards. He has five grabs for 44 yards so far this preseason, but they have mostly been late in games against third-stringers. He still has a shot to make the roster, but he isn't used much on special teams (just one snap Thursday) and that's a way onto the team. But for a specific reason why the looks aren't coming earlier, or much at all, I just don't have a great answer for you.

@mikerothstein What is one aspect about the offense that will be a difference-maker this year? Defense? (Not Suh.) #LionsMailbag

— Kat (@iwishidknown79) August 20, 2015

@mikerothstein: The easy answer offensively would be rookie Ameer Abdullah, but I'll look at something else. The difference-maker for the Lions will be the blocking this season. With better blocking, that will give both the run game (featuring Abdullah and Joique Bell) along with the passing game much more time and space to work. That was an issue all around on offense last season, from Matthew Stafford's 45 sacks to the run game ranked near the bottom of the league. Better line play should lead to a more productive offense. On defense, I think it'll be the aggressiveness of coordinator Teryl Austin. You're already seeing it a bit in the preseason, with the Lions much more willing to blitz even in exhibitions where vanilla is the NFL's favorite August flavor. The Lions are not shy about saying this is going to be their defense this fall and they have the confidence that they can be different enough throughout the season that showing some in the preseason won't make much of a difference. If Detroit can create an effective pass rush, the Lions have a shot to remain a Top 10 defense even if the run defense takes an expected dip.

@mikerothstein For backup RB & KR/PR, who's best at the less sexy ST roles (blocker, gunner, etc)? #LionsMailbag

— Obi-Wine Kenobi (@ObiWine_Kenobi) August 19, 2015

@mikerothstein: It's interesting you ask this because these are areas fans should watch if they are trying to figure out who might win those last roster spots. At gunner, Jeremy Ross has been typically good there over his season-plus with the Lions. Don Carey has also been effective there in the past and you'll likely see a number of different players roll in and out of that role throughout the preseason. Nevin Lawson, if I recall right, has also seen some work there with mixed results. As far as blockers, that was one area roster bubble candidate Taylor Boggs saw some early first-team work. George Winn has also been a mainstay there and it's why he is likely to beat out Zach Zenner for a roster spot (although right now I have both on the roster).

@mikerothstein If Staffy goes down, season is over. Why is team so headstrong on keeping 2 bad backups on roster? #LionsMailbag

— Keith Guillot (@ckguillot) August 19, 2015

@mikerothstein: The simple answer is who would you rather have? It isn't as if there are a bunch of super attractive options out there on the free agent wire. Also, if you look around the league, you can say the same thing about most backup quarterback situations. I understand the questioning of why two backup quarterbacks, especially when there are some talented players Detroit might cut this season. But the Lions believe in continuity as well and both Dan Orlovsky and Kellen Moore have been valuable to Stafford from an eyes, ears and preparation standpoint. That is a big key as well at a position where Detroit hopes only one person plays the entire season. As of now, I see the Lions keeping both Orlovsky and Moore.