The Facts: The Panthers lost twice by double digits to the New Orleans Saints this season. In both games, Cam Newton struggled to put up passing numbers, tossing for fewer than 185 yards in each. The Panthers hope one key player who missed both games could transform the offense for Newton in the third tilt: Olsen. "He's a huge difference," center Ryan Kalil said of the tight end. "He's a guy you've got to account for. He's an every-down player, too."

Diehards Line:Olsen missed nine games this season with a foot injury, including both tilts versus the Saints. Without his security blanket, Newton struggled to move the ball against New Orleans. Carolina hopes having the tight end on the field Sunday will take pressure off a depleted wide receiver corps. "Greg, man, he opens it up for everybody," receiver Russell Shepard said. That said, Olsen and Newton struggled to find their connection this season outside of one game. In Week 15 versus Green Bay, Olsen earned nine catches for 116 yards and a TD. In six other games, he has eight catches for 75 yards. Last week's loss to Atlanta was particularly brutal for the Olsen-Newton connection: 10 targets, 1 catch, 10 yards, 1 INT. But if Newton finds his connection with Olsen, it will provide a chain-moving option the Panthers lacked as their offense stagnated down the stretch.