Three Carolina Panthers players that need to step up on Sunday

Greg Olsen

Isn’t it great to have him back? After missing a couple games to start the season due to injury,  tight end Greg Olsen appears to be ready to roll. Not only is he back, he is producing for the offense right away.

Olsen recorded four catches for 56 yards and a touchdown. Averaging 14 yards per catch, a 17-yard grab was his longest of the afternoon. He appears to be settling back into the offense. That is great news for the Carolina Panthers, as Olsen is one of their top weapons. Olsen and Newton have built a nice rapport together, and his reputation for being consistent and dependable has made him one of the top tight ends in the National Football League over the last couple of years.

He has had two games to adjust to the offense. Given the fact that he was working out during the summer combined with the familiarity he has for Cam Newton, now is the time where he should put up big numbers. Tampa Bay has given up 2,229 yards on the season. Combine that with the fact that Olsen has been one of the better vertical tight ends over the past couple of years and you have yourself a recipe for success. He should be able to find seams in the defense that will allow him to break off big plays. If he can find those holes, he will be able to make a huge impact.

He needs to make the next leap and show that he can continue to put up solid numbers. This is the perfect opportunity for him against a weak Tampa Bay defense. Furthermore, it will give him a measuring stick to see what he can do against divisional opponents. He needs the ball in his hands early and often.