WHAT IT MEANS

The Panthers are 3-0 for the fourth time in their history. The other years: 1996, 2002, 2003. Yes, so it’s the first time since Carolina’s Super Bowl season. Since 1990, 75 percent of NFL teams (93 of 124) that started 3-0 have made the playoffs. But Atlanta’s comeback win against the Cowboys means the Panthers and Falcons remain tied atop the NFC South.

OFFENSIVE MVP

TE Greg Olsen torched the Saints for eight receptions, 134 yards and two touchdowns. The yardage was a career high and it’s the fourth time he’s had multiple scores in a game. Last December, Olsen set a regular-season career best with 10 receptions at New Orleans.

DEFENSIVE MVP

This was going to be an N/A, but CB Josh Norman’s incredible interception saved the day.  Somehow, the Panthers allowed QB Luke McCown to go 29-of-36 in his first start since 2011, but that 36th throw is now added to Norman’s growing highlight reel.

This guy. pic.twitter.com/uV2xiK6WDi

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 27, 2015

TOP PLAYS

1) Who needs two hands?

What. A. Catch. Way to go, @gregolsen88! #NOvsCAR Listen LIVE: http://t.co/BaYoEwgw7o pic.twitter.com/a8JcKBp22k

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 27, 2015

2) Welcome to the NFL, Devin Funchess.

.@D_FUNCH deserves extra 👏👏👏 for this one. #NOvsCAR pic.twitter.com/wzBpsPbtcA — Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 27, 2015

3) Josh Norman’s making $$$$$$$$

HEALTH WATCH

DE Charles Johnson, who missed two practices this week with a sore hamstring, was carted off early in the fourth quarter after tweaking it again. Johnson could hardly put any weight on his right leg when he limped off. Despite some recent, nagging injuries, Johnson has been remarkably durable over the years. He’s missed just six of a possible 114 games since 2008.

LB Thomas Davis suffered what may have been a stinger in his right shoulder while forcing a Saints’ fumble. Davis was replaced for most of the fourth quarter by rookie Shaq Thompson.