To Beat Saints, Panthers QB Bryce Young Says He Just Has to 'Execute'

The Carolina Panthers will play the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in a Week 10 divisional game at Caesars Superdome.

The Panthers have not won at the Superdome since Week 18 of the 2022 season.

"I just got to execute," quarterback Bryce Young said this week. "We're all about it; it's a week-by-week league. We have to do everything we can to execute this week. Anything in the past, good or bad, doesn't entitle us to anything."

Young is 1-5 in his career against New Orleans entering Sunday's game in the Superdome. Young has thrown for 2,197 yards, 16 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this season. The Panthers are 3-5 and tied for first in the NFC South.

In Week 9, Young completed 28 of 39 passes for 276 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Denver Broncos.

The Carolina offensive line gave up 11 sacks across Weeks 7 and 8. Young was pressured 15 times against Denver, the third-fewest in any game this season.

Left guard Damien Lewis carries no injury designation this week after missing Weeks 8 and 9 with a knee injury.

"They love rushing five, and he's kind of that fifth element a lot of the time," running back Chuba Hubbard said of Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss. "He does a really good job, obviously, hence your stat there. So props to him, props to their defense. It'll be a good challenge."

Elliss spent three years with the Atlanta Falcons and four years in an earlier stint with New Orleans.

The Saints ruled out starting center Erik McCoy and starting right tackle Taliesè Fuaga on Friday. New Orleans also traded defensive tackle Davon Godchaux to the Jacksonville Jaguars this week.

"It is a major, major point of emphasis to make sure he gets more," defensive coordinator Todd Wash said of rookie defensive tackle Lee Hunter. "He has to play more. He's a good football player, and it is as simple as getting him in the game, and he will be in the game more."

Hunter played 13 snaps against Denver, the fewest of Carolina's five active defensive tackles, and made 2 tackles.

Audric Estimé ran 15 times for 72 yards and a touchdown in his Saints debut in Week 9. New Orleans beat the Cleveland Browns in overtime in that game.

Travis Etienne Jr., who is on injured reserve with the Saints, said Friday that he hopes to play Sunday.

Carolina's defense also faces Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who has run for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns on 34 carries. Shough has thrown for 1,986 yards, 14 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this season.

Young is making $12.1 million this season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. His fifth-year option is worth a guaranteed $25.9 million. Carolina picked it up in the offseason.

The Panthers didn't sign Young to an extension in the offseason, so he has to play well again this season to earn one next offseason.