Five things to know about the Carolina Panthers

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints will face their next road test in Charlotte, N.C., against the Carolina Panthers. This will be the Saints’ second NFC South opponent of the season and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough’s second career start. 

Meanwhile, the Panthers are finally on an upswing from their long rebuild and are looking to knock off a beatable opponent to prove their recent surprise victory was not a fluke. 

Here are five things you should know about the Panthers before they match up with the Saints in Week 10. 

1. The Panthers are riding high after a high-profile win

Last week, Carolina pulled off a shocking upset with a 16-13 victory over the Green Bay Packers. After the win, the Panthers improved to 5-4 on the season, taking a firm grasp of second place in the NFC South. 

2. Panthers running back Rico Dowdle is having a breakout season. 

When Dowdle runs with success, the Panthers win. Four of Carolina’s five victories have come with Dowdle rushing for more than 75 yards. He has reached at least 130 rushing yards in three games this year, including one game for 206. 

3. Quarterback Bryce Young has only thrown for more than 200 passing yards once this year. 

With all of the success the Panthers are having on the ground, the pressure is off of Young to play the hero in games. However, when he has been called on late in games, he has arrived. Young has three game winning drives in the 2025 season thus far. 

4. Carolina is where the Saints hope to be within the next few seasons. 

The Saints are just beginning their rebuild. The Panthers began their latest such endeavor just years ago. While New Orleans is struggling now, Carolina is one of the teams that’s currently proving that a patient rebuild can be a successful one, despite the natural desire to fast track the work. 

5. The Panthers pass rush should provide opportunities for the Saints’ offense. 

Carolina is tied for No. 27 with only 14 sacks on the season and ranks fifth-worst in the league in pass rush win rate. Both should provide the Saints and Shough opportunities to move the ball through the air on Sunday. The rookie passer completed 15 of his 19 passing attempts when kept clean last week, per Pro Football Focus.