Sean Payton has said that Luke Kuechly has "great instincts and awareness" ahead of the New Orleans Saints' game against the Carolina Panthers this weekend.

The Panthers linebacker, who was last season's defensive rookie of the year, has made 102 tackles, a sack and three interceptions so far this season.

The Saints head coach told reporters: "He is obviously playing extremely well. He's very active. He's around the football on every play.

"He has great instincts and awareness. You can see him key in diagonals formationally as well as anyone. See formations and understand what he is going to have to defend. He is a great tackler. He is playing outstanding."

The two teams are currently battling for first place in the NFC South.