New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees issued the highest praise toward Carolina Panthers linebacker duo Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly ahead of Sunday's matchup.

"Those two linebackers, Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly are one of the best tandems certainly in the business now, but maybe ever. Those two guys are pretty incredible," Brees said to ESPN's Mike Triplett.

"Just what they do and how they execute the defense and run the scheme and get everybody squared away with what they're doing, they're a very smart group and a high performing group. I've got a lot of respect for these guys."

Brees is looking to put a serious dent in the Panthers' playoff hopes, as the reigning NFC champion has stumbled to a 1-4 start.

It's likely that Brees will avoid throwing through the middle with Davis and Kuechly patrolling.