Panthers head coach Ron Rivera on Texans QB Deshaun Watson: "The guy understands the game very well. You watch it the way he plays. You can see that very clearly, here's a guy that understands how he wants to attack his opponent, he understands what it means for him to do the things that he does."

Panthers LB Luke Kuechly on Watson: "I think if he was just a quarterback that sat in the pocket, he'd be really good. But he can do both: he can sit back there and pick guys apart, but he can also scramble and create. Those are the guys that are the scariest. The guys that can beat you in the pocket and can also beat you running around.

Panthers QB Kyle Allen on Watson: "I look up to him as a quarterback. I think he's got it really figured out."

Kuechly on Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins: "DeAndre Hopkins is a monster. He's kind of Julio'ish (Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones) in that he's strong, he's physical, he catches everything. I like how he plays, a lot. He plays the game the right way."

Rivera on the Texans WR corps: "It's a very dynamic, explosive group, and I think it all starts with Hopkins. I think he's really one of the elites in this league. I do like their combination of guys. I think Kenny Stills is a tough, physical, aggressive guy. I think he's a good fit for what Coach (Bill) O'Brien wants to do and the way he wants to play his offense."

Kuechly on Texans WR duo of Will Fuller, V and Stills: "Fuller and Kenny Stills, those guys can roll. They're fast. They make contested catches. Fuller made a big catch against the Saints where a guy was all over him. They've got dudes everywhere that are good."

Panthers offensive coordinator Norv Turner on the Texans pass rush: "They're very, very athletic. They're fast and physical. They've got a good scheme. They give you a lot of different looks. They've expanded what they're doing. They've got a good pressure package.

Panthers RT Taylor Moton on Texans DE J.J. Watt: "Obviously, he's a very good player. I'm excited about the challenge. I know we all are. Watt has got good technique. High motor, high effort guy. That'll take you very far in this league."

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey on Texans S Justin Reid: "J. Reid was a physical phenom coming into Stanford and to see the leadership role that he ended up taking at Stanford was cool. Obviously not shocked that he's had success now."

Panthers OT Greg Little on Texans LT Laremy Tunsil: "Two iterations of Ole Miss tackles. I look up to Laremy. He was one of the reasons why I went to Ole Miss with how successful he was there. I'd be honored to get his jersey after the game."

What else are the Panthers saying about the Texans?

Kyle Allen is headed back to Houston

Reid Brothers to battle it out on field

Greg Little gets set for J.J. Watt

Stats to know in Texans vs. Panthers