Pete Carroll has said that Marshawn Lynch looks better than ever heading into the 2013 NFL season.

The Seattle Seahawks running back, who recorded 1,590 rushing yards last season, had just three carries during the team's pre-season schedule.

The head coach told the Seahawks' website: "He's in great shape. He reported in great shape. He had a plan to trim a few pounds as he went through camp. He did it exactly like he had planned on it.

"He's looked fast and agile and strong, and has prepared every single day full-on. So he has had great preparation for the season. He's going to have enough hits during the season. We tried to take as many off of him as we can at this time.

"I haven't seen him like this. I haven't seen him this sharp going in. He's really taking it seriously. That's not just like in the last month or so, that's six months of preparation. He has really poured himself into it to prepare for a great year."

The Seahawks begin their 2013 season against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.