New England Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork has praised Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch ahead of their Super Bowl meeting on Sunday.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick described Lynch as the "best back we've faced" earlier this week, and Wilfork agrees with his coach's opinion.

"Hands down, I think he's the best," Wilfork told reporters.

"He's proving it in the passing game, running game, blocking, you name it. I don't think there is any other running back out there that has that many explosive runs, yards after contact. He is exactly what his name is called - Beast Mode. It seems like when the fourth quarter hits, he hits another gear."

Safety Devin McCourty added that the Patriots will need a strategy to stop Lynch, and it could involve "lots of guys having to get to him and gang-tackle him".