It’s Week 2 and for the Seattle Seahawks that means a trip east to take on the New England Patriots. For the Field Gulls that means it’s time for five questions for Pat’s Pulpit and this week Taylor Kyles takes the time to answer five questions before the game.

With kick-off fast approaching, there’s no time to waste, so let’s get straight to the questions asked and the answers provided.

Both teams are entering their second game under a new head coach after replacing the winningest coach in franchise history. What do Seahawks fans need to know about the changes under Jerod Mayo compared to Bill Belichick?

Jerod Mayo has brought much-needed energy and renewal to a team that seemed tired under Bill Belichick. The players still played hard for the future Hall of Famer, but the rigors of losing and suffering through weak offenses took their toll. The players have known Mayo as a coach for years, but they also respect him as a former player and longtime captain. The passion and commitment he inspired in the team was evident on the field, and I suspect we’ll see that again on Sunday.

The Patriots’ defense thwarted the Bengals in Week 1. Did this performance mark the Patriots’ return to a high-quality defense or was it more a reflection of the Bengals’ traditional offensive struggles earlier in the season?

The Bengals’ lack of physicality and versatility in the offense hampered them, but the Patriots deserve a lot of credit. They missed few tackles, played with grit, and slowed Joe Burrow with a series of pressures similar to what Seahawks fans saw from Mike Macdonald. Christian Gonzalez picked up where he left off after a season-ending shoulder injury, shutting down Ja’Marr Chase. Fellow senior Keion White looked like a spoiler up front, tormenting the right side of the Bengals’ offensive line. New England is also one of the few teams in the league that can consistently shut down a running game and make teams one-dimensional, which will be huge against a two-headed monster like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

Many Seattle fans are wondering why third-round pick Christian Haynes is on the bench while the Seahawks are starting Laken Tomlinson at left guard. Did a portion of New England fans demand that Drake Maye start instead of Jacoby Brissett? And how loud were they?

Oh, the Drake Maye truthers have been loud, and for good reason. Jerod Mayo admitted that Maye was better toward the end of the summer, which was also obvious to anyone watching. The rookie improved throughout training camp, becoming more aggressive, accurate, and confident after each practice. However, offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt knows how hard it is to play quarterback at this level, and the Patriots understandably don’t want to put Maye on the field too quickly. Jacoby Brissett’s experience, time in Van Pelt’s system, and generally sound decision-making should make him the starter until his weaknesses cost the team games.

Seahawks fans know the big names on the Patriots roster, but which lesser-known player could impact the outcome and should have his name announced to Seattle fans?

I would be wary of rookie guard Layden Robinson. He’s a mauler in the run game, has been surprisingly effective when on an island in the pass game, and loves to finish blocks. He and right tackle Mike Onwenu are the North Stars in the run game, so expect most of the running to happen behind them. Robinson’s biggest problem so far has been catching blitzes and line plays, so staying in front of the chains will be key in this game.

What is your prediction for the game?

I think the Patriots win this game in a 17-13 battle. Both teams’ pass defenses have the edge, but I think New England can run just well enough to pull out a win. Ultimately, whoever’s passing attack can complement their running game should come out on top in this game.

And now it’s time to wait for kick-off.