The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for their Week 2 match against the New England Patriots, and in preparation, Field Gulls sat down for an insightful interview with Taylor Kyles from Pats Pulpit. Both teams have new head coaches following the departure of their successful franchise leaders. So, what can Seahawks fans expect from Jerod Mayo compared to Bill Belichick?

Under Jerod Mayo, the Patriots have seen a rejuvenation of energy that was lacking in the later years of Bill Belichick's reign. Although players still gave their best for the future Hall of Famer, the toll of consistent losses and struggling offenses had taken its toll. Mayo, a former player and longtime captain, has brought a renewed sense of passion and buy-in from the team. This was evident on the field, and Seahawks fans are likely to witness it when the teams clash on Sunday.

Moving on to the Patriots' defense, their impressive performance in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals raised questions about their ability to regain their high-level defensive game. While the Bengals' offensive struggles contributed to their defeat, the Patriots deserve credit for their solid performance. They demonstrated a mastery of pressure looks reminiscent of what Seahawks fans have seen from Mike Macdonald. Players like Christian Gonzalez and Keion White showcased their potential and created havoc for the Bengals' offense. Additionally, the Patriots' ability to shut down a run game is notable and will be a challenge for the Seahawks' dynamic duo of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

Meanwhile, Seahawks fans have been curious about why third-round pick Christian Haynes remains on the bench while Laken Tomlinson starts as the left guard. Similarly, some within the Patriots' fanbase have been clamoring for Drake Maye to take over from Jacoby Brissett. The buzz around Maye is well-deserved, as Mayo himself acknowledged the rookie's improvement throughout training camp. However, the Patriots are cautious about rushing Maye into action, valuing Brissett's experience, familiarity with the system, and sound decision-making. Maye's time will come, but for now, Brissett remains the starter.

In terms of lesser-known players who could make an impact, keep an eye on rookie guard Layden Robinson. He has impressed with his run-blocking abilities, displaying effectiveness in pass protection as well. Robinson, alongside right tackle Mike Onwenu, will play a crucial role in leading the Patriots' run game. However, his area of improvement lies in picking up blitzes and handling line games, making the Seahawks' defensive strategy essential to disrupt his performance.

As for the game's prediction, it is anticipated to be a hard-fought battle. The Patriots are expected to come out victorious with a 17-13 score in what promises to be a defensive showcase. The success of both teams' passing attacks will greatly depend on their ability to complement their run games.

With kickoff fast approaching, football fans can anticipate an exciting clash between the Seahawks and the Patriots.