KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City Chiefs had just lost to the Tennessee Titans, their fourth defeat in the first 10 games of the season, and much of the optimism that surrounded the defending AFC champions had begun to evaporate amid the barbecue smoke that wafts over Arrowhead Stadium each autumn.

That's when team owner Clark Hunt chose to speak publicly for the first time since training camp.

"We have had some outstanding players here over the years," Hunt said with conviction, "but I don't think we have had one like Patrick Mahomes in a very long time. Having him as the Chiefs quarterback really gives us an opportunity every year to be competitive and hopefully compete for an AFC championship, and ultimately a Super Bowl."