For about nine months, Patrick Mahomes diligently went about his business as the Chiefs' backup quarterback, working to improve at his craft while not ruffling any feathers.
Teammates praised his gun-slinging mentality and practice performance, which turned out to be an indication of what he could do in prime-time. His lone appearance of the 2017 season produced a win over Denver in the Chiefs' regular-season finale.
But when an agreement was reached with Washington to ship out the man in front of him, veteran Alex Smith, all eyes fell on the new, 22-year-old triggerman in coach Andy Reid's offense.