Patrick Surtain II: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs 'In a Tier of Their Own' Among NFL Elite

The Kansas City Chiefs are "in a tier of their own" in the eyes of Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II.

"Just for them to be able to finish those close ball games and know when the time is to make those game-changing plays in such crucial moments," he said to ESPN's Jeff Legwold.

NFL fans have come to see Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes as the equivalent of an on-field cheat code. The two-time MVP has remained one of the constants amid his team's run of three Super Bowl titles in five seasons.

This year more than any other is likely to reinforce that narrative.

Mahomes is on pace to have his worst statistical campaign. His 242.8 passing yards per game are a career low, while he's throwing interceptions (nine) at a higher rate than he ever has.

That hasn't stopped the Chiefs from winning their first eight games, six of which came by one score. Mahomes has led the offense on an NFL-best three game-winning drives.

This probably isn't even the best roster pound-for-pound the Chiefs have had since their run of success began, yet they keep finding ways to win in the same way great teams historically have.

If it's not Mahomes guiding the offense on a pivotal touchdown drive in the final minutes, then it's the defense holding firm to stamp out any comeback attempt.

Maybe Kansas City's three-peat bid hits a snag eventually and its luck in close games begins to run out. But it's hard to dispute Surtain's assessment of his AFC West rival.