Things felt a little bit more normal on Sunday night.
The Kansas City Chiefs had never begun a season 0-2 with Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback, until now.
They weren't going to be 0-3, though.
They visited the New York Giants and put together a comprehensive victory.
MORE: Browns, Andre Szmyt get ultimate redemption vs. Packers
It may not have been pretty every step of the way, but the defense played well and Mahomes eventually got cooking in the second half.
A big piece of it all: Tyquan Thornton, the former Patriots receiver who is now breaking out with Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (shoulder) out.
Another big piece: Brashard Smith, the seventh-round rookie who the Chiefs used a handful of times in gadget-type situations to pick up yardage.
And one thing of note that changed: Isiah Pacheco actually had success running the football. If he can do that, the Chiefs' passing offense can be more effective.
Their victory over the Giants, admittedly not a powerhouse, sends a message to the rest of the AFC.
These Chiefs aren't done yet.
MORE: The touching reasons Jaxson Dart wears eye black and a chain
They may have had a disappointing Super Bowl loss to go with a tough start to this season.
But Mahomes still looks like himself. Reid may have found fun new weapons in Thornton and Smith. The Chiefs should get healthier and will eventually get Rice back, too.
There's really just one reason the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens haven't played in a Super Bowl with Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, and that reason is Kansas City.
The Chiefs always find a way, and it's a long season. Their turnaround may have started on Sunday Night Football.
And the future, as it so often has been for the Chiefs in this era, is bright.
MORE NFL NEWS:
- Eagles' Jordan Davis reaches record-setting speed on game-winning TD
- Tre Tucker put up some crazy stats for the Raiders
- Tory Horton is 3rd NFL player to put up these stats to start his career
- Oronde Gadsden looks like the Chargers' secret weapon
- Meet Chiefs rookie RB Brashard Smith