Top 5 NFL storylines heading into Week 5

Sep 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) hits New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) while passing during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) acknowledges the crowd after beating the Atlanta Falcons at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Rookie quarterbacks debut

On Sunday two of the three big-name rookie quarterbacks got their first NFL starts, and both gave their franchises reason for hope.

In Minnesota, Teddy Bridgewater thrilled Vikings fans as he led the team to a 41-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Sure the Falcons have nothing on defense other than Bryan Cox’s often unwelcome honesty, but still, a win is a win.

Bridgewater finished the day 19-for-30, with 317 yards through the air, with a rushing touchdown and no interceptions. He looked comfortable and confident in the pocket and at this point there is no reason for the 2-2 Vikings to even consider anyone else under center. Though Bridgewater had to leave the game with an ankle injury, it is reportedly minor and he should be back for Thursday night’s contest against the Packers. The 32nd overall pick from the 2014 NFL Draft may never be a perennial Pro Bowler, but at worst he’ll be a capable starter in the league for a long time.

While Bridgewater was leading his Vikings to a big win at home, Blake Bortles got his first start for the Jacksonville Jaguars in San Diego. The Chargers dominated the Jags 33-14 and picked Bortles off twice, but the Central Florida product still looked worlds better than previous starter Chad Henne ever could.

Bortles completed 29-of-37 passes for 253 yards and a touchdown. He also added 24 yards on the ground. Considering he has almost zero talent around him, it was a solid afternoon for the third overall pick from May’s draft. He looked very comfortable and spread the ball around to 10 different receivers.

I’m on the record saying the Jaguars could go winless this year, but with Bortles under center they have a much better chance of pulling out a win or two.

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