Colin Kaepernick Starts, Leads San Francisco 49ers To Victory Over Saints

Colin Kaepernick was called on by head coach Jim Harbaugh, and the San Francisco 49ers second-year player responded with his first victory as a starter.

Kaepernick and the 49ers saw some quarterback controversy arise after last week, when the 49ers backup filled in for normal starter Alex Smith. During the week Harbaugh was tight-lipped about his choice for starter against the surging New Orleans Saints, but ultimately chose Kaepernick.

The move paid off, as the running/throwing quarterback led the 49ers to a 31-21 victory over the Saints, pushing San Francisco’s record to 8-2-1. Kaepernick went 16-for-25 with a touchdown and an interception, tough it was the 49ers defense that made the difference.

The 49ers got two scores from the defense, with Ahmad Brooks and Donte Whitner taking interceptions for touchdowns on consecutive passes from the New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees in the first and second quarters.

Colin Kaepernick’s start came as a bit of a surprise, as Alex Smith had been cleared to play after suffering a concussion three weeks ago, Sporting News reported. After a shaky start to his career, Smith had become the face of the francise, leading the team to a 13-3 record last season and then signing a three-year $24 million contract extension in March.

Harbaugh had been noncommittal about which quarterback he would use, suggesting that he could employ a quarterback by committee and shift them in and out as needed. But in the San Francisco 49ers win over the Saints, Colin Kaepernick took all the snaps and kept Alex Smith on the sidelines.