(Robert Hanashiro/USA Today Sports)
There were plenty of questions surrounding Colin Kaepernick heading into Saturday’s game against the Green Bay Packers as the San Francisco 49ers quarterback would be making his first career playoff start. Many wondered if Kaepernick would be able to handle the pressure considering his lack of experience compared to Aaron Rodgers, but with the way he performed on Saturday–the argument can be made that San Francisco deserves to be Super Bowl favorites heading in to the NFC Championship.
Kaepernick’s first career playoff start was one for the record books as the second-year quarterback completed 17 of 31 passes for 263 yards with one touchdown and 181 rushing yards (NFL playoff record for a quarterback) and two rushing touchdowns. In fact, the 49ers as a team finished with 579 total yards on offense–which is beyond impressive.
Everybody knew San Francisco would be Super Bowl contenders heading into the 2012 season with one of the league’s top defenses, but the offense has taken their game to a completely different level since Kaepernick took over the starting job for Alex Smith as he makes the offense more of a threat with his legs. The Packers’ defense may not be anything to brag about, but what the 49ers’ offense accomplished on Saturday was nothing short of scary.
With one of the best overall teams–how can San Francisco not be considered the favorites to win the Super Bowl at this point if they continue playing at this high level? The 49ers were on the verge of winning it all last year and they seem even more motivated this time around to get to New Orleans.
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