San Francisco 49ers: Top 20 games in franchise history
By Jerod Brown
The world was introduced to Colin Kaepernick on November 19, 2012. The dual-threat quarterback from the University of Nevada stepped in for an injured Alex Smith and it was a highlight reel performance from beginning to end. Kaepernick finished the game with 243 yards passing and two touchdowns as the 49ers beat the Chicago Bears 32-7.
The game featured two backup quarterbacks as Jason Campbell started for the 7-2 Bears. As explosive was Kaepernick appeared, Jason Campbell was worried about an explosive 49er defender all evening.
Aldon Smith, the outstanding outside linebacker with a list of off-field incidents, sacked Campbell 5.5 times on Monday Night Football in front of a national audience. The game was as much of a coming out for Smith as it was for Kaepernick. It appeared the 49ers had found their two stars to build a franchise around.
Alex Smith never reclaimed his starting spot and was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs after the season.
The win catapulted Kaepernick and the 49ers to the center of media attention on their way to Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens.
Next: A Battle of Brothers