Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (17-31, 263 yards, 2 TD, INT, 14 carries, 181 yards, 2 rushing TDs) overcame an early interception Saturday night and ran himself into the records books to lead his San Francisco 49ers to victory against the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers defense simply could not contain the scrambling Kaepernick as he left the pocket frequently, obliterating the record for quarterback rushing yardage in a postseason game.
The Packers defense was the first to score Saturday night with a pick-six off Kaepernick, but the young and fleet-footed quarterback trumped veteran experience with pure talent and special ability over the course of the rest of the game.
His 56-yard touchdown run in the third quarter put his team in a comfortable lead they would work throughout the rest of the game to expand. The 49ers put up the highest point total of any team so far in this year's playoffs, putting up 45 points as opposed to the 31 made by Green Bay.
Aaron Rodgers (26-39, 257 yards, 2 TDs, INT) had a decent night, but he just couldn't keep up with the pace set by Kaepernick. His running support was also seriously limited with the combined total rushing yardage of all his backs barely eclipsing 100 total yards.
Both defenses managed just one sack in the game, but it was San Francisco's defensive squad that locked the game down in the second half. A third quarter field goal and a late and meaningless touchdown in the fourth quarter were all Green Bay could muster on offense after the first half ended with San Francisco up by a lone field goal.
49ers running back Frank Gore (23 carries, 119 yards, TD, 2 rec., 48 yards) also joined the running frenzy as the game went on. Wide receiver Michael Crabtree looked masterful with nine catches for 119 yards and two phenomenal touchdown receptions.
San Francisco also won the time of possession battle with just over 38 minutes spent on offense to Green Bay's just-under 22 minutes. The difference turned out to be more than a full quarter of football.
The 49ers move on despite their doubters, and Kaepernick will continue his dominant play as long as his offensive line keeps playing like they did on Saturday.
The young QB's stellar performance this year is reminiscent of Tom Brady's when he first came on the scene for the New England Patriots after an injury to Drew Bledsoe. Brady did most of his work with his arm over the years since, but Kaepernick has something extra: a running ability that could be miles better than any quarterback we've ever seen before in the NFL.
