Colin Kaepernick, Natural Born Winner

If Jim Harbaugh had not made the decision to switch to Colin Kaepernick as the starting quarterback  for the remainder of the season, he needs to after his performance today.  Kaepernick completed 16-25 passes for 231 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception, and also ran for another touchdown in the 49ers 31-21 victory over the Saints in New Orleans.

Whether it was extending the play, or sitting in the pocket, Kaepernick proved today that he is the guy the 49ers need behind center if they are going to get back to New Orleans in February.  One needs to look no further than his 3rd down pass completion to Delanie Walker on what would end up being one of the longest drives in the NFL this season, and put the 49ers safely ahead 31-21.

On this play, Kaepernick stood in the pocket and delivered a rifle shot to Walker over the linebackers and in front of the oncoming safety.  It was the type of pass that a quarterback with less velocity could not fit in.

His ability to extend the play was a crucial piece throughout the game, whether the pass was ultimately completed or thrown away to save a sack.

It wasn't all Kaepernick today.  He was helped out by another great performance by his friends on the defensive side of the ball.  Only a couple of plays after Kaepernick turned the ball over with an interception, Ahmad Brooks picked up his quarterback by picking off a Drew Brees pass over the middle and taking it all the way back for 6, to tie the game up going into half time.  And then after the offense went right down the field to open up the second half to take a 7 point lead, Donte Whitner picked off a second Brees pass and housed it to put the 49ers up by 14.

It wasn't a perfect performance by Kaepernick today, but for a second year player starting only the second game of his NFL career, in one of the most daunting environments in the NFL, it was pretty special.

If Harbaugh has not yet passed the torch, he needs to.  Colin Kaepernick is a Natural Born Winner.