49ers use Kaepernick, defense to top Saints 31-21

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Even if Kaepernick's second start was hardly as spectacular as his first, he played well enough to extend coach Jim Harbaugh's quarterback quandary for at least another week. Ahmad Brooks and Donte Whitner each returned interceptions for touchdowns, a pass rush led by Aldon Smith sacked Drew Brees five times, and San Francisco ended New Orleans' three-game winning streak, 31-21.

Credit: Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images