Kaepernick vs. Rodgers: Who Will Shine in the Big Moment?

Dec 23, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

In the playoffs, experience is everything. Especially at the quarterback position.

In Colin Kaepernick’s first playoff start he will be going head to head against 2011 NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. Rogers is coming off a BIG win against the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card, connecting with 10 different receivers and piling up 274 yards and 1 touchdown. With a passer rating of 108, Rodgers is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL this year.

Throwing for 1,814 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in the regular season, Kaepernick has shown he has the ability to play at the NFL level. Not only can he throw, but he can run as well. Clocking in at 4.53 in the 40 at the NFL Combine.

Kaepernick is a dual threat and should look to run against the Packers. He MUST utilize his receivers and control the ball. The longer the 49ers offense has the ball, the better. Keep Aaron Rodgers off the field.

Vernon Davis is a big factor to winning this game for San Francisco  . He’s a clutch player as we saw last year in their very dramatic playoff run. Getting Davis the ball will create space throughout the field, opening up opportunities for Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, Randy Moss and others to make plays.

We have all seen Kaepernick perform this year there is no doubt about it. It will be Kaepernick’s intangibles and big game inexperience that will hinder his performance. The Seahawks game is a prime example of this, and hopefully Kaepernick has developed into a more composed and patient quarterback since that beat down.

In the Wild Card, the relatively one dimensional Vikings’ Quarterback, Joe Webb was able to rack up 68 yards on just 7 attempts against the Packers defense. This guy has a cannon but can’t aim worth a s***, and it was clear his inexperienced throwing dictated the Vikings’ success against the Packers.
Will the Packers’ have a difficulty containing Kaepernick?

The Niners must realize this is a different Packers team they are playing. Its playoff time and their playmakers are almost entirely healthy and active.

Aaron Rodgers, has been here before and has won a Super Bowl. He performed against the 49ers earlier this year with a roster full of injuries. He knows what it takes to win this game, and will be playing with a chip on his shoulder after losing to the Niners earlier this year and to the New York Giants intheir first game of the post season last year. Rodgers is looking to add another Super Bowl to his resume.
Can Colin Kaepernick outperform one of the best quarterbacks of all time and lead the 49ers to victory?