With both Jay Cutler and Alex Smith out due to concussions, both back ups Jason Campbell and Colin Kaepernick were set to lead their teams on Monday night at Candlestick Park. Both the Bears and the Niners are known for their dominant defenses, as well as their outstanding running backs Matt Forte and Frank Gore. What everyone expected, myself included, was a conservative, low scoring game played mostly on the ground. We were wrong.

In Colin Kaepernick’s first NFL start, which ended up not only being on the national stage but in primetime as well, he led an amazing aerial assault on the completely stunned Bears defense. Kaepernick was 16/23 for 243 yards, two touchdowns and most importantly, no turnovers. Campbell, on the other hand was only able to throw for 58 yards total and two INTs.

It was nice to finally see Vernon Davis not only more involved but at the top of the list of receivers for the day with six catches for 83 yards. Mario Manningham was close behind with 2 catches for 60 yards.

The Niner defense dominated the field as well with second year rookie Aldon Smith racking up 5.5 sacks moving him into first place in the league. The Bears were held to 143 total yards versus the Niners total of 355. It was a very complete game for the entire 49er team.

The story now is who will start for the Niners come Sunday in New Orleans? Harbaugh stated in his post game press conference that he usually goes with the one who “has the hot hands” which he says both QBs have. I don’t know how anyones hands could be hotter than Kaepernick’s after this Monday night beat down, but good luck to Harbaugh in choosing.

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Written by Jennifer C.

I have loved football for as long as I can remember. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, so I have a little soft spot for the Seahawks but I am genetically one of the 49er faithful. My family is from the bay area, so being a Niner is a requirement, not an option.

I relocated to Southern California to attend USC on an academic scholarship. During all four years at Southern Cal, I was a coxswain on the women’s varsity rowing team, working out in the same facility as all of the other athletes, including the football team. Knowing the players behind the face masks made all of the games very personal for me and increased my passion for the game. I continue to follow USC players in the league and unless they are playing against the Niners, I will pull for them.

I have been attending 49er games for quite some time. My grandfather has had season tickets for the Niners since they played at Kezar. At 95, he still attends a few games a year and knows everyone in our section.

twitter: @jenniferleechan