Kaepernick carries 49ers over Bears

AFP
Colin Kaepernick went 16-for-23 for 243 yards and led San Francisco to scores on their first four possessions

SAN FRANCISCO, California (AFP) –

San Francisco 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick throws a pass during their game against the Chicago Bears. Kaepernick made his first career start count by throwing a pair of touchdown passes as the 49ers routed the Bears 32-7.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick made his first career start count by throwing a pair of touchdown passes as the San Francisco 49ers routed the Chicago Bears 32-7.

Kaepernick was playing in place of an injured starter Alex Smith, who sustained a concussion in last week’s tie against St. Louis.

Kaepernick went 16-for-23 for 243 yards and led San Francisco to scores on their first four possessions.

The 49ers defense gave Kaepernick lots of help. The defense held Chicago to just 151 yards and pressured Bears quarterback Jason Campbell all night long.

Second-year linebacker Aldon Smith recorded 4 1/2 sacks, and the 49ers finished with five sacks along with two interceptions and a safety.

San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh was on the sidelines after being sent to the hospital last Thursday with an irregular heartbeat.

He had a cardioversion procedure done on his heart, which is an electric shock that restores the heart’s normal rhythm. Harbaugh was back running the National Football League team’s practices on Friday.

Quarterback Smith was able to attend practice on Thursday but didn’t take part in all the drills. He was officially ruled out of the game earlier Monday after being looked at by the team doctor.

Campbell made his first start of the season in place of Jay Cutler, who suffered a concussion in last week’s loss to the Texans.

Campbell struggled Monday as he completed just 14-of-22 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. He also had two interceptions.

Chicago dropped their second consecutive game to fall into a tie with Green Bay for first place in the NFC North.