
NEW ORLEANS -- Colin Kaepernick started hot in his second career start before ending the first half with his first career interception.It did not prove costly for the 49ers, however, as linebacker Ahmad Brooks dropped into coverage to intercept New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees a short time later.Brooks returned the interception 50 yards for a touchdown. The teams went into halftime tied at 14-14 at the Superdome on Sunday.Kaepernick completed 7 of 12 pass attempts for 112 yards and one interception in the first half. He was also the 49ers' leading rusher with 27 yards and a touchdown on five rushing attempts.On the 49ers' second offensive possession, Kaepernick demonstrated his variety of skills that have led coach Jim Harbaugh to start him ahead of Alex Smith, who has received clearance to play after sustaining a concussion Nov. 11.
Kaepernick hit receiver Mario Manningham in stride near the sideline, Manningham picked up good downfield blocking from running back Frank Gore on his way to a 40-yard gain.Kaepernick then stuck a 13-yard out route onto Manningham. That play set up a zone read option in which Kaepernick faked a handoff to Kendall Hunter and kept it for a 7-yard score. It was Kaepernick's fourth rushing touchdown of the season.Ted Ginn muffed a punt in the second quarter that led directly to a Saints touchdown.Brees threw two touchdown passes in the first half. He hit tight end David Thomas for a 6-yard score in the first quarter. The Saints took a 14-7 on Brees' 10-yard scoring pass to Marques Colston two plays after Ginn fumbled a punt at the 49ers' 11-yard line.The next time the 49ers' punt coverage unit took the field, Kyle Williams was back deep. He made a fair catch on his only opportunity of the first half.The 49ers can increase their lead in the NFC West to 2 12 game with a victory. The second-place Seattle Seahawks lost to the Miami Dolphins, 24-21, on Sunday to fall to 6-5.
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