Over the next week, 49ers.com will continue revealing the top 10 plays of the team's 2013 season. Each of the plays, which were voted on and ranked by 49ers Studios staff, will feature a highlight video. We continue our countdown at No. 4...*
When
Early in the third quarter of the Jan. 12 NFC Divisional round playoff game
Where
Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
What
Colin Kaepernick's designed run for a four-yard rushing touchdown and his planned celebration, impersonating counterpart Cam Newton's Superman-inspired trademark.
Who
Kaepernick faked a handoff to running back Frank Gore and wideout Quinton Patton, who had motioned across the line of
scrimmage, served as a blocker. Kaepernick then evaded Carolina Panthers defenders Drayton Florence and Luke Kuechly on his own.
Why
... was it so important? The score stretched the 49ers lead from three points to 10 points, 20-10, with 24 minutes left in the elimination game. San Francisco would hold off Carolina, 23-10, to advance to the NFC title game.
How
...did Kap do it? How does he run for all of his other long gains and touchdown scampers? With his inimitable athleticism. The celebration, which helps make this moment even more memorable, was easier to pull off. The third-year quarterback kissed his bicep, also known as "Kaepernicking," after "Newton-ing." Kaepernick mimed the revealing of his Superman logo beneath his jersey. After a regular season in which he gained 524 yards (or 5.7 yards per carry) on the ground, it wouldn't surprise 49ers fans to learn that there really was some red and blue under his red and gold.
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