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12:28 AM ET 11.20 | Following the San Francisco 49ers' dominating 32-7 win over the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, a quarterback controversy is brewing. It's hard to imagine that Alex Smith's job is not safe after winning 20 of the team's last 26 games and being the third-rated passer in the league, but that is the case after Colin Kaepernick came out and put on an incredible performance for the 49ers on the NFL's center stage. Kaepernick went 16-of-23 for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He recorded a passer rating of 133.1. The opportunity to put his skills on display on the national stage was just what Kaepernick needed to show he was the real deal and the future of the San Francisco 49ers. In his previous appearances this season, Kaepernick has made plays with his legs. However, he wanted to show the world that he was just as dangerous with his arm. On the night, Kaepernick rushed the ball only four times for 12 yards. After the night, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh added fuel to the fire when he was asked who the team's starting quarterback would be next week. "We'll see," Harbaugh said during the post-game press conference. "I tend to go with the hot hand."

Colin Kaepernick, Brian Bahr/Getty Images

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November 20, 2012 02:54 PM ET

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Yay for Kappy!!

Sweets

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November 20, 2012 02:54 PM ET

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Not really a controversy at all. Start Kaepernick and press on.

Go Niners!

BrownQJ: Bulls Gone…

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November 20, 2012 03:16 PM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 02:54 PM ET 11.20 by Sweets

Yay for Kappy!!

Smith will be back as the starter when he is healthy.

Sgt Friday

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November 20, 2012 03:17 PM ET

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Let Smith rest until his concussion is completely healed, then throw him back in. You don't bench the league's number three passer because of an injury.

markwwnb

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November 20, 2012 03:34 PM ET

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Would they rather have the kind of quarterback controversy they have in Kansas City?

Debbie Does

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November 20, 2012 04:16 PM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 03:17 PM ET 11.20 by markwwnb

Let Smith rest until his concussion is completely healed, then throw him back in. You don't bench the league's number three passer because of an injury.

Number three passer in completions of under five yards maybe. It would take a lot of luck and a better defense even than they have in SF for a QB like Smith to win it all. Only guy in recent memory to do so was Dilfer and let's be honest...that defense was better all around with several HOF guys across the board. Game managers don't win titles.

yungpyro

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November 20, 2012 04:18 PM ET

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Wasn't this a topic earlier today? I guess someone deemed the controversy "official" now.

Caveman HC6

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November 20, 2012 04:57 PM ET

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Before throwing Smith under the bus let's see if Kaepernick has 2 good games under his belt.

shiprock

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November 20, 2012 05:20 PM ET

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Smith should be the starter. Let them battle for the job next summer if you like, but now is not the time to make a change.

...the best policy

Harrodsburg, KY

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November 20, 2012 05:32 PM ET

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QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 05:20 PM ET 11.20 by ...the best policy

Smith should be the starter. Let them battle for the job next summer if you like, but now is not the time to make a change.

Agreed. He would have had them in the SB last year if not for special teams play. CK may become a starter or he could have just had a good game. If they think he's the long term guy they want at QB then trade Smith in the off season for draft picks. With the number of teams needing a QB they could likely swing some pretty good deals.

Jakester

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November 20, 2012 05:35 PM ET

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QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 04:57 PM ET 11.20 by shiprock

Before throwing Smith under the bus let's see if Kaepernick has 2 good games under his belt.

Agree...let's not jump the gun here....the kid had a real nice game...but then again everyone on the team had a real nice game.....