When Colin Kaepernick threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown to give the Packers a 6-0 lead over the 49ers in Saturday's playoff game, my cellphone blew up with text after text.

"Kap showing his nerves … "

"Alex!"

"alex smith would not throw a pic in a playoff game. just sayin."

"put A Smith in at QB and place Kap in wildcat … "

Those thinking about Alex Smith entering the game after that interception underestimated Kaepernick and 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh.

Even if Kaepernick had failed miserably, he's Harbaugh's guy. We won't see Smith on the field in a 49ers uniform again – unless Kaepernick gets hurt and Harbaugh has no choice.

Kaepernick recovered, of course, turning in one of the best performances ever by a quarterback in a playoff game. He ran for 181 yards and passed for 263. He ran for two touchdowns and passed for two.

But it wasn't all those yards that captivated fans; it was his bravado.

Kaepernick brushed off that interception as if it hadn't happened. It was just his eighth NFL start, but Kaepernick's performance in the 45-31 victory made him the weekend's top sports star – "KAEPERNICK!" was a text from an old East Coast friend – and helped make the 49ers a 3 1/2-point favorite over the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday.

If Kaepernick leads the 49ers to victory and into the Super Bowl, he'll suddenly be right up there with Joe Montana, Steve Young, Jerry Rice and Ronnie Lott among 49ers legends.

Live chat update – Remember that invitation last month to the Maloofs to participate in a sacbee.com live chat? On Dec. 21, Joe Maloof texted: "thank you we will do it." I took him for his word and wrote that all that was left was to work out the details. However, on Jan. 2, one of the Maloofs' PR folks sent word via email that the Maloofs "have decided to not do any interviews at this time."

Now we know why; if you were about to sell the team, possibly resulting in its relocation, would you participate in such a public forum?

What to do

NBA, Cleveland at Kings, 7 p.m., Sleep Train Arena: Support the team as the battle over its future heats up. Sleep Train at K Street in 2015 has a nice ring.

Today's poll

Who will win the Super Bowl?

• 49ers

• Falcons

• Ravens

• Patriots

Vote above or leave your comments in the comments field; or go to www.sacbee.com/sports

Weekend poll results

How do you rate Kevin Johnson's chances of helping keep the Kings in Sacramento?

• Excellent: 14%

• Good: 20%

• Average: 16%

• Awful: 50%

Total votes: 1,089

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