San Francisco 49ers strong safety Donte Whitner (31) runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers during his divisional playoff NFL game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C.CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers are headed to the NFC championship game once again – to face a familiar opponent in a place where they’ve struggled.
Kaepernick threw one touchdown pass and ran for another score as the 49ers shut down Cam Newton and defeated the Carolina Panthers 23-10 on Sunday to advance to the NFC title game for the third straight season.
Kaepernick completed 15 of 28 passes for 196 yards, avenging his worst statistical performance of the season two months ago against the Panthers.
Anquan Boldin had eight catches for 136 yards and Frank Gore ran for 84 yards on 17 carries for the 49ers (14-4), who will visit Seattle next Sunday looking for a return trip to the Super Bowl.
San Francisco split two games with the Seahawks this season. The 49ers lost 29-3 at Seattle in September and were beaten 42-13 at CenturyLink Field in December 2012.