SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) – Colin Kaepernick hit Michael Crabtree for a 3-yard touchdown pass following a blocked punt, and the San Francisco 49ers led the Chicago Bears 10-0 after one quarter Sunday night.
Rookie Aaron Lynch blocked the punt by Patrick O’Donnell on Chicago’s initial series, giving San Francisco first-and-goal from the 8. Kaepernick found Crabtree in the right corner of the end zone three plays later to give the sellout crowd plenty to cheer for in the regular-season debut of Levi’s Stadium.
Looking for Stevie Johnson on his second series, Kaepernick threw an incomplete pass initially ruled an interception by Charles Tillman before being overturned on replay. San Francisco wound up capitalizing with Phil Dawson’s 27-yard field goal, using up a good chunk of the clock in the process.
Kaepernick was steady on the big stage facing Chicago once again after making his breakout first career start against the Bears nearly two years ago and holding onto the No. 1 job over Alex Smith.
The much-scrutinized field featured visible chunks of loose sod after new grass was laid for a third time since April.
Chicago’s offense didn’t have much chance to lose its footing, going three-and-out on its first two series in a first quarter slowed by seven penalty flags – four for San Francisco.
Jay Cutler was 6-for-9 passing with nothing to show for it. He didn’t face the 49ers during a November 2012 Monday night game at Candlestick Park because of a concussion.
A concussion to now-Chiefs QB Smith thrust Kaepernick into the spotlight that night, and he threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns as the Niners pounded the Bears 32-7.
The 49ers were embarrassed in a 34-0 rout by Denver in the first preseason game in the $1.2 billion stadium last month, but started well this time.
Chicago was looking for a fast start after losing to the Bills 23-20 in overtime to begin the year. The Bears begin a stretch with six of eight games on the road.
Dawson delivered for the raucous home crowd this time. Against the Broncos in the preseason opener, the veteran place kicker missed wide right from 55 and 44 yards. Tens of thousands of fans made early exits.
Chicago’s patchwork offensive line looked shaky with center Roberto Garza and left guard Matt Slauson each sidelined by ankle injuries.
The 49ers have won their three previous home openers under coach Jim Harbaugh.
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