3) Colin Kaepernick's progress. New Orleans Saints interim coach Joe Vitt said on Monday that the Niners' precocious starter caught his defense a little off-guard with his foot speed. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said he wasn't surprised by it, but dealing with it is different from planning for it. So yes, the Niners are more dynamic with Kaepernick in there. As time progresses, though, the surprises will melt away, and that means Kaepernick will have to be able to counterpunch, which is a challenge for any young quarterback. Now, some have compared this transition to the Patriots turning to Tom Brady in 2001, and there's some merit to the idea. But let's remember, back then, Brady wasn't what he is now. While he was incredibly clutch, Brady led just two touchdown drives in that year's playoffs -- the team scored touchdowns on defense and special teams during that run -- and the club's opponents were held to a total of 47 points in three games. But the most valid reason for the comparison is that the Niners -- like the 2001 Patriots -- are championship worthy. And if the Patriots had to prop up Brady back then, you had better believe San Francisco will have moments when it'll have to prop up Kaepernick. There's the risk in Jim Harbaugh's bold decision. If Kaepernick hits one of those inevitable bumps on the wrong day, can the rest of the team carry him through? This much we know: With each week, opponents will learn more, and there will be new challenges for Kaepernick.