NFC Championship

January 23, 2013 1:23 PM

Photo: Brant Ward/The Chronicle

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Running back Frank Gore (21) celebrates with Tight end Vernon Davis (85) and Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) after a touchdown during the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Running back Frank Gore (21) celebrates with Tight end Vernon Davis (85) and Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) after a touchdown during the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC ... more

Frank Gore (left), Vernon Davis, and Colin Kaepernick celebrated Gore's game winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Frank Gore (left), Vernon Davis, and Colin Kaepernick celebrated Gore's game winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to ... more

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree #15, running back Frank Gore #21 and tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after the 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. less

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree #15, running back Frank Gore #21 and tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after the 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 in the NFC Championship ... more

San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates with Leonard Davis and Daniel Kilgore (67) after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII. less

San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates with Leonard Davis and Daniel Kilgore (67) after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The ... more

San Francisco 49ers' Ricky Jean Francois reacts after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII.

San Francisco 49ers' Ricky Jean Francois reacts after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh runs onto the field with an assistant after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII. less

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh runs onto the field with an assistant after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 ... more

The San Francisco 49ers celebrate with head coach Jim Harbaugh, center, after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Super Bowl XLVII. less

The San Francisco 49ers celebrate with head coach Jim Harbaugh, center, after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance ... more

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

The San Francisco 49ers celebrate with head coach Jim Harbaugh,... Photo-4061276.55425 - SFGate

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Atlanta Falcons' Dunta Robinson sits on the team bench after being defeated by San Francisco 49ers in the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII. less

Atlanta Falcons' Dunta Robinson sits on the team bench after being defeated by San Francisco 49ers in the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to ... more

Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) and the defensive line during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) and the defensive line during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on ... more

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) and the defensive line during the first... Photo-4059894.55425 - SFGate

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San Francisco 49ers Tight end Vernon Davis (85) runs through an attempted tackle in the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

San Francisco 49ers Tight end Vernon Davis (85) runs through an attempted tackle in the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in ... more

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass int he first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass int he first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., ... more

Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) is tackled by Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) is tackled by Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at ... more

Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) is brought down by San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) and Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) during the first half of the the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) is brought down by San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) and Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) during the first half of the the San Francisco 49ers game ... more

Atlanta Falcons' Stephen Nicholas (54) tries to grab the ball after it was stripped by Dunta Robinson (23) from San Francisco 49ers' Michael Crabtree (15) during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The Falcons recovered the fumble. less

Atlanta Falcons' Stephen Nicholas (54) tries to grab the ball after it was stripped by Dunta Robinson (23) from San Francisco 49ers' Michael Crabtree (15) during the second half of the NFL football NFC ... more

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game ... more

Linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) talks with a ref during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) talks with a ref during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday ... more

San Francisco 49ers' David Akers watches his missed field goal during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta.

San Francisco 49ers' David Akers watches his missed field goal during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta.

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers' David Akers watches his missed field goal... Photo-4060000.55425 - SFGate

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Offensive tackle Anthony Davis (76) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Offensive tackle Anthony Davis (76) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, ... more

Kicker David Akers #2 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he misses a 38-yard field goal in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. less

Kicker David Akers #2 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he misses a 38-yard field goal in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 ... more

Photo: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images

Kicker David Akers #2 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he... Photo-4060001.55425 - SFGate

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with Colin Kaepernick (7) after a touchdown during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. less

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with Colin Kaepernick (7) after a touchdown during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, ... more

San Francisco 49ers Running back LaMichael James (23) runs pass Atlanta Falcons cornerback Chris Owens (21) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

San Francisco 49ers Running back LaMichael James (23) runs pass Atlanta Falcons cornerback Chris Owens (21) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC ... more

the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC... Photo-4059925.55425 - SFGate

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San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on ... more

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January ... more

Cornerback Tarell Brown (25) takes down Atlanta Falcons running back Jason Snelling (44) in the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Cornerback Tarell Brown (25) takes down Atlanta Falcons running back Jason Snelling (44) in the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the ... more

San Francisco 49ers Offensive tackle Alex Boone (75) talks with teammates before the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

San Francisco 49ers Offensive tackle Alex Boone (75) talks with teammates before the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on ... more

Matt Ryan connects with running back Jason Snelling (44) past San Francisco 49ers Safety Dashon Goldson (38) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Matt Ryan connects with running back Jason Snelling (44) past San Francisco 49ers Safety Dashon Goldson (38) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC ... more

San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday ... more

Running back LaMichael James (23) runs past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Chris Owens (21) and running back Jason Snelling (44) int he second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Running back LaMichael James (23) runs past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Chris Owens (21) and running back Jason Snelling (44) int he second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in ... more

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked during the fist half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked during the fist half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January ... more

San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) takes down Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) takes down Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC ... more

Cornerback Chris Culliver (29) and Safety Dashon Goldson (38) break up a pass in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Cornerback Chris Culliver (29) and Safety Dashon Goldson (38) break up a pass in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in ... more

The Atlanta Falcons look at the playbook during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta.

The Atlanta Falcons look at the playbook during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta.

Photo: Mark Humphrey, Associated Press

The Atlanta Falcons look at the playbook during the first half of... Photo-4059811.55425 - SFGate

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Atlanta Falcons' Corey Peters (91) sacks San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick (7) during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. Trying to hold up Kaepernick is 49ers' Mike Iupati. less

Atlanta Falcons' Corey Peters (91) sacks San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick (7) during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. Trying to hold up Kaepernick ... more

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday ... more

San Francisco 49ers Cornerback Tarell Brown (25) attempts to stop Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

San Francisco 49ers Cornerback Tarell Brown (25) attempts to stop Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC ... more

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) hands off the ball int he first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) hands off the ball int he first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on ... more

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs past San Francisco 49ers Safety Dashon Goldson (38) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs past San Francisco 49ers Safety Dashon Goldson (38) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship ... more

Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) breaks through an attempted tackle by Defensive tackle Justin Smith (94) and Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) breaks through an attempted tackle by Defensive tackle Justin Smith (94) and Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers ... more

Wide receiver Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass as he is hit by free safety Dashon Goldson #38 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. less

Wide receiver Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass as he is hit by free safety Dashon Goldson #38 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia ... more

Outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon #56 of the Atlanta Falcons is introduced before the Falcons take on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. less

Outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon #56 of the Atlanta Falcons is introduced before the Falcons take on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, ... more

San Francisco 49ers Offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) and Offensive guard Mike Iupati (77) before the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

San Francisco 49ers Offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) and Offensive guard Mike Iupati (77) before the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in ... more

Wide receiver Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a 46-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. less

Wide receiver Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a 46-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in ... more

Wide receiver Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass in front of free safety Dashon Goldson #38 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. less

Wide receiver Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass in front of free safety Dashon Goldson #38 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on ... more

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) laughs with coach Jim Harbaugh before the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013. less

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) laughs with coach Jim Harbaugh before the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, ... more