QB Kaepernick presents challenge for Falcons

Published Jan. 17, 2013 3:11 p.m. ET

foxsports

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Michael Turner's trademark high-pitched laugh filled the Falcons' locker room.

Asked about San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Turner said "I'm glad I'm not on defense."

Turner, the big running back, and the Falcons' offense want to hold the ball and limit Kaepernick's time on the field in Sunday's NFC championship game.

The Falcons have seen enough in Kaepernick's eight starts to respect the versatile quarterback with the long stride and strong right arm.

Kaepernick comes to Atlanta after running for 181 yards -- an NFL record for a quarterback -- with two touchdowns in last week's win over Green Bay.

The Falcons have faced dual-threat quarterbacks Robert Griffin III, Cam Newton and Russell Wilson. Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon says Kaepernick "is just a different guy altogether."