Jim Harbaugh praises "Houdini-like" Colin Kaepernick

San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh has stated that Colin Kaepernick performed like a magician to help the side beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Kaepernick contributed 14 first downs during the 49ers' 33-14 victory, their fourth on the bounce as they continue to fight for a post-season spot.

The quarterback has come in for criticism this season, having failed to replicate the form which helped the team reach to the Super Bowl last year.

However, Harbaugh said of his most recent display: "The way he made some of them big plays; getting out of the pocket, scrambling, buying time, extending plays, even the four-yard gain to Bruce Miller that picked up a first down. All excellent.

"The touchdown to Michael Crabtree, where he extended the play, pump fake, pump fake. And then the throws he made running to his right. There were 30-yard lasers on the run. I just haven't seen anybody ever do that.

"I don't think Harry Houdini was in tighter jams than what Colin was on Sunday in some of those situations."

San Francisco's winning run has propelled them into pole position to take one of the two NFC wildcard spots which are still up for grabs.