FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Tom Brady was in a similar position 11 years ago to the spot Colin Kaepernick is in now. Both were second-year quarterbacks replacing successful veterans.

On Sunday night, Brady leads the New England Patriots against Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers in a matchup of division leaders. The Patriots (10-3) have clinched the AFC East title, while the 49ers (9-3-1) can lock up the NFC West if they win and the Seattle Seahawks lose.

Brady said Wednesday he didn't feel awkward when he replaced Drew Bledsoe after the latter suffered bleeding in his chest following a Week 2 hit in 2001. Bledsoe never regained his starting job.

Kaepernick has started all four games for the 49ers since Alex Smith suffered a concussion.

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