"Though dropped balls remain an issue, it's the passes Vernon Davis has caught in the end zone that make his fourth year with the 49ers his most satisfying. If only he could lose those frying pan hands.

As the centerpiece in coordinator Jimmy Raye's tight end-friendly offense, Davis is tied for the league lead in touchdown receptions with 11. Two more in the season's final two games and Davis would tie the NFL record for most touchdown catches in a single season by a tight end. San Diego's Antonio Gates had 13 in 2004 and four others had single seasons with 12.

"I didn't expect to have as many touchdowns," Davis said as he prepared for Sunday's game against Detroit at Candlestick Park. "I did expect to do well. It'd be an awesome goal to end the season with."

An NFL record would be the perfect capstone for the most productive season in Davis' four years in the league. He has already established franchise records for most touchdown catches in a season and most receiving yards by a tight end. Davis has 69 catches for 858 yards.

The only team record for tight ends that Davis has not broken this season is Eric Johnson's 2004 mark for most receptions with 82. Productive games against the league's 32nd- and 29th-ranked defenses (Detroit and St. Louis, respectively) could give Davis that distinction as well.

His excellent season got even better for Davis after practice Thursday when he was named 2009 winner of the Len Eshmont Award, the team's most prized annual honor. Named for an original 49er, the Eshmont goes to the player judged most inspirational and courageous."