"Vernon Davis gave new meaning to the words "rally cry."

The 49ers tight end delivered such a fiery pregame speech that his emotions got the best of him and tears rolled down his cheeks. Davis wasn't the only one weeping. "There were a few guys with tears in their eyes,'' coach Mike Singletary said.

Davis said he was just trying to fire up his teammates before a pivotal Monday night game on the national stage. His unscripted oration came just before the national anthem.

"It just comes from the heart,'' Davis said. "You have to feel it. You have to feel it deep down inside."

Davis said he felt the need to speak because he knew the 49ers' season was on the line. At 3-7 heading into the game, another defeat would have doomed them, even in the NFC West. "I've never been to the playoffs, never been to the Super Bowl,'' said Davis, now in his fifth season. "I want it bad."

Whatever he said worked. After being shut out a week earlier, the 49ers dominated the action from the start en route to a 27-6 victory.

Running back Brian Westbrook said he appreciated Davis' impassioned plea."