Crocker responded with 10 tackles, a forced fumble and solid work in coverage. He played, in the words of coach Marvin Lewis, "as well as any safety I can remember playing since I've been here."

Which is a sign of Crocker's talent and a sign of how low the bar was set.

Crocker started only because of injuries to Chinedum Ndukwe, Marvin White and Dexter Jackson. Ndukwe should return today against the Cleveland Browns and play alongside Crocker, giving the Bengals two safeties who have shown a knack for making big plays, at a position where the Bengals could use some big plays.

"It hasn't been a strong point, to be honest with you," defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle said. "We've had some good players here who have been productive on and off -- (Kevin) Kaesviharn, Madieu Williams, those guys -- but it hasn't been a position where we've had a guy who was a real game-changing, impact guy. I'm not putting Chris in that category yet, but he's been very productive. We've been very pleased with how much he's done for us."

Ndukwe also has been productive when he has been healthy. The main difference between them, Coyle said, is that Ndukwe and the team's other young safeties generally do not process information as quickly as the veteran Crocker.

"There's a tendency to be sure of what you're doing and get it all down before you go cut loose," Coyle said. "Crocker just goes."

Combined, Crocker and Ndukwe have 99 tackles in 13 starts, which would rank second on the team; 3 1/2 sacks and two interceptions, each of which would lead the team; eight passes broken up, one forced fumble and one fumble returned for a touchdown.

Crocker, who is on his fourth team in his sixth NFL season, said he has more freedom in this defense than any of his previous stops. He has been used in coverage, near the line of scrimmage in run support, and as a blitzer.

"It shows a lot of confidence in me," he said. "I appreciate (defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer). If not for him, I might not be here."

Crocker is eligible for free agency after the season, and it seems likely the Bengals will pursue a new contract.

Like linebacker Dhani Jones a year ago, Crocker has come off the street to show he can at least provide depth at a position where the Bengals need it, and at best he is an upgrade in every phase. In addition to some memorable hits, he has held his own in coverage, an area where the team's other safeties have struggled.

If the Crocker-Ndukwe pairing fares well in the final two weeks, it could settle the position heading into next season. If nothing else, Coyle said, the team's young safeties have benefited from watching Crocker study and play over the past month.

"He's very competitive, and other players respond to that," Coyle said. "We're sure glad we got him."

spriestle@dispatch.com