DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — Chris Crocker's career is about to come full circle. He spent three years with the Cleveland Browns (2003-05) as a third-round draft pick. Now he faces them Sunday, Dec. 21, in the "Dawg Pound" — Cleveland Browns Stadium.

How badly does the Cincinnati Bengals' free safety want to pound the Dawgs? Very.

"The biggest revenge or get-back is beating your old squad," Crocker said. "But for us, it's more about, 'Let's just try to win these last two games.' It's my first time playing in Cleveland since I left. I'm very excited. It's going to be an eerie feeling, but I'm going to have a lot of fun."

Drafted during former Browns head coach Butch Davis' regime, Crocker spent a year under current head coach Romeo Crennel before General Manager Phil Savage traded him to Atlanta in 2006.

"I thought I played very well, but (Savage) just wanted to trade me," Crocker said. "They had young guys in Brodney Pool and Sean Jones. I guess it was their time to play. That's OK, because things have circled around."

After two years in Atlanta (2006-07), Crocker signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins, who released him Oct. 21 after six games. Nine days later, he joined the Bengals, who were desperate for safety help because of season-ending injuries to Dexter Jackson and Marvin White.

"Chris was jettisoned out of there (Miami)," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. "He felt very bad about it and wanted an opportunity where he'd have a chance to play. What he's done — his production, his leadership — has been just great."

Crocker has generated 39 tackles (30 solos) with 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, an interception and forced fumble in six games with four starts.

"I just run to the ball and try to bring a lot of energy to the defense, cover when I get an opportunity and make the plays that come to me," Crocker said. "That's the biggest thing. I don't want any missed opportunities to make plays I'm supposed to make."