OPINION

By Dennis Dillon

updated 11:52 p.m. ET Oct. 27, 2009

Welcome to Cincinnati, the NFL's Island of Misfit Toys. There isn't a Charlie-in-the-Box, a toy bird who swims instead of flies or a train with square wheels here. What you will find are a bunch of castoff football players.

Every NFL roster has them -- players who weren't wanted or needed by their former teams -- but the Cincinnati Bengals have more than most, including nine who are starters.

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer started the Nobody-Wanted-Us refrain during training camp to inspire his players. But that could be a rallying cry for the entire team.

"It's true, because there's a lot of guys on this team that other teams gave up on and put on the street," said center Kyle Cook, a dues-paying member of the castoffs. "They weren't right for their system or their team. Obviously, guys have gotten opportunities here and made the best out of them."

Obviously. The Bengals are 5-2, already have beaten each of their AFC North rivals and are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for first place in the division.

They're looking like a team that not only can finish with a winning record for only the second time since 1990 but also could go deep into the playoffs.

You know about the high-profile guys, such as quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. So let's introduce the nine castoffs who start for the Bengals.

RB Cedric Benson
Then: Drafted fourth overall by the Bears in 2005. Released in June 2008 and spent nearly four months without a team until he signed with the Bengals on Sept. 30 of last season.

Now: After a career-best performance against his old team on Sunday, he leads the NFL in rushing (720 yards) and has scored five touchdowns.

Coach Marvin Lewis says: "When we're working on the kicking game (in practice), he doesn't take a knee on the sideline or sit on the water cooler. He's over with the quarterbacks, working on some aspect of the offense."

WR Laveranues Coles

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Then: Played seven seasons with the New York Jets, sandwiched around two years with the Redskins, before becoming a free agent in the offseason and signing with Cincinnati.

Now: The starter opposite Ochocinco, Coles has 16 receptions for 155 yards and three touchdowns.

Lewis says: "Professional, in every aspect. 'Coach me up so I can be a hundred percent correct. Tell me where you want me to be, and I'll be there.' "

SS Roy Williams
Then: After five Pro Bowl seasons in seven years with Dallas, the Cowboys allowed him to become a free agent after 2008.

Now: A forearm injury has forced him to miss playing time recently, but Williams has 30 tackles and broken up three passes.

Lewis says: "He's added a degree of confidence, swagger, physicality to the defense."

LB Dhani Jones
Then: After playing for the New york Giants (four seasons) and the Philadelphia Eagles (three), he was released by both the Eagles and New Orleans Saints in 2007 and was back in San Diego surfing before the Bengals signed him.

Now: Leads the team in tackles (46) and has one sack.

Lewis says: "He's an extension of the coaches on the field, getting us in the right looks, making any adjustments we want game plan-wise. And he's very productive."

DT Tank Johnson
Then: The Bears gave up on him after three seasons, and the Cowboys released him after the 2008 season.

Now: Provides a physical, run-stopping presence for the Bengals and also can pressure the quarterback.

Lewis says: "He has helped raise the aptitude on the defensive line. He has helped (tackles) Domata Peko and Pat Sims become better players."

FS Chris Crocker

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Then: Played three years for Cleveland, two for Atlanta and part of last season for Miami. The Dolphins released him midway through the '08 season, and he signed with the Bengals the following week.

Now: Has intercepted a pass in each of the past two games.

Lewis says: "He's made plays whether it's been coverage, blitzing, tackling. And he's helped mentor our two young corners (Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph) to become better pros."

C Kyle Cook
Then: Signed as a rookie free agent by Minnesota in '07, played in four preseason games and was released. Spent the '07 season on the Bengals' practice squad and played on special teams last year before sustaining a season-ending toe injury.

Now: Looks like the answer to the long-running question of who would replace Rich Braham.

Lewis says: "He's just a tenacious player. He's been the steadying factor (on the line) as far as the communications and understanding the (defensive) looks.

RT Dennis Roland
Then: A former rookie free agent who was waived by Dallas and Tampa Bay (multiple times). Signed to the Bengals' practice squad last season, then added to the roster in November.

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Now: A huge bookend (6-9, 325), Roland was a reserve for the first five games before becoming a starter.

Lewis says: "Extremely smart. His father was a football coach. He's just been learning and getting better every week.

LG Evan Mathis
Then: A third-round pick of the Panthers in '05, he played three years in Carolina and seven games with the Dolphins last year.

Now: Became a starter in the opening game after Nate Livings was injured.

Lewis says: "He calls me this offseason and tells me he could be a 12-sack-a-year defensive end. I said, ŒEvan, we really think you're going to compete for one of our interior line spots.' It's hard to tell a guy, ŒI don't think you can be a Jared Allen.' "

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